Esoteric Launches Grandioso N1
Ultimate Network Streamer Powered by Next-Generation Discrete DAC & Network Audio Engine

Tokyo, Japan (September 12, 2025) – Esoteric proudly launches the Grandioso Nl, the ultimate network streamer powered by next-generation discrete DAC and network audio engine. The product will be internationally available for shipment in November 2025.

Grandioso Nl ⸺ Key Features

Network Streamer/ DAC: Designed for High-End digital music streaming and file playback.
4th-Generation Esoteric Network Engine G4: Supports native DSD 22.5 MHz playback; equipped with

SFP port.
Master Sound Discrete DAC G2: New-generation FPGA based Multi-Level ΔΣ DAC, fully designed and

manufactured in-house using precisely selected discrete components.
ES-Link Analog: Esoteric’s proprietary current signal link with preamp, provides super authentic sound.
Independent ×5 Linear Power Supplies (Dual Mono DACs/Network/Digital Audio/Microcomputer):

Provides powerful clear sound.
Low-Feedback Discrete DC Power Regulator: Contributes to live and open sound quality.
External Power Supply Connectivity: Compatible with the Grandioso PSl, offering upgradability for

even higher sound quality.
ES-Link5: Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wideband HDMI cable link with Grandioso P1X SE SACD transport.
Wide Range of Digital Connectivity: ES-Link5 × l[L/R], USB ×1, XLR ×1, Coax ×1, Opt × 1.
Music Server Function: Two USB drives can be connected.
Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player: Ultra-high precision internal clock circuit
10 MHz Clock Sync Capability: Compatible with the Grandioso GlX master clock.
Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA MP3, AAC.
Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet.
Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify.
Multi-Layer Chassis: Prevents interference between circuit components.
Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sonic openness.
Advanced Isolation Feet: Provides focused sound and an open soundstage.

Master Sound Discrete DAC G2

Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 ⸺ Key Features

FPGA-Based, Multi-Level ΔΣ D/A Converter: Designed and manufactured fully in-house.
Proprietary 64-bit/512-Fs ΔΣ Modulator: One of the most powerful processing capabilities in the industry.
Unique Discrete Circuit: Completed without using conventional DAC chipsets.
FPGA Digital Processing Algorithms: Independently optimized for DSD and PCM, with

dedicated algorithms developed separately for each format.
Industrial-Grade, Ultra-High-Precision MELF Resistor Elements
Manufactured in the Esoteric Factory: One of the world’s premier PCB mounting facilities,

equipped with oxygen-free reflow furnaces and hospital-grade clean rooms.
Extensive Use of Audio-Grade Components: Including Esoteric’s exclusive IDM-01 amplifier elements.
Newly Designed, High Power/ Low Noise, Resistor Switching Flip-Flop, Circuit [G2]
Redesigned Power Supply [G2]: Extensively separated FPGA power lines, and hot/cold analog

power lines, achieving ultimate supply purity.

** [G2]: New Features of the G2 (Generation 2)

Grandioso Nl ⸺ Specifications

Digital audio inputs

ES-LINK × 1
XLR × 1
RCA × 1
Optical × 1
USB TYPE-B × 1
SFP × 1
ETHERNET × 1
USB DRIVE × 2

Analog audio outputs

XLR/ES-Link Analog × 1 pair
RCA × 1 pair

Clock sync input

BNC × 1 (50Ω, 10MHz)

External control input

12V Trigger × 1
(3.5mm mono mini jack)

Audio performance

Frequency responce: 5Hz to 30kHz (–3dB)
S/N ratio: 113dB (A-Weight)
Distortion: 0.001% (1kHz)

General

Power supply:
AC220–240V, 50/60Hz (Europe)
AC120V, 60Hz (USA/Canada)
AC220V, 60Hz (Korea)
Power consumption: 38W
Standby power: 0.3W
External dimensions (W×H×D):
445 × 162 × 447mm / 17 ⅝” × 6 ½” × 17 ⅝” (including protrusions)
Weight: 27.8kg / 61 ⅜ lbs.
Included accessories: Power cord × 1, Cap for DC IN terminal × 2, Owner’s manual, Warranty card

**Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Grandioso N1 Product Overview

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A Symphony of Majesty and Elegance

In music, Grandioso represents more than just a style. It embodies grandeur, majesty, and a sense of dignified brilliance. It’s a term that resonates with those who seek  perfection, capturing the essence of something truly extraordinary.

Esoteric Grandioso series draws inspiration from this musical ideal, delivering audio experiences that are nothing short of majestic. Crafted for connoisseurs who demand  the pinnacle of performance, it transforms every listening moment into a masterpiece.

Grandioso N1 + Grandioso PSI

Since its founding in 1987, Esoteric has been a trailblazer in high-end audio innovation, earning global recognition as the pinnacle of Japanese audio excellence. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of master sound reproduction, Esoteric combines groundbreaking audio engineering with an unwavering pursuit of perfection.

Each Esoteric masterpiece is a testament to “museum-quality” craftsmanship, where precision engineering seamlessly blends with artistry. Esoteric products are not merely audio equipment; they are works of art, designed to celebrate the beauty of music in its purest form. Every detail from cutting-edge audio technologies to breathtakingly elegant designs is crafted to honor the dignity of music reproduction.

