ESOTERIC N-05XE NETWORK DAC PREAMPLIFIER AND S-05XE CLASS A STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER LAUNCHED
Japanese HiFi brand Esoteric has announced two new components, the Esoteric N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier and Esoteric S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier, marking the evolution of what the company describes as its best-selling pairing into a new “XE” series.
Both models are scheduled for international availability from Spring 2026 and will be offered in silver or black finishes.
ESOTERIC N-05XE NETWORK DAC PREAMPLIFIER
The Esoteric N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier combines network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and preamplification in a single chassis. It is built around a fully dual-mono architecture, with left and right analogue and power supply circuits kept independent. Esoteric positions the N-05XE as a compact control centre designed to minimise system complexity while maintaining flexibility, with multiple digital inputs, network playback, and a built-in headphone amplifier.
At the heart of the N-05XE is Esoteric’s Master Sound Discrete DAC G2, an FPGA-based design that avoids the use of off-the-shelf DAC chips. Separate processing algorithms are employed for PCM and DSD signals, and native DSD playback is supported up to 22.5MHz. Network functionality is handled by the company’s G4 network engine, which includes an SFP port for optical network connections, a linear power supply, and support for a wide range of file formats and streaming services, including Roon, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect.
PREAMP AND HEADPHONE OUTPUTS
The preamplifier section of the Esoteric N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier uses a dual-mono, dual-balanced topology derived from Esoteric’s Grandioso range, with a dedicated power supply for the volume control stage. A newly designed headphone amplifier operates in a dual-mono, parallel single-ended configuration and provides both 4-pin XLR and 6.3mm outputs. Additional features include a front-panel USB-C input for portable devices, Bluetooth reception with high-definition codecs, and provision for an external 10MHz master clock.
SPECIFICATIONS
Esoteric N-05XE Specifications
Network Section: Ethernet Port × 1 SFP Port × 1 USB Drive Ports × 2
(Type-A、Type-C)
Clock Input: BNC×1
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 30kHz (-3dB)
S/N Ratio: 109dB (A-Weight)
Distortion: 0.001% (1kHz)
Supported Bluetooth: LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm®aptX ™ HD audio, Qualcomm®aptX ™
Power Supply:
AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz (Europe)
AC 120 V, 60 Hz (US/Canada)
AC 220 V, 60 Hz (Korea)
AC 230 V, 50 Hz (Hong Kong)
Codecs: Audio, AAC, SBC
Digital Audio Inputs: XLR × 1 RCA × 2 Optical × 2 USB × 2 (Type-B、Type-C)
Power Consumption: 30W (Stand-by: 0.3W)
Analogue Audio Inputs: XLR/ES-Link Analogue × 1 Pair RCA × 1 Pair
Analogue Audio Outputs: XLR/ES-Link Analogue × 1 Pair ES-Link Analogue Pre-Out × 1 Pair RCA × 1 Pair
Headphone Outputs: ¼” (6.3mm) Phone Jack × 1 4-Pin XLR × 1
Maximum Ouput Power: 1,200 mW + 1,200 mW / 32Ω
Compatible Impedance: 16 to 600 Ω
External Dimensions : 445×131×377mm (W×H×D) (Including Protrusions）
Weight: 13.6kg
ESOTERIC S-05XE CLASS A STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
Partnering the N-05XE is the Esoteric S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier, a fully dual-mono design housed in a single chassis. The amplifier operates in pure Class A up to 30W per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 60W into 4 ohms, with a bridged mode option offering higher output. A large 1,000VA toroidal transformer and independent power-supply smoothing circuits for each channel form the basis of the power supply.
CIRCUIT AND BUILD
The S-05XE features a newly developed symmetrical balanced input buffer amplifier and a three-parallel push-pull output stage using high-power bipolar transistors. Esoteric has kept negative feedback to a minimum and includes its proprietary ES-Link analogue current transmission for use with compatible components. Mechanical design elements include a semi-floating top panel, wave-shaped heat sinks, and the company’s patented isolation feet. Like the N-05XE, the amplifier is manufactured in Tokyo.
SPECIFICATIONS
Esoteric S-05XE Specifications
Rated Output Power: 30 W + 30 W (8Ω, Class A) 60 W + 60 W (4Ω) 120 W (BTL Mode, 8Ω)
Analogue Audio Inputs: ES-Link Analogue × 1 Pair RCA × 1 Pair
XLR × 1 Pair
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 100kHz (+0dB, -3dB, 8Ω)
S/N Ratio: 104dB (IHF-A, XLR)
Distortion: 0.007% (1kHz, 8Ω, 30W)
Compatible Speaker: 4Ω to 16Ω
Impedance: 8Ω to 16Ω (BTL Mode）
Gain: 28.5dB (BTL Mode: 34.5dB)
Power Supply:
AC 230 V, 50 Hz (Europe)
AC 120 V, 60 Hz (US/Canada)
Power Consumption: 215 W (195 W when no signal)
External Dimensions: 445 × 191 × 443 mm (W×H×D): (Including Protrusions）
Weight: 25.6 kg
ESOTERIC N-05XE AND ESOTERIC S-05XE AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
Both the Esoteric N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier and S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier are due to ship internationally in Spring 2026. Recommended retail prices, as stated by Esoteric, are USD $13,000 for the N-05XE and USD $13,500 for the S-05XE, regardless of finish.
HiFi PiG Says: Fantastic looking new evolution from Esoteric.
