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MC Balanced Current Input – Technology
MC cartridges use smaller coils than MM cartridges to keep vibrating systems lighter and capable of picking up finer musical details. As a result, the output “voltage” is generally about 1/20th of that of MM cartridges. However, the MC cartridge, with its low-impedance coil and powerful magnet outside the vibrating system, can output a much higher “current” than the MM cartridge. In other words, the MC cartridge is a power generator that excels at delivering power in the form of “current” rather than “voltage.”
In the case of a conventional “voltage input,” the original rich current is converted by the load resistance into a tiny voltage signal of about 1/20th of that of an MM cartridge, resulting in various issues, such as S/N degradation due to the need for large amplification in the following stage, losses due to resistance, and unwanted changes in sonic characteristics due to impedance mismatch. On the other hand, the MC balanced current input allows the high power (high current) of the MC cartridge to be fed directly into the discrete amplifier, enabling the most efficient signal extraction without loss. Additionally, by feeding both ends (+/–) of the MC cartridge’s coil into a balanced amplifier, a signal can be extracted without noise. By using transistors originally designed for current amplification in the gain element, the E1 further enhances design rationality.
Optical Cartridge Input
Optical pickup cartridges use an internal LED and a light receiver (PD: photodiode) to optically detect the movement of the cantilever and output it as an analog music signal. The E1 is equipped with a pair of RCA input sockets dedicated to optical cartridges. Since optical cartridges require completely different amplification and equalization methods compared to MM/MC cartridges, the E1 includes an independent, dedicated, fully balanced/dual mono phono stage preamplifier. This unique balanced/dual mono phono stage preamp circuit with an external power supply, discrete low-feedback power regulator, allows you to enjoy the crisp sound of an optical cartridge at the highest possible quality.
Fully Balanced / Dual Mono / Discrete
Variable EQ, Gain Amplifier Circuitry
Signals from the MC balanced current input and the MM/MC voltage input are amplified and EQ’d by a two-stage variable EQ gain amplifier circuit shared by each input. The amplification system uses a CR type for natural sound quality. We have achieved high sound quality through careful component selection and a fully balanced, dual mono, discrete configuration. The amplification gain can be finely adjusted to suit the phono cartridge.
Variable EQ Curve Selection
Despite its simple and elegant appearance, the E1 is capable of adjusting various EQ curves at the level of professional studio equipment. Six typical EQ curves (RIAA, Columbia, Decca, NAB, Teldec and AES) can be recalled at the touch of a button on the remote control. Additionally, up to four custom EQ settings can be preset by individually adjusting three EQ parameters (Low Limit, Turnover, and Roll-Off). Reference values for setting the various EQ curves are provided in the owner’s manual to help you achieve the best sound quality from any vinyl.
Four Independent Power Supplies
The power/control unit is separated from the main unit to form an extremely large 4-system independent power supply and is connected to the main unit via three dedicated DC cables. The power supply for the MC/MM phono stage uses a complete dual-mono configuration with independent power transformers and rectifiers on the left and right sides. The phono stage for optical cartridges and the control circuits also have their own dedicated power supply sections. These four independent power supply systems prevent mutual interference between circuits, enhancing the E1’s pure and powerful reproduction capabilities.
Main unit
Power supply/control unit
Unique Pinpoint Isolation Foot (Patent No. JP 4075477, 3778108, and 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.
