Handsome is as handsome does.
I fell for the Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier & Grandioso S1X Power Amplifier I reviewed just last month:
I am as much a creature of the eyes as ears and the Esoteric Grandioso stack proved to be a delight for both. If you love the idea of living with beautifully made gear from a company with a long hifi history that makes music sound and feel rich, full, and alive the Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier and Grandioso S1X Power Amplifier combo were made for you.
Following along very similar lines is the new and matching Grandioso K1XE SACD Player.
The Grandioso uses Esoteric’s proprietary VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism and their Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 that was developed in-house from the ground up.
In addition to its single-ended and balanced analog outputs we also find a 10Mhz Clock Input for use with the one of the company’s external clocks (like the Grandioso G1X Master Clock Generator), a number of digital inputs, and Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wide range digital transmission ES-Link5 for use with other Esoteric gear like the Grandioso N1T Network Audio Transport.
The Grandioso K1XE SACD Player’s multi-layer chassis is just as impressive where you’ll find Esoteric’s proprietary “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” hiding inside.
According to the company, adding the optional Grandioso PS1XE External Power Supply brings ” even greater sound quality.”
Inside you’ll find four power transformers providing independent power for the left and right D/A converter stages and left and right output buffer stages.
The Grandioso K1XE and PS1XE will be available worldwide starting November 2026. The Grandioso K1XE is priced at $45,000 and the Grandioso PS1XE comes in at $19,000.
Press Release:
Esoteric Launches the “Grandioso K1XE,” A Flagship Super Audio CD Player Featuring the New “G2” DAC and the “Grandioso PS1XE”An Optional External Power Supply
Tokyo, JP (October 21, 2026) — Esoteric proudly launches the “Grandioso K1XE,” a flagship Super Audio CD player featuring the next-generation “Master Sound Discrete DAC G2,” and the “Grandioso PS1XE,” an optional external power supply. The products will be available for international shipment from the beginning of November 2026.
Grandioso K1XE—Product Overview
The Grandioso K1XE is a flagship Super Audio CD player/DAC featuring the “VRDS-ATLAS”—Esoteric’s proprietary SACD transport mechanism—and the “Master Sound Discrete DAC G2,” a next-generation, discrete D/A converter developed entirely in-house by Esoteric.
The Grandioso K1XE employs a fully dual-mono DAC configuration. Its large-scale architecture incorporates five independent linear power supply systems and achieves a full-bodied sound reminiscent of vinyl playback. The Grandioso K1XE now features an ES-Link 5 digital input, enabling it to connect to the Grandioso N1T streaming transport and deliver exceptional performance as the ultimate integrated digital source system.
The Grandioso K1XE also offers flexible compatibility with a variety of system upgrades, including the optional Grandioso PS1XE external power supply (also new) and Grandioso G1X master clock generator.
The pinnacle of all-in-one Super Audio CD/DAC performance, the K1XE embodies both the present and future of high-end digital audio.
Grandioso K1XE—Key Features
- “VRDS-ATLAS” Super Audio CD Transport Mechanism: Manufactured in-house, featuring an exceptionally rigid, heavyweight platform engineered for outstanding mechanical precision.
- Master Sound Discrete DAC G2: New-generation FPGA based Multi-Level ΔΣ DAC, fully designed and manufactured in-house using precisely selected discrete components.
- ES-Link Analog: Esoteric’s proprietary current signal link with preamp, provides super authentic sound.
Independent ×5 Linear Power Supplies (Dual Mono DACs/Transport Mechanism/Digital Audio/Microcomputer): Provides powerful clear sound. - Low-Feedback Discrete DC Power Regulator: Contributes to live and open sound quality.
- External Power Supply Connectivity: Compatible with the Grandioso PS1XE
- ES-Link 5: Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wideband link with Grandioso N1T network audio transport.
- Wide Range of Digital Connectivity: ES-Link 5 ×1 [L/R], USB ×1, XLR ×1, Opt ×1.
- Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player: Ultra-high precision internal clock circuit.
- 10MHz Clock Sync Capability: Compatible with the Grandioso G1X master clock.
- Multi-Layer Chassis: Prevents interference between circuit components.
- Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sonic openness.
- Advanced Isolation Feet: Provides focused sound and an open soundstage. New to the XE generation.
[Master Sound Discrete DAC G2]
- FPGA-Based, Multi-Level ΔΣ D/A Converter: Designed and manufactured fully in-house.
- Proprietary 64-bit/512-Fs ΔΣ Modulator: One of the most powerful processing capabilities in the industry.\
- Unique Discrete Circuit: Completed without using conventional DAC chipsets.
- FPGA Digital Processing Algorithms: Independently optimized for DSD and PCM, with dedicated algorithms developed separately for each format.
- Industrial-Grade, Ultra-High-Precision MELF Resistor Elements
- Manufactured in the Esoteric Factory: One of the world’s premier PCB mounting facilities.
- Extensive Use of Audio-Grade Components: Including Esoteric’s exclusive IDM-01 amplifier elements.
- Low-Noise New Resister Network: Provides cleaner imaging and lower noise.
- Redesigned Power Supply: Extensively separated FPGA power lines, and hot/cold analog power lines, achieving ultimate supply purity.
- High-Current Dual Buffer Design (×4 Circuits per Channel): Derived from the flagship Grandioso D1X SE architecture. New Features of the G2 (Generation 2)
Grandioso PS1XE—Product Overview
An External Power Supply That Further Enhances the Breathtaking Musicality of the Grandioso K1XE and Grandioso N1
The Grandioso PS1XE is a high-performance external power supply designed exclusively for the Grandioso K1XE and Grandioso N1. Developed using the expertise gained through the creation of Grandioso models with separate power supplies, it meets the demands of listeners seeking even greater sound quality. This powerful, custom-engineered external power supply further enhances the performance of the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.
Grandioso PS1XE—Key Features
- “High-Performance External Power Supply: Designed exclusively for the Grandioso K1XE and Grandioso N1.
- Enhanced Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 Performance: Further enhances the performance of Esoteric’s next-generation discrete DAC.
- Four Powerful Power Transformers: Independently power the left and right D/A converter stages and left and right output buffer stages.
- Greater Purity and Dynamic Expression: Independent power supplies for the D/A converter and output buffer stages contribute to greater clarity, dynamics, and musical expression.\
- Reduced Vibration and Magnetic Flux: The corresponding internal power transformers in the main unit are disabled when the PS1XE is connected, reducing the influence of vibration and magnetic flux.
- Advanced Digital/Analog Power Supply Separation: Contributes to exceptional transparency and signal purity.
- Optimized Power Filter Circuits: Specially designed for models equipped with the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.
- Multi-Layer Chassis: Minimizes interference between circuit sections for enhanced signal purity.
- Semi-Floating Top Panel: Contributes to a more open and natural sound.
- Advanced Isolation Feet: Enhances focus, clarity, and soundstage openness.
- Compatible Models: Grandioso K1XE, Grandioso N1, Grandioso K1X SE, and Grandioso K1X. New to the XE generation.
Pricing & Availability
The Grandioso K1XE and PS1XE will be available worldwide starting November 2026. MSRPs are as follows:
Grandioso K1XE $45,000 (US) / €44,000 (EU) / £37,999 (UK)
Grandioso PS1XE: $19,000 (US) / €19,000 (EU) / £16,500 (UK)
Company Website: Esoteric
US Distributor Website: Playback Distribution
Grandioso K1XE Specifications
Analog Audio Outputs: XLR/ES-Link Analog×1 (L/R), RCA×1 (L/R)
Digital Audio Outputs: XLR×1
Digital Audio Inputs: ES-Link 5 (L/R)×1, XLR×1, Optical×1, USB (type-B)×1
Clock Input: BNC×1 (10MHz)
Frequency Response (–3dB): 5Hz to 30kHz (–3dB)
S/N Ratio: 113dB
Distortion: 0.001% (1kHz)
External Dimensions (WxHxD, including protrusions): 445mm × 162mm × 447mm | 5/8″ × 6 1/2″ × 17 5/8″
Weight: 34.3kg (75 5/8 lb)
Grandioso PS1XE Specifications
Compatible Models: Grandioso K1XE, N1, K1X SE, K1X
External Dimensions (WxHxD, including protrusions): 445mm x 132mm x 451mm | 17 5/8″ × 5 1/4″ × 17 7/8″
Weight: 23.3 kg (51 3/8 lb)