ESOTERIC GRANDIOSO N1T NETWORK AUDIO TRANSPORT

Product Description

ESOTERIC GRANDIOSO N1T NETWORK AUDIO TRANSPORT

The new era of high-quality streaming has arrived, and with it, a new benchmark for performance: the Grandioso N1T, the first high-end streaming transport in the prestigious Grandioso series. Designed to deliver streaming playback at its absolute finest.
Grandioso N1T combines cutting-edge Esoteric unique technology with Esoteric’s unrivalled craftsmanship, and a new-generation network engine featuring support for an SFP port and boasting powerful processing capabilities that ensure a level of sound quality worthy of the Grandioso name. The engine and audio circuitry are meticulously engineered for complete isolation, safeguarding signal purity. Independent linear power supplies for each circuit elevate the experience further, producing sound that is strikingly smooth, lifelike, and reminiscent of the feeling of vinyl playback.

Unmatched Flexibility Meets Sonic Perfection: With its advanced networking capabilities and all-digital output, the Grandioso N1T seamlessly integrates into a wide range of high-performance audio systems. You can build a complete Grandioso stack consisting of six units – Grandioso N1T, P1X SE, D1X SE and G1X – for the ultimate omni-digital source system. Pair it with the Grandioso D1X SE flagship Monoblock DACs for the ultimate three-unit flagship-level streaming experience, connect it to the Grandioso K1X SE, or pair it with your favourite DAC.
Your Gateway to the World of Music: From the comfort of your listening chair, the Grandioso N1T gives you access to all the music in the world. Stream effortlessly and experience a dreamlike, luxurious music journey with breath-taking sound quality.

• Pure Network Digital Audio Transport: Optimized for pristine digital playback without a D/A converter.
• Esoteric’s Flagship 3-Chassis Streamer: Grandioso N1T Transport + D1X SE Mono DACs.
• SACD + Network Digital Source Combo: Seamlessly integrates with the Grandioso K1X SE for the ultimate digital playback experience.
• The 4th Gen “Esoteric Network Engine G4”: DSD 22.5MHz native playback support, SFP port.
• Extremely Pure Audio Circuit: Completely isolated from the network engine.
• Independent Linear Power Supplies (Network/Audio/Control): Provides powerful clear sound.
• “Low Feedback DC Power Regulator”: Contributes to live, open sound quality.
• ES-Link5: Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wideband HDMI cable link with Esoteric DAC models.
• Wide Range of Digital Connectivity: ES-Link5 ×1[L/R], USB ×1, XLR ×1, Coax ×1.
• Music Server Function: Two USB drives can be connected.
• “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player”: Ultra-high precision internal clock circuit.
• 10MHz Clock Sync Capability: With Grandioso G1X master clock.
• Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC.
• Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet.
• Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal, Qobuz, Roon, Spotify.
• 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.

EQUIPPED WITH 4TH GENERATION ESOTERIC NETWORK ENGINE (G4)

The N1T is equipped with the 4th generation “Esoteric Network Engine G4”, a newly developed top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship streamer. The new engine features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections.
The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is a concentrated embodiment of the design philosophy unique to high-end products. It boasts a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply, ensuring signal purity. Each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings. Moving beyond conventional switching power supplies, Esoteric incorporates premium components such as a large toroidal transformer, custom capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and other oversized parts. This meticulous engineering results in a sound that is smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed.

Esoteric Network Engine G4 (left), Digital audio circuit (right), and dedicated large linear power supplies

SFP PORT

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is equipped with a built-in network switch function and has two network interfaces: an Ethernet RJ45 connector and an SFP port.
By connecting the N1T to an external network device (such as a switch) using an SFP module and fibre optic cable, you can isolate the signal from network noise, achieving unparalleled purity in playback. Alternatively, a metal cable connection using a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) can simplify the network signal path by reducing the number of circuits involved. For maximum flexibility, both the RJ45 and SFP ports can be used simultaneously. For example, you can connect a NAS to the RJ45 port while using the SFP port for an external network connection (or vice versa), tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements. 

MUSIC SERVER FUNCTION

The N1T is equipped with USB ports (USB-A x1, USB-C x1) and can be used as a music server/NAS by connecting up to two USB storage devices (flash drive, HDD/SSD).

AUDIO CIRCUIT ISOLATED FROM THE NETWORK

By designing the audio circuit as a separate component from the network engine, the N1T achieves a clear and beautifully immersive sound, befitting its status as a flagship streamer.
The connection between the network engine and the audio circuit is routed through a large isolator, effectively eliminating potential noise from the network. Additionally, the power supply is a large, dedicated linear power unit that operates independently of the network engine. By drawing power directly from a transformer with separate windings for each component, the N1T delivers a sound that is both crystal-clear and powerfully dynamic.

