Esoteric P-01 - Manual (Page 4)

4
Features
Newest Generation VRDS mechanism for SACD (employing a
magnesium turntable and SS400 bridge)
The VRDS mechanism securely clamps the disc to the turntable,
the diameter of which 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 discs at a slight
inclination so as to compensate for warping or deformation
improving the accuracy of the optical axes of both the laser pick-
up and the pit surface of the disc. This is effective in reducing the
errors in reading the disc data as well as in preventing timing
errors from erratic data acquisition timing.
The P-01 utilizes a magnesium turntable. Magnesium, with a
specific gravity two-thirds that of aluminum, is lightweight and
has excellent vibration absorption properties that help achieve
high-speed rotation with extraordinary stability which are
required by an SACD player. What’s more, a pair of highly precise
ball bearings is used in the spindle shaft bearing unit and 20-mm
thick SS400 steel is used for the support bridge that is directly
joined to a 10-mm thick iron frame structure.
Coreless motor using neodymium magnets
ESOTERIC has developed a new, long-life three-phase brushless
spindle motor for high-speed rotation of the large diameter
turntable. In cooperation with the turntable firmly held in place
with high-precision ball bearings, this motor minimizes rotation
irregularities and vibrations.
Completed through scientific validations including magnetic field
analysis, the optimized magnetic circuit reduces fluctuations in
the motor drive current, thereby lessening any effects on audio
circuits.
Pickup structure designed to prevent tilting of the laser
optical axis and speed feedback-controlled sled transport
The pickup used in the P-01 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. In the sled
moving mechanism a proprietary Hall element sensing-type three-
phase brushless motor is used and powerful electronic speed
feedback circuits control this sled mechanism for quick access,
thereby ensuring smooth, continuous lens movement with
superior response.
Highly rigid chassis to completely eliminate internal and
external vibrations that might deteriorate sound quality
The chassis that supports the mechanisms includes steel bottom
frame of 10-mm thickness and 4.52-kg (10 lbs) of weight. Thick
aluminum is used on the top, side, bottom and front panels. The
entire chassis is supported by Esoteric-exclusive pinpoint feet
(patent pending) made of case-hardened tool steel.
Total attention is given to precision in mounting mechanical
parts, the rigidity of the housing, and eliminating sympathetic
vibration. The front and side panels constructed of thick brushed
aluminum, and the rounded four corners, also of aluminum,
create a feeling of dignity and gravitas, befitting of a superior
SACD/CD drive unit.
Power supply section completely separated from main body
To exploit the transport potential to the full, the power supply
unit is separated from the P-01 itself. The - power supply unit is
equipped with three transformers: one for driving the
mechanisms and motors, one for handling control signals so that
the pick-up reads disc data with superior accuracy, and one for
handling digital signals in the clock circuit and other areas. WB
transformers, remarkable for small current loss and quick
response, are used for driving the mechanism motors and for
handling digital signals.
Upward conversion on CD playback
The digital audio is sent through a high-precision crystal oscillator
that generates ±3ppm of accuracy (temperature characteristics
included) and DSRLL III circuit to minimize jitter and do upward
conversion.
The upward conversion feature makes it possible to output a
maximum 192kHz signal when playing back CDs. When playing
back SACD discs, the DSD signal (1 bit, 64 Fs) is sent out as
acquired without upconverion or other processing.
Digital audio output
The output stage includes one multi-function XLR system (six
terminals: L, R, C, SW, LS, and RS are available for ES-LINK
output; two terminals: L and R for Dual AES output; and L/R
terminals for XLR output), one RCA system (L/R terminals), and
two IEEE 1394 systems. As an output having no upward
conversion function, one RCA (NORMAL) system is provided.
No SACD data is available at the RCA jack.
Esoteric-exclusive format, ES-LINK, making SACD digital
output possible
The SACD digital output is sent out of the XLR terminals in the
Esoteric-exclusive ES-LINK format, or out of the IEEE 1394
interface.
When “XLR DUAL” is selected as output and an SACD disc is
played , the output is automatically sent in the ES-LINK format.
Only the Esoteric mono D/A converter, the D-01, is ready for ES-
LINK at this time.
WORD SYNC
The word sync feature allows this unit to synchronize with an
external word clock. The input frequency is switch-selectable
between 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192, and 100 kHz. The P-01
is designed so that the phase shift between the word clock and
output sampling frequency is kept within 10 degrees when there
is no discrepancy between the two. This unit can be either in
“IN” mode or in “Rb IN” mode. When in Rb IN mode, a PLL
circuit devoted to a highly precise clock like the rubidium
controlled oscillator used in the ESOTERIC G-0s is activated.
Copper wires of 6N purity are used for primary internal
wirings, Further contributing to superior sound quality
High purity 6N copper wires are used for the supplied AC power
cord and most internal wiring that has effect on the sound quality
thereby improving the purity and texture resolution of the sound.
The insulating sheath is made of polyorefin, a non-PVC material,
used out of consideration for the environment as well as sound
quality. No PVC is used for any other wire insulation. The high
purity 6N copper cable is developed with the help of Acro Japan
Ltd. who also developed the highly acclaimed Esoteric “MEXCEL”
interconnection cable and high purity 8N copper cable.