Esoteric N-03T Network Audio Transport
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A separate type network audio transportTo the Future of Musical Reproduction
Massive, super high quality modular systems are the key philosophy that Esoteric has followed since we were first established. We are now bringing this same philosophy to network playback systems with the N-03T network digital audio transport system. Your favorite D/A converter or Super Audio CD player can be digitally connected by USB, enabling you to build just the right system to enjoy playing files or streaming content your way.
Esoteric takes digital transport to a new level with endless options and even more possibilities for audio playback.
The N-03T fulfills every music lover's dream: to access music freely from your living room chair and enjoy the very best audio quality. The DSD master audio source provides a crystal-clear audio experience, your CD collection is arranged in a library for easy access, and streaming services put new music at your fingertips. The N-03T is a network audio transport system specially designed to connect with an external DAC or a Super Audio CD player's built-in DAC via USB connection. Other than your audio system, all you need is a home LAN (Wi-Fi router, etc.), a tablet or smartphone and a NAS (music server) to store your music library. That's all you need for an easy, comfortable music experience where you don't have to compromise on quality.
Care has been taken with every detail to achieve audio quality suitable for high-end network playback. The N-03T is compatible with a vast range of formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3 and AAC) and supports playback up to DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 768kHz/32-bit by USB output. Gapless playback is also supported for all lossless formats for uninterrupted playback of live or opera recordings.
ESOTERIC Sound Stream
Esoteric Sound Stream is an Apple iOS and a Google Android network playback app for tablets and smartphones designed with an emphasis on intuitive operability. Simply select music tracks by using your tablet or smartphone to create a customized playlist and then play the playlist. All screens are intuitively designed for easy operation and access to playlists and libraries, making it easy for anyone to use. It also has a wide range of advanced features that meet the demands of even the most experienced users.
A key feature is the excellent search and retrieval function that fully utilizes tag information. Images are also stored in the app, enabling you to instantly scroll through album artwork and libraries according to categories such as artist, year of recording, composer or category. For more information about ESOTERIC Sound Stream app, please see its product page here. For ESOTERIC Sound Stream app manual, please see here.
High-Sampling Digital Output
he N-03T has a USB port enabling digital output up to DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 768kHz/32-bit. This allows the N-03T to be connected to a USB DAC or a disc player with a USB port.
Two other digital output systems (XLRx1 and RCAx1) are also included, supporting PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD2.8MHz (DoP).
Music Server Function
The N-03T can also be used as a simplified music server in which a player and a library can be integrated by connecting large-capacity storage devices to two USB ports on the front and rear of the unit.
Compatible with a Wide Range of Streaming Services and Audio Codecs
Esoteric has partnerships with a wide range of streaming service and audio codec providers, and preparations are underway for compatibility with new services.*
*Information on newly supported services will be released on the Esoteric website. However, regional restrictions may be implemented on some services.
Equipped with Two Powerful Independent Power Supplies
The N-03T is equipped with two large independent toroidal transformers, one for the internal network module and one for the other digital circuits, enabling the ideal supply of power to each circuit block. Unlike a standard switching power supply, these large linear power supplies are made with high quality components such as large filter capacitors and Schottky barrier diodes. The dedicated power supply for the network module also has an EDLC (Electric Double-layer Capacitor), a super-capacitor that has 1F (1,000,000μF) capacitance. These provide a dramatic improvement in audio quality.
High-Rigidity Chassis Construction
The bottom chassis used to secure the circuit components has a dual layer structure with two steel plates (5mm and 2mm). The power supply transformer and other components are arranged three-dimensionally on the two layers to prevent interference between components, and laser-cut slits are applied to each layer for effective controlling of vibration. And a thick, heavyweight aluminum panel enclosure and Esoteric's unique pinpoint feet (patents no. JP4075477 and JP3778108) provide thorough mechanical grounding against vibration.
Versatile Range of System Plans
Ever since we were first established, Esoteric's philosophy has centered on modular audio systems, breaking audio down into separate devices and refining each one to achieve maximum audio quality. The N-03T network audio transport system can be combined with Esoteric's range of D/A converters (D series) and Super Audio CD players (K series) to build your system just the way you want it.
Specs
Network section
ETHERNET 1 (1000BASE-T)
Supported file formats
PCM lossless FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD lossless DSF, DSDIFF (DFF)
Compresed audio MP3, AAC (m4a container)
USB DRIVE 2 (Front, Rear)
Supported file system FAT32, exFAT, NTFS
Single partition
USB 2.0 or later recommended
Maximum power supply 0.5A
Input signal formats
Linear PCM 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo)
• Only integer format file supported at 32bit
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (stereo)
Supported file formats
PCM Lossless FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD Lossless DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP
Compressed audio MP3, AAC (m4a container)
Digital audio outputs
USB 1 (USB2.0 standard)
XLR 1
Output level 3.0Vrms (110Ω load)
Output audio formats
Linear PCM 44.1k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
RCA 1
Output level 0.5Vrms (75Ω load)
Output audio formats
Linear PCM 44.1k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
Clock sync input
BNC 1
Input impedance 50Ω
Frequencies that can be input 10MHz (±10ppm)
Input level
Rectangle wave equivalent to TTL levels
Sine wave 0.5 to 1.0Vrms (50 to 75Ω)
General
Power supply
AC 220 - 240V, 50/60Hz
AC 120V, 60Hz
AC 220V, 60Hz
Power consumption 31W
External dimensions (W×H×D) 445 × 131 × 360mm
17-⅝" × 5-¼" × 14-¼" (including protrusions)
Weight 17kg / 37-½ lb
Included accessories Power cord × 1
Felt pads × 3
Owner's manual × 1
Warranty card × 1