LOW FEEDBACK DC REGULATOR

The N1T has 3 independent power supply systems that ensure ideal power supply capabilities for each of the three circuit blocks (the network engine, audio circuit, and control circuit). Each power supply has its own low-feedback DC regulator in a discrete configuration. By reducing the amount of feedback, the N1T achieves a powerful, open sound.

MASTER SOUND DISCRETE CLOCK FOR DIGITAL PLAYER

In digital music reproduction, the clock circuitry plays a pivotal role in determining sound quality. Esoteric’s flagship master clock generator, the Grandioso G1X, features the in-house developed Master Sound Discrete Clock, a ground-breaking OCXO clock module. Renowned for its superior musical expressiveness, this innovation has set a new standard in high-end audio, sparking excitement in a field often dominated by technical specifications. Building on the celebrated design of the G1X, the Master Sound Discrete Clock brings this exceptional technology to the N1T. Designed with Esoteric’s meticulous attention to detail, it incorporates carefully selected discrete components, including a large crystal oscillator, to achieve sound quality unmatched by off-the-shelf clock modules. This proprietary circuit design embodies Esoteric’s philosophy of perfection, delivering an unparalleled listening experience that captures the soul of music with breath-taking accuracy and depth. With the Master Sound Discrete Clock, the N1T transforms digital playback into an art form, setting a new benchmark for precision and musicality in high-end streaming.

CLOCK SYNC CAPABILITY WITH GRANDIOSO G1X

It is also possible to further enhance sound quality by adding the Grandioso G1X master clock to your system, synchronizing the N1T and DACs to an ultra-pure, high-precision 10MHz clock.
* When connecting the N1T and external DAC via USB, asynchronous transmission is utilized. This eliminates the need for an external clock input to the N1T. In such configurations, simply connect the G1X to the DAC for optimal results.

COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF AUDIO FORMATS

The N1T is compatible with 22.5MHz DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM playback and a host of other formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC and MQA). The N1T can also play back the 32-bit float format popular in the professional audio industry. Gapless playback capability is also offered in all lossless formats.

ESOTERIC SOUND STREAM APP – INTUITIVE CONTROL MEETS AUDIO QUALITY

The Esoteric Sound Stream app, available for both Apple iOS and Android devices, is designed to combine exceptional sound quality with effortless usability. Tailored for smartphones and tablets, this innovative app allows users to easily browse, manage, and customize their music playback experience with just a few taps.
With its intuitive interface, creating and managing playlists becomes seamless. All screens are thoughtfully designed for straightforward navigation, ensuring that music libraries and playlists are easily accessible to users of any experience level. At the same time, the app offers a suite of advanced features to satisfy even the most seasoned audiophiles.

COMPATIBLE WITH MANY CODECS AND STREAMING SERVICES

Esoteric has partnered with a wide array of streaming service and audio codec providers, and preparations are currently underway to provide compatibility with newer services.
*Information on newly supported services will be released on Esoteric’s website.
*Please note that regional restrictions may be applied on some services.

CHASSIS CONSTRUCTION

To achieve the singular design goal of “reproducing the master sound” the N1T chassis optimally controls all vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the chassis is comparable to that of a Formula 1 car, with the balance between rigidity and flexibility pushed to the limit. The sleek and clean shape of the chassis is a testament to its high level of perfection. The cabinet, which requires rigidity, extensively utilizes heavyweight aluminium blocks to ensure no resonance, while the top panel features a semi-floating structure for a more open sound.

MULTI-LAYER CHASSIS

The chassis, which secures each circuit component, is a multi-layer construction using multiple steel plates. Each circuit component is mounted on a separate layer and arranged in a three-dimensional layout to minimize physical and electrical interference. In the power supply section, the circuit board and power transformer are also placed on different layers to suppress the transmission of transformer vibrations to the circuit board. The bottom chassis, on which the transformer is mounted, is laser-cut with precision slits, and Esoteric’s unique pinpoint isolation feet effectively dissipate vibrations to the ground.

UNIQUE PINPOINT ISOLATION FOOT (Patent # JP 4075477, 3778108 & 7413773)

Esoteric’s unique patented isolation foot, which integrates a spike and spike pad, has been further refined and developed. Suspended from the lower chassis, the top of the foot connects to the lower chassis under the weight of the unit when placed. The top of the foot has been tapered to a conical shape to minimize the contact area between the chassis and the foot. The bottom of the foot (integral spike pad) is also concave in a ring shape so that it touches the floor only at the edges, with added slots to disperse resonant modes. By minimizing the contact area between the chassis and the foot, as well as between the spike pad and the floor, vibration control has been optimized, resulting in sharper focus and a more open sound.