The Esoteric Grandioso C1X is the Japanese company's reference stereo preamplifier , built in two separate chassis : the control unit with the audio circuits and a 29 kg linear power supply. Physically separating the power supply, a source of vibration and noise, from the signal path helps achieve a transparent soundstage together with full dynamics. The structure is monophonic throughout: the two channels remain independent from the inputs to the amplification stages, up to the power supply with two mains cables and two DC outputs.
The volume uses the Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System with the proprietary UFA-1792 module : 1.120 0,1 dB steps, versus the 100 0,5 dB steps of the previous Grandioso C1, with the purity of a fixed resistance attenuator and the smoothness of a potentiometer. The four-section QVCS circuit has been completely revamped, and the amplification is based on the new IDM-01 discrete module . The configuration is HOT/COLD balanced on the shortest possible path; even unbalanced inputs are balanced immediately after the input via an HCLD buffer, and a copper bar on the input board reduces crosstalk.
Two independent ES-Link Analog outputs and two independent XLR outputs are driven by parallel Esoteric-HCLD buffers with a slew rate of 2.000 V/µs, backed by a bank of 250.000.000 µF EDLC supercapacitors per channel adjacent to the buffer for instantaneous current peaks and low surges. Input switching uses FET switches rated at 3 A nominal and 12 A instantaneous instead of relays, and the control logic is shielded, optocoupler-isolated, and powered down when not needed.
Can the Grandioso C1X be used to drive multiple power amps in bi-amp configuration? Yes: the output drive capability is specifically designed for bi-amped or multi-amped systems, and with Grandioso power amps the ES-Link Analog connection carries the current signal all the way to the power stage. ES-Link Analog is the proprietary Esoteric link to trasmissionand current: with an output of approximately 1 kohm and a 0 ohm input, it allows a current approximately 100 times higher to flow through the cable than a normal voltage connection and makes the signal independent of the cable impedance. The three XLR inputs can be individually switched to ES-Link Analog for sources such as SACD players. Great K1X and the DAC Great D1X; ES-Link Analog outputs can be converted to RCA upon request.
The power supply employs a total of five large transformers, large capacitors, and Schottky diodes, with multi-deck construction separating the transformers from the circuit boards, laser-cut slots under the transformers, and patented Pinpoint feet; the circuit boards and covers are semi-floating. Features include input gain (±18 dB in 0,1 dB steps), balance (±6 dB), AV input through, editable source labels, and a RC-1334 aluminum remote control with double-sided buttons. The knobs, machined from solid metal, rotate on bearings derived from the VRDS transports.
