At the core of any premium audio system lies the preamplifier, which establishes the foundation for exceptional sound quality. Drawing on the extensive expertise and technological advancements acquired during the creation of the flagship Grandioso series, the Esoteric C-03XS upholds the esteemed legacy of providing listeners with remarkable power and emotional depth, expanding the limits of musical experience.
The power supply of the Esoteric C-03XS features a fully independent dual-mono configuration, effectively eliminating crosstalk between channels. Equipped with three power transformers that offer substantial power reserves for each channel, this design minimizes power supply interference, ensuring the sound remains pure and natural. The meticulous arrangement of the power supply circuit boards, inspired by the Grandioso series technologies, further enhances the outstanding sound quality of the Esoteric C-03XS.
The input signal first goes to a special buffer amplifier, and then the balanced circuit of each of the stages begins. By eliminating common mode interference and lowering the impedance of the circuits, a clean and interference-free signal is sent to the amplification circuits along the shortest path, ensuring an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio. The quad volume control (QVCS – Quad Volume Control System) for the Esoteric C-03XS uses four precision resistor arrays, synchronously switched when turning the volume knob.
This ensures complete independence of the left and right channels and their inverted paths, as well as the shortest signal paths. The control section of the Esoteric C-03XS, built into the front panel, is completely isolated, both physically and galvanically, from the main preamplifier module using an optocoupler. To avoid interfering with the audio circuits, this section is switched off when not needed.
The power supply unit contains three independent power transformers, as well as large-capacity, low-impedance capacitors. The high-speed rectifier circuit improves resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, also contributing to improved sound quality. The proprietary ESOTERIC-HCLD (High Current-capacity Line Driver) output buffer circuits feature a high current-load capacity and an incredible slew rate of 2,000 V/μs. Next to the output buffer is a bank of EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor) supercapacitors, originally developed for the top-of-the-line Grandioso C1 model. Despite its compact size, it has an extraordinary capacity of 100,000 μF for each channel and provides high instantaneous power for stable bass reproduction.
The elegant volume control knob and input selector are machined from solid aluminum billets. Like the Grandioso C1, they use VRDS disc drive mechanics with bearings for precise and smooth rotation. The torque has been fine-tuned to give the owner the luxury of analog control when working with this high-end preamplifier. The Esoteric C-03XS preamplifier is built on the chassis of the C-02X, which is much larger and more massive than has been used for the 03 series so far.
This is an optimized 2-layer chassis with five compartments, isolated by 2 mm steel sheets, which dramatically reduces vibration and mutual interference. The lower layer of the chassis is made of 5 mm steel, and the front panel is made of thick aluminum. Four proprietary ESOTERIC point supports ensure the stability of the cabinet and the absence of resonance.
Features of the Esoteric C-03XS
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Five preset volume curves for selecting a comfortable listening mode
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Individual gain control per input (±18 dB, 0.5 dB steps)
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Channel balance control (±6 dB, 0.5 dB steps)
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Phase inversion available for each input source
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Aluminum remote control compatible with Esoteric SACD players
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Customizable source names via remote control
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RCA-2 connectors for AV system pass-through integration
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Automatic display off or adjustable brightness function
Specifications of the Esoteric C-03XS
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Analog Inputs:
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3 x RCA pairs (RCA 2 supports AV pre-input)
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2 x XLR pairs
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Max Input Signal Level: 12 V
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Analog Outputs:
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2 x RCA pairs
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2 x XLR pairs
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Output Impedance:
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RCA: 47 Ω
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XLR: 100 Ω
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THD:
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0.0006% (RCA)
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0.0004% (XLR)
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Frequency Response:
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1 Hz – 200 kHz (-3 dB)
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3 Hz – 50 kHz (-0.2 dB)
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 116 dB (2 V input, A-weighted)
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Gain: +12 dB
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Nominal Output: 2 V
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Max Output Level:
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7.5 V (RCA, 1 kHz, 0.003%)
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15 V (XLR, 1 kHz, 0.003%)
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Power Supply Options:
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AC 230 V 50 Hz
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AC 120 V 60 Hz
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AC 220 V 60 Hz
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Power Consumption: 19 W
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Dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 162 x 457 mm
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Weight: 28 kg