In classical music, a phrase that indicates how a piece of music should be played is called an expression mark. For example, "cantabile" (as if singing), "legato" (smoothly), and so on. A flagship model should have the dignity and stature of a top-of-the-line product We named it "grandioso" (grand, majestic, dignified), which we likened to the expression mark of classical music.

Since its launch in 2013, the Grandioso series has established itself as an icon of innovation in high-end audio, introducing a number of groundbreaking technologies. These include the legendary Super Audio CD transport mechanism VRDS-ATLAS, the proprietary Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock built on unique discrete circuitry, the advanced Esoteric Network Engine G4, the revolutionary Esoteric MagneDrive System, the MC Balanced Current Input System, and the ES-Link 5 /ES-Link Analog signal transmission technologies.

The Grandioso Nl is a Network Streamer/ DAC designed to deliver the finest high-quality streaming audio. It incorporates the newly developed Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 converter circuit and the Esoteric Network Engine G4, originally developed for the flagship Grandioso NlT.

Esoteric first introduced the unique Master Sound Discrete DAC in 2019. Now redesigned as the G2 (Generation 2), it has evolved to new heights while preserving its renowned musicality.

The next-generation Esoteric Network Engine G4 features an SFP port and delivers powerful processing capabilities with high-fidelity sound worthy of a true flagship model.

Meticulously engineered, the Grandioso Nl follows the design philosophy of the Grandioso series. Though housed in a single stereo chassis, its internal DAC employs a fully dual-mono configuration with completely independent power supply sections for left and right channels. The large-scale architecture incorporates five independent linear power supplies dedicated to the left and right DACs, the network engine, the digital circuitry, and the microcomputer circuitry. This configuration achieves a smooth, full-bodied sound reminiscent of vinyl playback.

Your Gateway to the World of Music — From the comfort of your listening chair, the Grandioso Nl connects you to all the music in the world. Stream effortlessly and immerse yourself in a luxurious musical journey with breathtaking sound quality.

Master Sound Discrete DAC G2
Bringing Out All the Dynamics and Energy of Music

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is a fully in-house-designed, FPGA-based, multi-level ΔΣ (delta-sigma) D/A converter built with meticulously selected discrete components. The ultimate goal is to effortlessly reproduce the true dynamics and power of music, far surpassing the limitations of conventional DAC IC chips. Its large-scale circuit design comprises 32 elements per channel and features completely independent key components. Breathtakingly powerful, dynamic, and musical, this architecture delivers the ultimate pure listening experience, without compromise.

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 supports the latest high-resolution digital formats, including 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz PCM signals. To achieve D/A conversion that fully matches the unique characteristics of both DSD and PCM, dedicated FPGA digital processing algorithms have been independently developed for each format

The DAC employs ultra-high-precision MELF resistors and IDM-01 amplification elements. By integrating these selected discrete components, the Grandioso N1 achieves sound quality marked by vivid live presence, superb dynamics, and an organic, natural texture.

Esoteric’s advanced board-mounting technologies cultivated through the production of circuit boards for the audio, medical, aerospace, and defense industries ensure the exceptional manufacturing quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.

Evolution to G2 (Generation2)

The second-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is the result of our commitment to achieving new heights in sound quality.

High-Power/ Low-Noise, Newly Designed Flip-Flop Circuit
In the upstream digital domain (the circuit that converts digital signals from the CPU into analog current signals by passing them through resistor elements), the Flip-Flop IC controlling the on/off state of these resistor elements has been redesigned for optimized performance. The addition of capacitors near the IC further improves current supply speed and reduces noise.

Even Purer Separate Power Supply Lines
A new approach was adopted that involved separating the power supply lines for the FPGA and the other digital domain circuits, as well as the hot and cold power supplies for the analog domains. Each section is powered by its own power regulator. Reconstructing the power lines further improved sound purity.

Dual Buffer Circuit Equivalent to the Grandioso DlX SE
The analog output buffer amplifier, Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver), boasts an astonishing high-speed slew rate of 2,000 V/µs. The number of HCLD components has been doubled, implementing the same dual-buffer configuration (four circuits per channel) as used in the Grandioso DlX SE. This design further strengthens current output, delivering ultra-fast attack and enhanced dynamics. 

The Grandioso Nl is equipped with the 4th generation Esoteric Network Engine G4, a top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship network player/ DAC. The G4 engine features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections.
 

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is a concentrated embodiment of the design philosophy unique to high-end products. It boasts a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply, ensuring signal purity. Each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings. Moving beyond conventional switching power supplies, Esoteric incorporates premium components such as a large toroidal transformer, custom capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and other oversized parts. This meticulous engineering results in a sound that is smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed.

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is equipped with a built-in network switch function and has two network interfaces: an Ethernet RJ45 connector and an SFP port. By connecting the N1 to an external network switch using an SFP module and fiber optic cable, you can isolate the signal from network noise, achieving unparalleled purity in playback. Alternatively, a metal cable connection using a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) can simplify the network signal path by reducing the number of circuits involved. For maximum flexibility, both the RJ45 and SFP ports can be used simultaneously, tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements.