Esoteric N-01

**wklie** · July 19, 2017, 10:02 PM

http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esoteric/n01/index.html

**erniejade** · July 24, 2017, 11:37 AM

Sharp looking unit!

**jdandy** · July 24, 2017, 11:41 AM

From information in the Esoteric N-01 online brochure it appears to be a feature laden network streamer, but compared to other network streamers the network and streaming capabilities are quite similar. Where the N-01 breaks rank with other network streamers, making it shine like a stage center spotlight and worthy of its lofty price point, is the dual mono K1 DAC's, analog output stages, and Esoteric's extreme attention to isolated power supplies. As a network streamer and leading edge DAC combination the Esoteric N-01 is quite a remarkable audio component. Release date is early August, 2017 in Japan.

**joeinid** · July 24, 2017, 01:47 PM

I've been trying to find the retail price, can anyone confirm what it will cost when released?

**Phil A** · July 24, 2017, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I've been trying to find the retail price, can anyone confirm what it will cost when released?

Per this $12k? - https://www.audioaficionado.org/arch...p/t-39967.html

**joeinid** · July 24, 2017, 01:50 PM

Thanks!

**Alpinist** · July 24, 2017, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Phil A

Per this $12k? - https://www.audioaficionado.org/arch...p/t-39967.html

If you read further it will be substantially more than that. The USA pricing always comes in substantially higher than the straight conversion rate. They won't have a price for another six to nine months.

Best,
Ken

**Phil A** · July 24, 2017, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

If you read further it will be substantially more than that. The USA pricing always comes in substantially higher than the straight conversion rate. They won't have a price for another six to nine months.

Best,
Ken

I know - that's why I put the question mark. Sort of figured that.

**Mike** · July 24, 2017, 03:00 PM

My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k

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**jdandy** · July 24, 2017, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k

**Alpinist** · July 24, 2017, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k

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Sounds about right.

Ken

**wklie** · July 24, 2017, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k

In the same way N-05 is K-05X with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, N-01 seems to be based on K1 with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, plus a DSD512 upgrade for the USB DAC. Yet N-01 is priced much lower than K1.

**Alpinist** · July 24, 2017, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by wklie

In the same way N-05 is K-05X with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, N-01 seems to be based on K1 with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, plus a DSD512 upgrade for the USB DAC. Yet N-01 is priced much lower than K1.

The N-01 should be a terrific component. Lower priced than the K1 because no high-end transport or Grandioso casing. I would expect MSRP to be towards the top end of Mike's range or approximately $20K, based on the D-02X MSRP.

Ken

**wklie** · July 25, 2017, 03:11 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I would expect MSRP to be towards the top end of Mike's range or approximately $20K, based on the D-02X MSRP.

Since the Japan MSRP of D-02X is the same as that of N-01, I guess you'll be right. Between these two same-priced models (at least in Japan), personally I think N-01 is better due to the newer flagship AK4497 DAC chip, OpenHome network input, and USB DSD512.

**justubes** · July 25, 2017, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by wklie

Since the Japan MSRP of D-02X is the same as that of N-01, I guess you'll be right. Between these two same-priced models (at least in Japan), personally I think N-01 is better due to the newer flagship AK4497 DAC chip, OpenHome network input, and USB DSD512.

As a streamer, it sure would be a very relevant product if it is a MQA hardware compatible, else it may seem we will have to wait for a N-01 upgrade with hardware MQA incorporated. Not another X version!

The lumin app will pass software MQA from tidal but guess it stops there, sadly!

**wklie** · July 25, 2017, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by justubes

As a streamer, it sure would be a very relevant product if it is a MQA hardware compatible, else it may seem we will have to wait for a N-01 upgrade with hardware MQA incorporated. Not another X version!

In the Japanese web site MQA is listed as a future upgrade, however I don't know when that will happen.

**justubes** · July 25, 2017, 06:16 AM

Yes, it is supposed to be MQA update, as for the N-05. Would'nt a hardware MQA require it certified before release.

It doesn't look possible without any change in the dac boards.

I remember it was the case for the Aurender A10 which had to be certified by MQA regarding circuit design and final release.

May be more involved complicated than a firmware update, sadly but i hop not.

**Phishphan** · September 16, 2017, 03:13 PM

I posted this on another board. But I spoke to the director of sales from esoteric and confirmed the 20k price tag. Will be debuting at RMAF.

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**Mike** · September 16, 2017, 03:24 PM

Exciting stuff! Looking forward to hearing it at RMAF.

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**Mike** · September 23, 2017, 05:40 PM

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**Phishphan** · September 23, 2017, 06:36 PM

I was really eyeing that when it was announced but went with the Grandioso K1 instead. I like spinning SACD. ... still waiting for it to arrive, but should be here in the next couple weeks. Dealer told me “end of September” was the ETA

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**Mike** · September 23, 2017, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Phishphan

I was really eyeing that when it was announced but went with the Grandioso K1 instead. I like spinning SACD. ... still waiting for it to arrive, but should be here in the next couple weeks. Dealer told me “end of September” was the ETA

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Congrats! It's a terrific piece.

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**Zaheer** · September 24, 2017, 03:11 AM

Hello
I thought that the N05 was a Lumin S1 derivation
Seems that I was wrong ???
Now the N01 , seems visually superb
But at a lofty price
I'm waiting for the reviews / or views
Cheers

**Alpinist** · September 24, 2017, 07:18 AM

The N-01 and N-05 use Lumin's music server software I believe. The hardware is Esoteric. The N-01 has the 4497 chip, 35 bit processing and an I2S connection between the internal music server and internal DAC. So it should sound really great.

Ken

**Phishphan** · September 25, 2017, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Zaheer

Hello
I thought that the N05 was a Lumin S1 derivation
Seems that I was wrong ???
Now the N01 , seems visually superb
But at a lofty price
I'm waiting for the reviews / or views
Cheers

It’s uses the same DACs as the Grandioso K1 (akm4497), and I think it accepts even higher res files then the K1. What is produced in those super-duper high res formats, I don’t know. But it does it.

I would imagine it’s going to be a hell of a player, if not the best network streamer on the market.

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**wklie** · September 28, 2017, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Zaheer

I thought that the N05 was a Lumin S1 derivation
Seems that I was wrong ???

Esoteric network players (network input) and Lumin share the same control based on OpenHome standard, and their apps are interchangeable with only a few minor differences.

N-05 uses AK4490EQ, same as K-05X.
N-01 uses AK4497, same as Grandioso K1.
S1 uses quad ESS9018.

**wklie** · September 28, 2017, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by Phishphan

It’s uses the same DACs as the Grandioso K1 (akm4497), and I think it accepts even higher res files then the K1. What is produced in those super-duper high res formats, I don’t know. But it does it.

K1 USB DAC supports DSD256.
N-01 USB DAC supports DSD512 - this is useful for people who run HQPlayer to upsample their files to DSD512.

**Thieliste** · October 3, 2017, 05:08 AM

Europe price will be €22K.

Thieliste

**brodricj** · October 8, 2017, 10:52 AM

I just bought Esoteric N01 and G02X. I can tell you the N01 is a lot cheaper than some of the numbers mentioned earlier.

**Alpinist** · October 8, 2017, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I just bought Esoteric N01 and G02X. I can tell you the N01 is a lot cheaper than some of the numbers mentioned earlier.

Congrats! Just heard the N-01 with the G-01X clock at RMAF. It sounded superb!!!

Enjoy,
Ken

**CPP** · October 8, 2017, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k

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**Alpinist** · October 8, 2017, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

Confirmed MSRP is $20K.

Ken

**brodricj** · October 8, 2017, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Congrats! Just heard the N-01 with the G-01X clock at RMAF. It sounded superb!!!

I had the option to buy G01X but I went with G02X. What I don't understand is the external clock input. It was explained to me that it is for a more accurate single clock, and this more accurate clock sync bypasses the internal clock of the G02X and is distributed to its outputs. In other words, the G02X is just behaving as a switch to the more accurate external reference clock.

**Phishphan** · October 8, 2017, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I just bought Esoteric N01 and G02X. I can tell you the N01 is a lot cheaper than some of the numbers mentioned earlier.

I was told 20k directly from the head of US sales at Esoteric

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**brodricj** · October 9, 2017, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by Phishphan

I was told 20k directly from the head of US sales at Esoteric

I can assure you I didn't pay anywhere near that number for my N01 (mine was not purchased in the US market).

**wklie** · October 9, 2017, 12:48 AM

MSRP and street prices are different.

MSRP for different markets are also different.

**Golum** · October 9, 2017, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by wklie

MSRP and street prices are different.

MSRP for different markets are also different.

Could not agree more with both statements...

**brodricj** · October 9, 2017, 07:58 AM

For sure....but I didn't bargain on the price I paid for my N01. I just paid the first number they threw at me when I asked them the question. They didn't even have one in stock to show me (actually, none had arrived in my market by late last week when I ordered the N01 sight unseen).

**AJR** · October 9, 2017, 08:03 AM

Based on some telephone enquiries to the Esoteric dealer in Singapore, the prices for the N1 (not in stock yet) and N5 are WAY lower than what seems to be on offer in Japan and the US. So much lower that I find it hard to believe, so I am going to visit the store to be sure.

**AJR** · October 9, 2017, 08:05 AM

Most kit in Singapore does seem to be cheaper than the US, Japan and Australia. Australia I can understand (further away, smaller market, VAT/GST etc).

**AJR** · October 9, 2017, 08:08 AM

How much better is the N1 compared to the N5?

**brodricj** · October 9, 2017, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by AJR

Based on some telephone enquiries to the Esoteric dealer in Singapore, the prices for the N1 (not in stock yet) and N5 are WAY lower than what seems to be on offer in Japan and the US. So much lower that I find it hard to believe, so I am going to visit the store to be sure.

I was in Singapore yesterday. The number you heard in Singapore is probably correct....WAY lower than numbers mentioned by our US friends, it is hard to believe. But believe it, because I bought one.

**AJR** · October 9, 2017, 08:35 AM

Which one did you buy? Will PM you.

**AJR** · October 9, 2017, 08:42 AM

Re-read your post so no need to answer my question. N1 all the way!

**Milk_vanilla** · October 9, 2017, 08:33 PM

Interesting, will n1 be considered a jump from my lumin a1 ?

Step aside the capabilities to render dsd 128 above

**brodricj** · October 9, 2017, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Milk_vanilla

..will n1 be considered a jump from my lumin a1 ?

The N01 is brand new, initial production stock is slowly filtering through to some distributors in some markets. To answer your question needs end-user time with N01 which doesn't exist yet. But I'll be getting some N01 time very soon.

Here is my new G02X, patiently waiting on the arrival of N01. The other gear on the periphery of the pic is a PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player, DirectStream Junior DAC, PS Audio Power Plant P3, Ayon Sigma DAC, and Halcro dm8 pre-amp.

**Phishphan** · October 10, 2017, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by AJR

How much better is the N1 compared to the N5?

Different set of DACs. The N01 uses the same set found in the Grandioso K1, which sounds fantastic.

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**brodricj** · October 17, 2017, 12:42 AM

The beast is in da house....

What's the trick for getting the N01 to sync with the G02X clock? The CLOCK light on N01 isn't coming on, I'm not sure why.

Something whacky going on with the Esoteric app. It's finding the N01 on the network, and it's asking me if I want to upgrade new firmware, from 8.03b to 7.10c. Surely that would be a firmware downgrade? Assuming 8.03b is the current production firmware (my N01 was built 2 weeks ago), perhaps the Esoteric app hasn't caught up yet.

Esoteric sure know how to pack stuff. The N01 shipped triple boxed, beautifully packed inside with handles to lift the unit out of the box. Just the packaging of the N01 alone weighs more than my PS Audio DAC!

The output level of N01 seems very high, I have to turn the pre-amp volume down considerably compared with my other DAC's. I hope there is a setting to reduce the output level, if my pre-amp went full volume for some reason the speakers would blow for sure. That wouldn't happen with my other DACs as, with their lower output level, driving the pre-amp to +20dB full volume wouldn't send the power amps into clipping and blow up the speakers. It would drive them hard for sure, but would still be within their power limits.

**wklie** · October 17, 2017, 02:13 AM

I believe the clock needs to be individually enabled for each port in G-02X, and the N-01 also needs to manually setup to enable the clock input.

If you're using XLR output, you can use the RCA output instead for lower output level.

Alternatively, you can turn on the digital volume in Esoteric app and use it, but this is not recommended for people with a pre-amp.

**brodricj** · October 17, 2017, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by wklie

I believe the clock needs to be individually enabled for each port in G-02X, and the N-01 also needs to manually setup to enable the clock input..

The G02X 10 Mhz outputs are enabled by default, and indicated on the display as being on. I don't see anything in the N01 manual about enabling the external clock input. My reading of it, if the N01 detects an external clock signal the CLOCK light will blink, and after syncing with that signal it goes steady blue. The CLOCK light on my N01 is off, with the G02X 10 Mhz output indicating on.

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