ESOTERIC LAUNCH NEW GRANDIOSO N1 FLAGSHIP STEREO DAC / STREAMER!

Esoteric proudly launches the Grandioso N1, the ultimate network streamer powered by next-generation discrete DAC and network audio engine. The product will be internationally available for shipment in November 2025.

Powered by Next-Generation Discrete DAC and Network Audio Engine

The Grandioso N1 is a Network Streamer / DAC designed to deliver the finest high-quality streaming audio. It incorporates the newly developed Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 converter circuit and the Esoteric Network Engine G4, originally developed for the flagship Grandioso N1T.

Esoteric first introduced the unique Master Sound Discrete DAC in 2019. Now redesigned as the G2 (Generation 2), it has evolved to new heights while preserving its renowned musicality.

The next-generation Esoteric Network Engine G4 features an SFP port and delivers powerful processing capabilities with high-fidelity sound worthy of a true flagship model.

Meticulously engineered, the Grandioso N1 follows the design philosophy of the Grandioso series. Though housed in a single stereo chassis, its internal DAC employs a fully dual-mono configuration with completely independent power supply sections for left and right channels. The large-scale architecture incorporates five independent linear power supplies dedicated to the left and right DACs, the network engine, the digital circuitry, and the microcomputer circuitry. This configuration achieves a smooth, full-bodied sound reminiscent of vinyl playback

Your Gateway to the World of Music – From the comfort of your listening chair, the Grandioso N1 connects you to all the music in the world. Stream effortlessly and immerse yourself in a luxurious musical journey with breathtaking sound quality.

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is a fully in-house-designed, FPGA-based, multi-level ΔΣ (delta-sigma) D/A converter built with meticulously selected discrete components. The ultimate goal is to effortlessly reproduce the true dynamics and power of music, far surpassing the limitations of conventional DAC IC chips. Its large-scale circuit design comprises 32 elements per channel and features completely independent key components. Breathtakingly powerful, dynamic, and musical, this architecture delivers the ultimate pure listening experience, without compromise.

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 supports the latest high-resolution digital formats, including 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz PCM signals. To achieve D/A conversion that fully matches the unique characteristics of both DSD and PCM, dedicated FPGA digital processing algorithms have been independently developed for each format.

The DAC employs ultra-high-precision MELF resistors and IDM-01 amplification elements. By integrating these selected discrete components, the Grandioso N1 achieves sound quality marked by vivid live presence, superb dynamics, and an organic, natural texture.

Esoteric’s advanced board-mounting technologies cultivated through the production of circuit boards for the audio, medical, aerospace, and defense industries ensure the exceptional manufacturing quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.

Evolution to G2 (Generation 2)
The second-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is the result of our commitment to achieving new heights in sound quality.

High-Power / Low-Noise, Newly Designed Flip-Flop Circuit
In the upstream digital domain (the circuit that converts digital signals from the CPU into analog current signals by passing them through resistor elements), the Flip-Flop IC controlling the on/off state of these resistor elements has been redesigned for optimized performance. The addition of capacitors near the IC further improves current supply speed and reduces noise.

Even Purer Separate Power Supply Lines
A new approach was adopted that involved separating the power supply lines for the FPGA and the other digital domain circuits, as well as the hot and cold power supplies for the analog domains. Each section is powered by its own power regulator. Reconstructing the power lines further improved sound purity.

Dual Buffer Circuit Equivalent to the Grandioso D1X SE
The analog output buffer amplifier, Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver), boasts an astonishing high-speed slew rate of 2,000 V/μs. The number of HCLD components has been doubled, implementing the same dual-buffer configuration (four circuits per channel) as used in the Grandioso D1X SE. This design further strengthens current output, delivering ultra-fast attack and enhanced dynamics.

The Grandioso N1 is equipped with the 4th generation Esoteric Network Engine G4, a top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship network player / DAC. The G4 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.

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 N1 to an external network switch using an SFP module and fiber 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, tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements.