English version

Super Audio CD/CD Player - D/A Converter

SA-50

C a p t u r e t h e s o u l o f y o u r m u s i c

With our proprietary VOSP transport,

the latest 32 bit DAC, up-sampling / re-clocking function and USB connectiv i ty,

the SA-50 is a hybrid of our state-of-art cutt ing edge technologies.

Breaking boundaries of l istening style, the SA-50 brings out

a truly involving musical performance, and captures the soul of your music!

VOSP Mechanism VOSP (Vertically-aligned Optical Stability Platform), features a specially designed shaft-mounted laser pickup assembly. This pickup system evolved from ESOTERIC's P-01 and P-03 trans-ports. This pickup design ensures that the laser optical axis is always at the center of the data track for optimal reading capa-bility. With VOSP implementation, no off axis error correction is needed because no off axis data tracking is allowed. The VOSP mechanism is rigidly clamped by a steel plate and a large diam-eter stabilizer made of 8mm-thick steel for superior anti-resonance and anti-vibration properties.Full 32 bit processing D/A converterThe SA-50 features the latest 32 bit processing "AK4392" advanced multi-bit DAC device produced by Asahi Kasei EMD. The AK4392 has a highly precise D/A conversion capability with extended 32 bit processing throughout all output stages. The 32 bit processor also has enough room for 24 bit or lower data flow, and greatly contributes to a "three-dimensional" soundstage. The SA-50 uses 1 chip per channel, in a dual mono configura-tion gaining maximum performance out of the 32 bit AK4392. With this implementation, high purity digital signals are converted to well defined, high-density analog signals. Highly advanced digital conversion capabilityThe SA-50 has a highly advanced pre-D/A stage digital to digital signal conversion capability fully utilizing the 32 bit digital processor on board. PCM up-convert function is available for PCM signals read from Redbook CDs, and PCM up-conversion capability is allowed from other external digital devices. Oversampling frequency is select-

able from original Fs, ×2 (64 / 88.2 / 96 kHz) or Fs, ×4 (128 / 176.4 / 192 kHz). The SA-50 can also convert PCM signal to DSD signal. As for Super Audio CD, not only processing native DSD signals directly into analog signals, the SA-50 can also convert the DSD signal into a PCM signal, with oversampling frequency selectable from ×2 (88.2 kHz) or ×4 (176.4 kHz). These functions provide a wide range of options to match to your hi-fi system, or your general listening preferences based on your choice of software.USB and digital inputs The SA-50 is a CD/SACD player and is also highly capable as a standalone 32 bit D/A converter providing 3 digital inputs. (COAX, OPTICAL, USB). PC connectivity via the USB interface will provide audiophile playback quality to your hard drive based streaming audio media.Dual PLL circuits reduce jitter when connected to external digital source devicesThe SA-50 shares dual stage PLL jitter reduction with the ESOTERIC D-05 D/A converter, and is highly capable as a stand-alone D/A converter / re-clocker, when connected with CD trans-ports, media servers, or other external digital devices. The second stage PLL circuit has its own voltage controlled crystal clock, and re-clocks the signal produced by the first stage PLL circuit. Dual PLL circuits, with two different characteristic responses in jitter reduction effectively purify the input digital signal. 32 bit digital volume attenuator The SA-50 features a 32 bit digital volume attenuator. Wide 32-bit headroom ensures highly precise volume attenuation for

disc or digitally input data playback without degrading the signal. As a result, the SA-50 can be used as a digital preamplifier, connecting directly to a power amplifier.High quality 2 channel dedicated analog audio outputPrecise imaging and deeper sound stage The analog audio output circuits are in a dual mono configura-tion producing excellent channel separation. 2 channel dedicated circuit design further enhances precise imaging, transparency, separation and depth of soundstage. RCA (single-ended), output or XLR (fully-balanced), output is selectable. The analog signal path that is not used can be completely de-activated. XLR terminal pin assignment is user selectable between 2 pin hot or 3 pin hot*.*The hot pin is fixed to 2 pin hot for dual (RCA + XLR), output mode.

Rich and high speed power supply capability The large custom designed toroidal transformer, has a very highly efficient power supply capability. This provides electrical power to the drive mechanism and audio circuits very quickly, without adding noise or distortion to the signal path.

Word synchronization The SA-50 features a WORD SYNC input terminal to accept an incoming external WORD clock signal* from an optional external master clock. The incoming ultra-stable clock signal produced by an external master clock sync generator (ESOTERIC G-03X or G-0Rb), effectively upgrade the unit; delivering higher perfor-mance with better acoustic transparency, greater separation and a wider sound stage. *The SA-50 will not accept an external clock input signal when used only in its DAC

operating mode.

Highly rigid chassis construction for optimal resonance control capability The extra thick aluminum front panel and T5mm aluminum top and side panels help the unit to control unwanted vibrations and resonance. The bottom chassis features a heavy duty 5mm thick steel plate combined with three pinpoint isolation feet made of quenched steel. This base design helps to provide a level platform that is vibration free. Highest order resonance-control functionality is accomplished through this engineering in a contemporary audiophile design.

[ Specifications ] Compatible disc types ; Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible) [Audio output (Analog Audio) ] XLR (2 channel) x 1 ,RCA(2 channel)×1 | Output impedance ; XLR: 100 ohms, RCA: 100 ohms | Maximum Output level (1kHz, full scale, 10k ohms) ; XLR: 2.2Vrms, RCA: 2.2Vrms | Frequency response ; 5Hz to 40kHz (SA-CD) | Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) ; 130dB | Total harmonic distortion ; 0.001% (1kHz) [Audio output (Digital Audio) ] Optical x 1 , Coaxial x 1 | Digital audio input ; Optical x 1 , Coaxial x 1, USB x 1 (port B connector, USB 1.1 or higher) [Word Synchronization input format] BNC | Input impedance ; 75 ohms•The SA-50 can accept and synchronize to the following frequencies received from external clock devices (rectangular wave): 44.1kHz, 88.2kHz, 176.4kHz, 100kHz[General] Power supply ; AC 230V 50Hz, AC 120V 60Hz, AC 220V 60Hz | Power consumption ; 15W | External dimensions (W x H x D ,including protrusions) ; 442 x 153 x 353 mm (17 3/8 " x 6 " x 13 7/8 ") | Weight ; 18kg (39 11/16 lb)•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. •Weight and dimensions are approximate. •Illustrations may differ slightly from production models. •This product is available in three different power supply variations shown above. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area. •The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

ESOTERIC COMPANY1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan Fax: (042)356-9240 www.esoteric.jpwww.teac.com/esoteric/

Please note that Esoteric products are available at limited distributors in respective countries. " ESOTERIC " and " VOSP " are trademarks of TEAC Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders ©2009 TEAC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. All text, images, graphics and other materials on this catalogue are subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of TEAC Corporation. These materials shall not directly or indirectly be published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. " Super Audio CD " is a registered trademark. Audio4proTM and Audio4pro logo are trade marks of Asahi Kasei EMD Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. PRINTED IN JAPAN 0409L05•TECD-0088

Horizontal movement

Pickup LensGuide pin at center

Magnet for pickupfloating x 2

Vertical movement

VOSP (Vertically aligned Optical Stability Platform) Mechanism Shaft-mounted laser pickup assembly