N-05xd
 

Anyone know anything more about the new N-05XD. Looks like it will launch in the summer.

The promise of a unit that could replace a preamp, DAC, computer and network renderer with a single box is quite appealing.

I hope Esoteric reinstates the digital filters in future DACs I prefer to use the FIR filter rather than the default 'no' filter

On the filters, I doubt it. Now that they are using their FPGA dac module, they have changed from filters to processing algorithms. And honestly I can't even tell the difference between them (I have N-01XD).

good to know. do you know if these processing algorithms mimic traditional digital reconstruction filters?

It's a bit unclear. Search for the K-01XD review on Dagogo site. There is a lot of information in there, but here is a quote.

“The D/A converter operation mode used during PCM playback can be set to three types, M1, M2 or M3. This changes the Δ [Delta] Σ [Sigma] modulator operation frequency and randomization algorithm used to absorb hardware error. M1 is the Esoteric reference mode. The operation frequency of the Δ Σ modulator becomes progressively lower in order from M1 to M2 to M3. The replacement amount of the randomization algorithm increases progressively in order from M1 to M2 to M3. By default, the setting is M1.”

On the DSD settings, “A digital filter is used. F1, F2 and F3 are digital filters with different frequency responses. The cutoff frequency becomes progressively lower from F1 to F2 to F3.”

Sounds like other XD units. If so, for DSD filter settings the default is 'off' - no filter used.

The N-05XD has the following filter settings.

Digital filter setting during PCM playback
PCMF>***
Use this to set the digital filter during PCM playback . Set it as desired .
o By default, the setting is OFF . OFF
The digital filter is not used during PCM playback .
FIR
The FIR digital filter features a slow roll-off without pre-echo .
RDOT
This digital filter features a slow roll-off that uses a unique analog interpolation technique with a fluency function .
ΔΣ frequency setting during PCM playback
PCMΔΣ>***
The ΔΣ modulator operation frequency during PCM playback can be set to 64, 128, 256 or 512 .
Select the sound setting you prefer .
OFF
The ETHERNET port LED stays unlit .
ON
Digital filter setting during DSD playback
DSDF>***
Use this to set the digital filter during DSD playback . Set it as desired .
o By default, the setting is OFF . OFF
The digital filter is not used during DSD playback .
ON
The digital filter is used during DSD playback .
ETHERNET port LED setting
LanLED>***
Use this to set the ETHERNET port LED . When set to OFF, the ETHERNET port LED will not light, reducing the impact on audio quality .
o By default, the setting is OFF .
o Even when set to OFF, the LED will blink immediately after a LAN cable is connected and while the unit is initializing after being turned on (while “Initialize” displayed) .
o By default, the setting is 512 .
This sets the operation of the ΔΣ modulator as a frequency multiple
of 32, 44 .1 or 48 kHz .

Then

Digital filter setting during DSD playback
DSDF>***
Use this to set the digital filter during DSD playback . Set it as desired .
o By default, the setting is OFF . OFF
The digital filter is not used during DSD playback .
ON
The digital filter is used during DSD playback .

In my demo listening of the N-05XD, The only change that is clearly audible is when RDOT is enabled. It makes a definite impact. Not sure it’s better but it is surely different.