Grandioso E1 Balanced Phonostage Preamplifier

MYR 275,999.00
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Overview

– Vinyl Renaissance –
Following in the footsteps of the T1 turntable, which revolutionized the history of vinyl playback with its Esoteric MagneDrive system, the E1 phono stage preamplifier reveals the true sound of the MC cartridge with its unique balanced current input.
Vinyl is the most classic way of reproducing music, but the E1 is the next step in the quest for ever more exquisite realism, with bold infusion of new technology and creativity. Our aim is to move the souls of hi-fi enthusiasts with a sound that no one has ever heard from a vinyl playback system before. This is the spirit of the ‘Vinyl Renaissance’ that we seek.

Features

  • Unique MC Balanced Current Inputs (XLR x 3): Brings out the true sonic signature of MC cartridges.

  • Dedicated Optical Cartridge Input (RCA x 1): No Magnetic resistance applied to the vibration system.

  • Voltage Input for High-Output Voltage Cartridges (MM/High Output MC, RCA x 1)

  • Fully Balanced, Dual Mono Discrete Amplifier: Incorporates variable EQ and gain amplifier circuitry.

  • Wide Gain Adjustment Range: Matches cartridge output levels.

  • Six Selectable EQ Curves: RIAA, Columbia, Decca, NAB, Teldec, AES

  • Four Customizable EQ Presets: Adjustable by setting individual EQ parameters.

  • Reference EQ Settings Provided: Available in the owner’s manual.

  • Demagnetization Function: Demagnetizes the iron core of MC cartridges, restoring original sound quality.

  • Subsonic Filter: Reduces low frequencies caused by vinyl warping.

  • Mono Mode: Enables playback of monaural recordings.

  • Esoteric-HCLD Output Buffer Amplifier: Features a high slew rate of 2,000V/μs in parallel configuration.

  • ES-Link Analog System: Transmits all musical energy via a unique current transfer system.

  • Dual-Chassis Design: Separates the power supply/control unit from the main preamplifier unit for improved isolation.

  • Four Independent Power Supply Systems

  • Centralized Logic Controls: Integrates settings into the power supply unit, operable via remote control.

  • Premium Double-Sided Remote Control: Crafted from high-quality aluminum.

  • Highly Rigid Chassis: Constructed from heavy aluminum blocks.

  • Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sound openness.

  • Multi-Layered Chassis: Prevents interference among circuit components

  • Advanced Isolation Feet: Provides focused sound and an open soundstage.

Overview

– Vinyl Renaissance –
Following in the footsteps of the T1 turntable, which revolutionized the history of vinyl playback with its Esoteric MagneDrive system, the E1 phono stage preamplifier reveals the true sound of the MC cartridge with its unique balanced current input.
Vinyl is the most classic way of reproducing music, but the E1 is the next step in the quest for ever more exquisite realism, with bold infusion of new technology and creativity. Our aim is to move the souls of hi-fi enthusiasts with a sound that no one has ever heard from a vinyl playback system before. This is the spirit of the ‘Vinyl Renaissance’ that we seek.

Features

  • Unique MC Balanced Current Inputs (XLR x 3): Brings out the true sonic signature of MC cartridges.

  • Dedicated Optical Cartridge Input (RCA x 1): No Magnetic resistance applied to the vibration system.

  • Voltage Input for High-Output Voltage Cartridges (MM/High Output MC, RCA x 1)

  • Fully Balanced, Dual Mono Discrete Amplifier: Incorporates variable EQ and gain amplifier circuitry.

  • Wide Gain Adjustment Range: Matches cartridge output levels.

  • Six Selectable EQ Curves: RIAA, Columbia, Decca, NAB, Teldec, AES

  • Four Customizable EQ Presets: Adjustable by setting individual EQ parameters.

  • Reference EQ Settings Provided: Available in the owner’s manual.

  • Demagnetization Function: Demagnetizes the iron core of MC cartridges, restoring original sound quality.

  • Subsonic Filter: Reduces low frequencies caused by vinyl warping.

  • Mono Mode: Enables playback of monaural recordings.

  • Esoteric-HCLD Output Buffer Amplifier: Features a high slew rate of 2,000V/μs in parallel configuration.

