X05

About the X05

The Esoteric X-05, manufactured from 2006-2008 by Teac Esoteric in Japan, is a premium SACD/CD player renowned for its VRDS-NEO 'VMK-5' transport with precision aluminum/polycarbonate turntable, differential gearing disc loading, short spindle shaft, and frequency generation sensor for stable rotation and minimal vibration. It employs dual-mono Cirrus Logic CS-4398 24-bit/192kHz DACs with dual-mono analog output circuits for superior channel separation, imaging, and soundstage. The robust chassis features heavy extruded aluminum front, 5mm thick steel plates, toroidal transformer on isolation base, and pinpoint feet. Analog outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. No digital inputs; standalone disc player only. Available in silver/black/titanium finishes with RC-1156 remote. Praised for neutral tonality, refined highs, dense mids, controlled bass, macro dynamics, and musicality.