The Summer of Stacks continues with the oh-so-elegant Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo Line Stage Preamplifier & Grandioso S1X Stereo Power Amplifier.
The combined weight for the pair packs a 165 lb. punch, 60 of which comes from the C1X preamp! I’ll let you do the math for the S1X which remained on the hydraulic lift cart for this In Barn photo op as I’m only lifting that bad boy 4 times—out of the box, onto and off of the lift cart, and back in the box. At least that’s the plan.
The dual chassis Grandioso C1X is the flagship preamplifier in the Esoteric line while the C1X solo whittles that down to a one-box solution. The carved and curved front panel offers two large knobs for Input selection and power/standby when pressed (left) and volume while the centered display shows the current input source (you can customize the names), volume, and various setting options which are accessed through the included remote.
I’ll get into the various settings in the review proper.
Here are a few Key Features of the C1X solo as highlighted by the company:
- Full dual monoblock configuration in a one-piece chassis
- Dual-balanced configuration with 4 circuits per channel for thorough low noise
- “Ultra-Fidelity Attenuator System” with 1,120 steps @ 0.1dB intervals
- Discrete amplifier module “IDM-01”
- 3 inputs and 2 outputs of ES-Link Analog, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
- 2,000V/µs slew rate current transmission enhanced output buffer circuit
- Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver)
- 2 XLR outputs and 2 ES-Link Analog outputs for a multi-power amplifier system
- 5 transformers: 4 large toroidal transformers for audio system and 1 R-core transformer for control system
- Input switching circuit with FET elements ensure great sound and long life
In addition to the usual RCA and XLR inputs and XLR outputs, the C1X solo also includes Esoteric’s proprietary ES-LINK Analog (ESL-A) which uses standard XLR terminated cables to carry input to output (or vice versa) between Esoteric components.
From the company:
The “ES-LINK Analog” transmission method, developed by Esoteric, is a current transmission method utilizes the high performance of the HCLD buffer circuit and its enhanced ability to supply power at high-speed to transmit a pure and strong signal with minimal interference from the impedance of the signal route.
The S1X Stereo Power Amplifier runs in pure Class-A offering 50 WPC into 8 Ohms and double that into 4. It’s carved front panel houses an inset power/standby button and power indicator light that’s lit when the unit is on while the top plate offers ventilation for that Class-A heat.
I will also note that both units have a ‘floating’ top panel and “high-precision metal pinpoint feet” with optional felt pads to protect your rack.
Here are a few Key Features of the S1X as highlighted by the company:
- Newly designed drive stage with 5-parallel push-pull drive by large bipolar transistors
- Pure Class-A operating range of 50W/8ohm provides a full musical expression that combines precision and dynamism
- “ES-Link Analog” transmission pushes the limits of fidelity between preamp and amplifier
- Superior power linearity for unparalleled dynamics (50W/8Ω to 100W/4Ω)
- Large toroidal-core power transformer that is extremely responsive to dynamic current supply changes
- 3-transformer configuration with independent power transformers for the pre-drive stage, main drive stage, and control system
- Channel independent high-capacitance Grandioso custom capacitors (10,000μF × 6/ch)
- Pure copper busbars, ultra-thick wiring, and shortest pattern connections significantly reduce internal impedance
- Balanced audio connections in each circuit block to ensure low noise
- High quality parts such as FET switch for input switching, discrete amplifier module IDM-01, etc.
RCA, XLR, and the aforementioned ESL-A inputs are joined by a single set of speaker binding posts, LED brightness adjustment knob, Trigger inputs, Auto Power Save Mode switch (on/off), AC power inlet, Signal Ground terminal, Input Selector switch, and an Output Mode switch (Stereo/Bi-Amp).
As I hope you can see the level of build quality on both Grandioso units is stunning with aluminum carved into curved elegant lines nearly turning hard metal into flowing sheets of silk. Nice.
The Esoteric Grandioso stack will be making its way to the B-Side play area where it gets to dance with the recently arrived Peak Consult Sinfonia (more info). Stay tuned!
Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier: $26,000
Esoteric Grandioso S1X Stereo Power Amplifier: $37,000
Company Website: Esoteric
US Distributor Website: Playback Distribution
Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier Specifications
Analog Audio Inputs
XLR/ES-Link Analog × 3 pairs
Input Impedance 50kΩ
Input Sensitvity 500mV (at rated output)
Maximum Input Level 11.7V
RCA × 2 pairs
Input Impedance 500kΩ
Input Sensitvity 500mV (at rated output)
Analog Audio Outputs
XLR × 2 pairs
Output Inpedance: 30Ω
Rated Output: 2V
Maximum Output level: 17V (1kHz, 0.003%)
ES-Link Analog × 2 pairs
Output Impedance: 30Ω
External Control
RS-232C
Connector:S-sub 9pin × 1
Trigger Input
Connector: 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 1
Input Level: 12V, 2mA
Trigger Output
Connector: 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 2
Output Level: 12V, Total 100mA maximum
General
Power: AC 120V, 60Hz | AC 220-240V, 50Hz
Power Consumption: 22W
Standby Power:0.3W when RS-232C Remote control is disabled, 1.0W when enabled
Overall Dimensions (W×H×D):445 × 132 × 449mm (including protrusions)
Weight: 27.5kg
Included Accessories
Power cord × 1
Remote control (RC-1334) × 1
AA batteries × 2
Felt pads × 4
Owner’s manual × 1
Warranty card × 1
Audio Performance
Frequency Response: 1Hz to 150kHz (–3dB, XLR)
S/N Ratio: 120dB (2V input, IHF-A, XLR)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.00035%
Gain: +12dB
Grandioso S1X Stereo Power Amplifier Specifications
Output
Rated Output: 50W + 50W (8Ω Class-A)
100W + 100W: (4Ω)
Compatible Speaker Impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Analog Audio Inputs
ES-Link Analog × 1 pair
XLR × 1 pair
RCA × 1 pair
General
Power: AC 120V, 60Hz | AC 220-240V, 50Hz
Power Consumption: 310W (270W at no signal)
Overall Dimensions: (W×H×D) 491 × 221 × 536mm (including protrusion)
Weight: 48kg
Included Accessories: Power cord × 1
Delt pad × 4
Owner’s manual × 1
Audio Performance
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 100kHz (+0dB, –3dB, 8Ω)
S/N Ratio: 109dB (IHF-A, XLR)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.006% (1kHz, 8Ω, 50W)
Gain: 28.5dB (XLR) | 34.5dB (RCA)