{"product_id":"esoteric-grandioso-c1x-solo-forforstaerker","title":"ESOTERIC GRANDIOSO C1X Solo Forforstærker","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe C1X is the ﬂagship model of Esoteric’s preampliﬁers. It bears the proud Esoteric trademark “Grandioso”. The Grandioso C1X is a reference standard for the next generation, featuring a carefully designed dual balanced circuit, a complete dual mono conﬁguration, a powerful buffer ampliﬁer and power supply circuit to drive the power ampliﬁers, and ES-Link Analog current transmission that challenges the limits of ﬁdelity. It is a flagship preamplifier that incorporates all of Esoteric’s wisdom and numerous technological innovations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConcept\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two main methods of volume control system employed in preampliﬁers. The “stepped attenuator circuit,” which switches multiple fixed resistors to adjust the volume, is an ideal method for a preampliﬁer that pursues sound quality because of high reliability at the contact points and bringing out pure and direct sound quality. However, since the volume is defined by switching resistors, the circuit scale becomes too large for smooth volume adjustment. In contrast, another method, “variable resistor (potentiometer)” allows smooth, step-less volume adjustment. However, the signal path is longer, and the potential of deterioration of crosstalk between the left and right channels and deterioration of contact points exists due to aging. The newly developed “Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System” is the fruit of our pursuit of an ideal attenuator circuit that realizes smooth, step-less volume control of the “variable resistor”, while maintaining the excellent sound quality of the “stepped attenuator circuit”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAttenuator module “UFA-1792”\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System is the UFA-1792, our proprietary module that integrates a stepped resistor attenuator into an integrated circuit. The internal resistors can be switched in 0.1dB\/1,120 steps, which means that the volume can be adjusted in astonishingly ﬁne, nearly inﬁnite steps, compared to a typical attenuator module which offers about 0.5dB\/100 steps. In addition, as an original module, everything from materials, layout and internal circuit patterns has been uncompromisingly scrutinized to achieve the resolution and tone quality beﬁtting a top-of-the-line preampliﬁer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAmplifier module “IDM-01”\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the preampliﬁer’s amplification circuit is our proprietary module “Integrated Discrete-Ampliﬁer Module IDM-01”. Carefully selected materials, circuit patterns, and layout, thoroughly implement the Esoteric’s sound philosophy, just like a discrete ampliﬁer, and the extremely short signal path which is the beauty of integrated circuits, allows dynamic and delicate ampliﬁcation of musical vibrancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual balanced circuits with 4 circuits per channel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on two original new module technologies (UFA-1792, IDM-01), a lot of materials suitable for a ﬂagship model are employed. The Grandioso C1X solo is conﬁgured with a dual balanced preampliﬁer circuit that employs four Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System per channel. All input signals are balanced and internally transmitted with low impedance to minimize noise effects, while the dual balanced conﬁguration employing the best module technology is completely free from channel crosstalk and level balance issues; powerful, and above all, ﬁrmly transmits the vibrancy of music to the power ampliﬁer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParallel-drive Esoteric-HCLD for driving amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany audiophiles have experienced the speakers started to “sing” immediately after changing the preamplifier. Audibly, the preampliﬁer has a great inﬂuence on the drive power of the speakers, and a good preampliﬁer will drive and control the speakers to the maximum level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grandioso C1X solo maximizes the driving of the power ampliﬁers by applying the largest possible amount of material to the output buffer ampliﬁers. The output buffer ampliﬁer employs the Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver), which is renowned for its excellent drive capability and 180MHz wide range, and boasts an astonishingly high-speed slew rate of 2,000V\/μs. This powerful buffer ampliﬁer is installed in a parallel conﬁguration for a single signal line, while the output buffer ampliﬁer has an independent power supply section, – with two dedicated large toroidal power transformers in independent left and right conﬁgurations. The C1X solo’s output buffer ampliﬁer, which boasts the powerful current output capability beﬁtting a ﬂagship, fully powers the ampliﬁer and the speakers, conveying to the audience an unprecedented level of vibrancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePowerful power supply section\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe believe that 70% of the sound quality of a preampliﬁer is determined by the design of the power supply section. The C1X solo consists of a total of ﬁve main components: left and right input\/output ampliﬁers and a control section. All ﬁve of these are powerfully driven by five independent power transformers for each section (audio system: toroidal core, control system: R core).\u003cbr\u003eBy separating the power supply components for each section and investing far more amount of materials than intrinsically required, mutual interference between circuit blocks is fundamentally eliminated, resulting in extremely pure and dynamic sound quality. In addition, carefully selected parts appropriate for a ﬂagship model, such as the high-capacitance Grandioso custom block capacitors and Schottky barrier diodes, are employed in pursuit of high sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eES-Link Analog\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the flagship Grandioso amplifier models, Esoteric is breaking new ground by pushing the limits of fidelity in pre-preamp-to-amplifier signal transmission. Esoteric’s unique current transmission system “ES-Link Analog” is the ideal method for preamp to amplifier transmission where the signal level is extremely low. Compared to the conventional voltage transmission, it transmits approximately 100 times more current, making it less susceptible to noise and sending the full energy of the music to the amplifier.\u003cbr\u003eAlso, it is not affected by the impedance of the interconnects running between the preamp and amplifier, so it maintains a perfect integrity between the output signal of the preamp and the input signal to the amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eES-Link Analog – Esoteric’s unique current transmission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eES-Link Analog is Esoteric’s proprietary current transmission method. By connecting devices that support this method, it is possible to reproduce the sound as if it were being played directly from an analog console in a recording studio. The sonic signature of ES-Link Analog is powerful, live and dimensional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn conventional voltage transmission, the output impedance of the source device is low, and the input impedance of the target device is high. In other words, the current required for signal transmission tends to be kept low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, due to the resistance component (impedance) of the transmission path (interconnect cable), the voltage of the transmitted signal is attenuated by the level calculated by Ohm's law (voltage = current × resistance) when delivered to the target device. Therefore, a longer the cable causes increased resistance which has significant affects on that signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast, in current transmission, the output impedance of the source device is high and the input impedance of the input device is low, resulting in a “High out, Low in” circuit, and the current level is maintained higher during signal transmission than in voltage transmission, allowing a powerful audio signal delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, in current transmission, the current level output from the source device always matches the one on the target device. Imagine using a hose to send water from a faucet to a bucket. As long as there are no holes in the hose, the same amount of water from the faucet will always flow to the bucket, regardless of the length of the hose.