  • ES-Link Analog System: Transmits all musical energy via a unique current transfer system.

  • Dual-Chassis Design: Separates the power supply/control unit from the main preamplifier unit for improved isolation.

  • Four Independent Power Supply Systems

  • Centralized Logic Controls: Integrates settings into the power supply unit, operable via remote control.

  • Premium Double-Sided Remote Control: Crafted from high-quality aluminum.

  • Highly Rigid Chassis: Constructed from heavy aluminum blocks.

  • Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sound openness.

  • Multi-Layered Chassis: Prevents interference among circuit components

  • Advanced Isolation Feet: Provides focused sound and an open soundstage.

 
  • Inputs

    Connectors

    XLR

    3 pairs (for MC current input)

    RCA

    1 pair (for MC/MM voltage input)

    OPTICAL (RCA)

    1 pair (for optical cartridges)

    RCA load resistance

    MC

    10 Ω, 50 Ω, 100 Ω, 200 Ω, 560 Ω

    MM

    47 kΩ

    RCA load capacitance

    MM

    100 pF, 220 pF, 320 pF

    Outputs

    Connectors

    XLR/ESL-Analog (switchable)

    1 pair

    RCA

    1 pair

    Output impedance

    XLR

    50 Ω

    RCA

    18 Ω

    Audio performance

    RIAA deviation

    ±0.3 dB

    Rated output

    XLR

    2 V

    RCA

    1 V

    Maximum output (1% distortion)

    XLR

    6.6 V (XLR, RCA input) / 12 V (OPTICAL input)

    RCA

    3.3 V (XLR, RCA input) / 6 V (OPTICAL input)

    Input sensitivity (1kHz)*

    MC (current input)

    1.2 mV

    MC (voltage input)

    0.5 mV

    MM (voltage input)

    10 mV

    OPTICAL

    50 mV

    Gain*

    MC (current input)

    65 dB (XLR output) / 59 dB (RCA output)

    MC (voltage input)

    72 dB (XLR output) / 66 dB (RCA output)

    MM (voltage input)

    46 dB (XLR output) / 40 dB (RCA output)

    OPTICAL

    32 dB (XLR output) / 26 dB (RCA output)

    Current gain adjustment range

    –9 to 0 dB (in 3 dB steps)

    Voltage gain adjustment range

    –6 to +4dB (in 2dB steps)

    Equalizer frequencies

    LOW LIMIT (Hz)

    50, 71, 100

    TURNOVER (Hz)

    800, 630, 500 (RIAA), 400, 350, 300, 250, FLAT

    ROLL OFF (10kHz dB)

    − 16, − 13.7 (RIAA), − 12.7, − 12, − 10.5, − 8, − 6, FLAT

    Total harmonic distortion

    MM

    0.008% (1kHz, 22k LPF, rated output)

    OPTICAL

    0.02% (1kHz, 22k LPF, rated output)

    Subsonic filter

    16 Hz, −6dB/octave

    General

    Power supply

    Model for Europe

    AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz

    Model for US/Canada

    AC 120 V, 60 Hz

    Power consumption

    48 W

    Power consumption (In standby)

    Remote control input (RS-232C) OFF

    0.3 W

    Remote control input (RS-232C) ON

    0.7 W

    External dimensions (W×H×D, including protrusions)

    Main unit
    445 × 131 × 445 mm / 17 ⅝” × 5 ¼” × 17 ⅝”

    Power supply/control unit
    445 × 131 × 451 mm / 17 ⅝” × 5 ¼” × 17 ⅞”

    Weight
    Main unit
    20.7 kg /45 ¾ lb
    Power supply/control unit
    23.4 kg / 51 ⅝ lb

    Included accessories
    AC power cord × 1
    DC power cord (male)× 2
    DC power cord (female)× 1
    Remote control (RC-1343)× 1
    Batteries for remote control × 2
    Owner’s manual × 1
    Warranty card × 1

    * [MC current input] measured with 0dB C.gain, 0dB Gain, and cartridge with 40Ω impedance
    [MM/MC voltage input] measured with 0dB Gain setting
    [OPTICAL] measured with HI Gain setting

    * Design and specification subject to change without notice.