Esoteric P-03 SACD/CD Transport & D-03 D/A Converter (DAC)

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General:
The latest VRDS mechanism for Super Audio CD
(Specially developed ball bearings for the optimum VRDS mechanism.)
The VRDS mechanism securely clamps the disc to the turntable whose diameter is exactly the same as that of the disc. This system completely eliminates vibration inherent to removable media and unwanted vibrations generated by the mechanical systems.

Also, this mechanism clamps the disc at a slight inclination so as to compensate for warping or deformation improving the accuracy of the optical axes of both the laser pickup and the pit surface of the disc. This is effective in reducing errors in reading the disc data as well as in preventing timing errors from erratic data acquisition timing.

To achieve the high-speed rotation with superior stability that is required of a Super Audio CD player, the P-03 is equipped with a duralumin turntable. A specially developed processing technology was used to enable high-precision forming of this lightweight material normally used in building aircraft.

In a joint development project with NSK Ltd., we developed proprietary, highly precise ball bearings for the VRDS mechanism. Rolling elements made from precisely machined ceramic balls provide ultra smooth rotation. The application of a pre-load to the ball bearing pair ensures a high rigidity and precise rotation not present in conventional bearings but necessary for handling the wide rotational range from normal CD to Super Audio CD playback.

A massive 20mm-thick, SS400 steel bridge supports the mechanism to control vibrations produced by turntable rotation.

A pickup designed to prevent tilting of the laser optical axis and speed feedback-controlled sled transport
The pickup of the P-03 has a highly rigid sliding-shaft structure that prevents the lens from tilting and the laser optical axis is kept precisely aligned with the media’s bit track. The sled moving mechanism uses a proprietary Hall element sensing-type, three-phase brushless motor while powerful electronic speed feedback circuits control this sled mechanism for quick access, thereby ensuring smooth, continuous movement with superior response.

Upward conversion on CD playback
The upward conversion feature can output a maximum fs 176.4 kHz when playing back CDs. A high-precision crystal oscillator precise to ±3ppm (temperature characteristics included) minimizes jitter. During Super Audio CD playback, the DSD signal (1-bit, 64 fs) is output directly without further processing. A mode for converting the CD PCM signal to DSD has also been added. This gives the P-03 accurate control over signal differences for optimal expression of tonal texture required by each signal type. It is thus possible to select the audio format (PCM or DSD) that best suits the music genre played back or the amplifier and speaker combinations used to provide a musical experience that only Esoteric is capable of.

ES-LINK, an Esoteric-exclusive format for Super Audio CD digital output
Super Audio CD output is output in the Esoteric-exclusive ES-LINK format from the XLR jacks or the i.LINK (AUDIO) jacks.

When a Super Audio CD is played back and XLR DUAL is selected, the output is automatically output in the ES-LINK format. Currently, only the D-03 and D-01 Esoteric D/A converters support ES-LINK.

Conclusion
TEAC has reestablished the Esoteric brand with a vengeance, and the latest Esoteric digital separates, the P-03 and D-03, only shove the throttle forward. It's impossible to see or read about the P-03 and D-03 and not be curious. They are big, gleaming pieces of audio treasure that are packed with well-considered design and user features, including industrial-strength upsampling, PCM-to-DSD and DSD-to-PCM conversion, a low-jitter connection scheme, and the ability to synchronize to a single word clock.

But the P-03 and D-03 do not simply blind with science. Look past their technology and what you're left with is playback that conveys the distinctiveness of each CD or SACD in a composed, confident way. The sound of the P-03 and D-03 belies that of digital's past, and clearly betters much of its present.

Esoteric has released a string of impressive digital players and separates since 2002, but, to my ears, none is as significant as the P-03 and D-03. They are arguably the most technologically advanced and best-sounding Esoteric products yet, which should elevate them to the top of any well-heeled audiophile's short list.
...Marc Mickelson
marc@soundstage.com

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Transport 7/10 - Light scuffs and scratches on top cover, one light mark on the left side rounded trim piece.

DAC 6/10 - Top cover is scratched, faceplate shows light scratching on top edges, one significant deep scratch on left side panel.

Remote - Scratch near Play/Pause buttons

Ownership:
Unknown

Connections - SACD/CD Transport:
Digital Audio Output
i.LINK (AUDIO) output x 2
XLR output x 2
(Use 2 terminals for ES-LINK or Dual AES output)
RCA coaxial output x 1

Word Clock
Jack - BNC x 1
Input level - TTL level/75Ω

The main unit can accept and synchronize to the following frequencies received from external devices: 44.1kHz, 88.2kHz, 100kHz, 176.4kHz (rectangular wave)
Input frequency range - ±15ppm

Connections - D/A Converter (DAC):
Digital Input Terminals
Input format - DSD, linear PCM (32kHz-192kHz, 16-24bit)

i.LINK (AUDIO) terminal (6pin) x2
XLR x 2, Input level: more than 5.0Vp-p/110
(Use 2 terminals for ES-LINK or Dual AES output)
RCA x2, Input level: more than 0.5Vp-p/75
OPTICAL x1, Input level: –24.0 to –14.5dBm peak

Word Clock Frequency (input/output)
Jack - BNC x 1
Input or output level - TTL level/75Ω

World Clock Frequency - 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192, 100 (kHz)
Output precision - ±0.5ppm (in mint condition)
Input frequency range - ±5ppm

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Overall Cosmetic Condition (See breakout above)
6/10 = Fair. Three to four minor scratches, or one major scratch. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested on our bench with CD and SACD. XLR and RCA and all digital outputs/inputs working as they should.

Included:
Units, remote, and power cords.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$27,000.00

Specs:
Please see the linked manuals below for full specifications.

Weight:
150 lbs.

Link to Manuals
P-03 SACD/CD Transport

D-03 D/A Converter (DAC)

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Digital AES/EBU (XLR Connector) Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Good

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for DACs:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating.

After the visual inspection we connect the DAC’s RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We are equipped to test optical, coaxial, and USB inputs at Redbook CD Quality. We start with a test signal to verify signal lock and proper output on both channels. If the DAC has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If the DAC has multiple Optical and Coaxial inputs they are all checked for proper lock. USB inputs are tested with a Macbook Pro.

After proper function is verified, we set the DAC up for a listening test to evaluate general audio reproduction quality and monitor for clicks, pops, or any other audible signs of issues related to dropped signal lock or failing audio output stages. We often connect DACs under evaluation to our long term test rig for a long test stint to verify stability under real world operating conditions.

The SkyFi Testing Process for CD Players:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. When the unit is first powered on we check the drawer mechanism function.

After the visual inspection we connect the CD Player’s RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We start with a test CD with precision test signals to verify proper output on both channels. If the CD player has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time.

If this check passes, we move onto evaluation with actual music CDs. We listen for clicks, skips, and drops during playback. At this time we also check the transport functions including skip, ff, rw, play, pause, repeat, and programming if applicable. If the unit has a remote control, all remote control functions are verified. If the CD player is capable of SACD playback we test its ability to read SACD layers on multiple discs including standard and hybrid SACDs. At this time we also check the unit’s digital outputs were applicable. If SACD layers are being properly read we should see the digital outputs mute during playback. On redbook CD playback we verify that each digital output maintains proper lock on our bench DAC.

After bench testing is completed, CD players are set up for testing on our long term test rig. During extended testing we make sure that unit can play through several different discs from beginning to end with no skips or lock ups.