\u003cbr\u003eSimilarly, if the cable that serves as the transmission path is not divided into multiple paths, all current from the source device will be delivered to the target device, and the current values flowing will always be the same, even if the transmission path is longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis advantage of accurate transmission of even the smallest signals is evident from the fact that current transmission is widely used in measuring instruments that measure precise signals.\u003cbr\u003eConventional voltage transmission impedance of the Esoteric products is designed several tens of ohms on out-going circuits and around 100k ohms on in-coming circuits. In contrast, the ES-Link Analog out-going\/in-coming circuits are designed approximately 1kΩ on the out-going circuit, and 0Ω on the in-coming circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf we focus on the current value that flows when transmitting audio signals, the current level of ES-Link Analog transmission when transmitting audio signals at the same level as normal voltage transmission is approximately 100 times higher than the current level flowing in voltage transmission. Consequently, the high current level allows for the full energy of the music to be delivered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInput amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe input amplifier section, as well as the output amplifier section, is configured with complete dual mono\/dual balanced circuits with independent left and right power transformers and rectifier circuits. Input signals are transmitted without loss by using Esoteric-HCLD buffer amplifiers for signal transfer from the input amplifier to the output amplifier. For the input switching, a switch with an FET element is employed instead of the conventional mechanical relay system. The FET element allows 12A instantaneous current and 3A constant current,and minimizes current loss.\u003cbr\u003eThe conventional mechanical relays add sonic coloration by using rare earth materials at their contact points, emit operation noises, and wear over time – the FET elements are totally free from these negative factors, sound neutral and are reliable all the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUltra-low noise logic control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe logic control section, which controls operation and display, is shielded and housed in the front panel, isolated from the audio circuits. A photo-coupler that converts the control signal to optical signal for transmission is employed for connection to the preamplifier section to ensure physical and electrical isolation.\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, by completely shutting down the control circuitry except during operation, low-noise operation is achieved without affecting the audio circuitry. We improved operability by having the built-in program automatically lower the volume level to zero when the preamplifier is turned off, and automatically restore the level when the power is turned back on. We also aimed for a high-end operability that is full of elegance and a pleasure to use, such as fading out\/fading in the music signal when switching inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChassis construction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo achieve the unique design goal of “reproducing the master sound,” the C1X solo chassis optimally controls all vibrations that can affect sound quality. The sleek and clean form of this sports car-like mechanical engineering, to pushes the limits of its balance between rigidity and flexibility, and speaks to its high degree of perfection.\u003cbr\u003eFor example, the enclosure, which requires rigidity, makes extensive use of aluminum blocks and is thoroughly non-resonant, while the top panel, which needs to be free of vibration for an open sound, has a semi-ﬂoating structure. Esoteric’s unique patented isolation foot, which integrates a spike and a saucer, also has a special mounting structure that reduces mechanical stress and enhances sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh-quality feeling that satisfies the pleasure of operation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume control and input selector employ solid construction knobs machined from an aluminum block. By adopting a bearing mechanism developed in the design of VRDS drive mechanisms for the rotary axis, extremely precise rotation without core shake is achieved. By adjusting the rotational torque to the optimum level, a smooth, analog-feeling operation is achieved, befitting Esoteric’s flagship preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDouble-face remote control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compact and simple remote control is included that can also operate Esoteric digital source devices. The functional design features buttons used for each operation scenario on both sides of the remote control, and the smartphone-sized aluminum body, which fits comfortably in the hand, is achieved through advanced metal processing. Esoteric’s new approach is a design that allows you to experience thoughtful operability and craftsmanship every time you pick it up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eDimensions and Weight\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eProduct height:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e13.2cm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eProduct width:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e44.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eProduct length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e44.9cm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eProduct weight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e27.5kg\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eAudio Inputs\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eRCA:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eInput level \u0026amp; impedance RCA:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e500mV (at rated output), 500kΩ\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eXLR:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eInput level \u0026amp; impedance XLR:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e500mV (at rated output), 50kΩ. Max input 11.7V\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eAmplification\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eChannels:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003e12 volt trigger:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003eIn \u0026amp; Out\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eAudio Outputs\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eXLR:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eOutput level \u0026amp; impedance XLR:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e2V, 30Ω. Max output 17V (1kHz, 0.003%)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eES-link analog:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eOutput level \u0026amp; impedance ESL-A:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e30Ω\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eEnergy Management\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003ePower consumption:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003e0.3-22W\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"headline row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-12\"\u003eControl Methods\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"attrib\"\u003eControls:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"content\"\u003eRS-232\u003cbr\u003eRemote Control\u003cbr\u003eOn Device\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Esoteric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56637889347915,"sku":null,"price":224995.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/7991\/2779\/files\/252130-1200Wx1200H.jpg?v=1772122996","url":"https:\/\/sallingboeaudio.com\/products\/esoteric-grandioso-c1x-solo-forforstaerker","provider":"Sallingboe Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}