L'Esoteric Grandioso C1X Solo is the stereo line preamplifier of the Grandioso series in a single 27,5 kg frame. It brings the technologies of the C1X into the same chassis: the volume Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System, the amplifier module IDM-01 and the high current outputs. The circuit is dual mono and double balanced, with four attenuators per channel; all inputs are balanced and transferred internally at low impedance, with no crosstalk between channels or level imbalances.
The module UFA-1792 integrates a switched resistor attenuator into an integrated circuit and adjusts the volume in 1.120 0,1 dB steps, versus approximately 100 0,5 dB steps for a typical module. The module IDM-01 (Integrated Discrete-Amplifier Module) combines the freedom of choice of components of a discrete circuit with the very short paths of an integrated module. Buffers work at the output. Esoteric-HCLD in parallel, with 180 MHz bandwidth and slew rate of 2.000 V/µs, powered by two toroidal transformersdali dedicated, one per channel.
There are five transformers in total, one for each section: left and right inputs, left and right outputs (toroidali) and control (R core), flanked by custom Grandioso high-capacity capacitors and Schottky diodes. The inputs are switched by toggle switches Fet 3 A continuous and 12 A instantaneous instead of relay-based, while the control logic is shielded, isolated with optocouplers, and switched off when not needed. When switched on, the volume returns to the previous level and input changes are faded in.
What is the difference between the Grandioso C1X Solo and the Grandioso C1X? The C1X has the power supply in a second 29 kg chassis with double network cable, the C1X Solo integrates it in the same chassis; the declared performances are the same: response from 1 Hz to 150 kHz, S/N ratio of 120 dB, 0,00035% distortion and 12 dB gain. The two XLR outputs and the two ES-Link Analog allow you to drive multiple power amps in bi-amplification, and the three XLR inputs also accept Esoteric ES-Link Analog sources. ES-Link Analog is the proprietary Esoteric link to trasmissionand current: with an output of about 1 kohm and an input of 0 ohm it makes a current flow in the cable about 100 times higher than that of a normal voltage connection and makes the signal independent of the impedance of the cable.
The chassis uses solid aluminum blocks for the enclosure, a semi-floating lid , and Esoteric's patented feet with integrated spikes and bases. The volume and selector knobs are machined from solid aluminum and rotate on bearings developed for VRDS mechanics . The RC-1334 aluminum remote control, with double-sided buttons, also controls Esoteric's digital sources.
