ESOTERIC | G-01 — MASTER CLOCK GENERATOR

Talk of flawless sound produced by an audio system connected together with a high precision master clock has been circulating between high-end audiophiles in various forms. As an example, the three dimensional effect of the sound stage gives the listener an actual feel of the high ceiling of a concert hall in addition to the width and depth of the original performance. The listener is treated to a pure and focused image of the playback sound that gives a sense of reality as if one could reach out and touch it. When the final note of the musical instrument fades away, you almost perceive the gradual silence like the color of a dark veil. This is truly an ultimate achievement of audio playback that “conveys music” so close to the original sound it leaves an unforgettable impression on the listener.

With the aim of enhancing the true potential of ESOTERIC digital players, the clock generator “G Series” was redesigned as a new generation of devices with improved functionality, power and flexibility.

The G-01 uses a high precision Rubidium oscillator with a frequency precision of ±0.05 pub (parts per billion) or ±0.00005 ppm which provides optimum stability as an audio clock. is next generation clock generator supports master clock outputs of 10 MHz and 22.5792 MHz.

Master Clock Generator

Every digital audio device operates with an internal circuit generating the clock signals, or heartbeat, required to operate that device. This master generator is an extremely stable oscillator that supplies external clocks to digital devices (such as a transport, D/A convertor, Super Audio CD player) equipped with clock input terminals. The master clock generator supplies clock signals with a higher degree of purity and stability than clocks generated internally by digital devices and vastly improves the sound quality. By operating connected devices off the same highly stable master clock, timing errors called jitter are virtually eliminated greatly improving imaging and dimensionality while darkening the background.

Ultrahigh Precision Rubidium Oscillator Installed as the Heart of the Unit

An American-made rubidium oscillator with a frequency precision of ±0.05 ppb = ±0.00005 ppm is used as the core of this extraordinarily accurate timing device. This oven-controlled oscillator significantly improves the performance of the clock generator. This oscillator module has been manufactured to ESOTERIC’s demanding specifications with sound quality and stability being given top priority. The sound quality one would expect from our best model in the master clock generator series has been achieved.

Newly-Designed Discrete Clock Output Driver Circuit Configuration

G-01 has adopted a newly designed discrete clock output driver circuit configuration. The circuit uses an ultra high-speed transistor that is optimal for generating digital waveforms for which ultrafast speed and a high degree of accuracy are required. Combined with a heavy-duty power supply, this circuit contributes to major improvements in sound quality by providing an accurate, stable timing signal to audio devices.

Aesthetic Rounded Form

Thick aluminum material is used for the front, side and top panels, as well as the front corners. The G-01 chassis design has inherited the tradition of the rest of the ESOTERIC product line with screw-less rounded top and corners. The appearance of G-01 is in perfect harmony with ESOTERIC digital players.

The front panel, engraved with the ESOTERIC logo, is finished off with a refined short scratch proof material and gives off an aura of dignity as the main component controlling the entire operation of a digital reproduction system.

ESOTERIC’s Original Gold-Plated BNC Ports

G-01 uses ESOTERIC’s original BNC ports that provide highly reliable contact. These durable and secure ports can handle even the heaviest and thickest high-end cables.

Power Section with Sufficient Capacity

The G-01 clock generator has a powerful power supply section that supports its basic performance. Three power supply circuit boards, a total of 15 power supply regulators, and independent power supplies for each circuit block have been installed to minimize mutual interference between circuit blocks and to supply clean energy to all parts. A large toroidal transformer, which enables highly efficient and high power actuation, is used as the main component in the power supply which is essential to the sound quality. An El core transformer is used in the display section. A series of multiple capacitors are used for a ripple filter circuit and Schottky barrier diodes are used for quick response supporting fast digital processing which assists the accuracy of the clock’s signal generation.

Three Separate Output Systems

G-01 can output 100 kHz and 10 MHz (sine wave) in addition to clock signals of 1x, 2x, 4x, and 512x multiples (22.5792 MHz/24.576 MHz) of the base frequency (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) from three separate A/B/C output sections. Moreover, in frequency expansion mode (EXP), G-01 can output 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, and 256x multiples of the clock frequency that enables it to supply clock signals to a wide range of devices, including professional audio or video equipment.

Each of these systems has two output ports supplying clock signals to a maximum of six devices. The output frequency can be set individually for each of the six ports from A1 to C2. If a single device is connected, all output ports other than the A1 port can be turned off. This feature has been added to avoid deterioration of sound quality occurring through unnecessary inter-component interference.

External 10 MHz/1pps Input

A 10 MHz or 1 pps reference signal can also be input externally by connecting an ultra high precision external clock. In addition to the input reference signal mode, the new “Rubidium + external input” mode is also available.

When a GPS receiver is connected to an external input terminal and the “Rubidium + external input” mode is selected, the internal rubidium oscillator is synchronized with higher center frequency precision, and allows more stable clock signal output from rubidium oscillator than the crystal controlled oscillator built into the external GPS receiver, which makes the most of advantages of a high precision GPS system.

10MHz Clock and 22.5792MHz Master Clock Outputs

G-01 can output a 10 MHz clock (sine wave or square wave) as well as 22.5792 and 24.576 MHz master clocks that are compatible with ESOTERIC’s original “Direct Master Clock Link.”

Superb Chassis Construction for Optimal Performance

Since the oscillator is generally susceptible to vibrations, chassis construction has been designed with the utmost care. G-01 has an extraordinarily thick and highly rigid aluminum chassis that minimizes the small vibrations that could affect clock precision.

 
CLOCK OUT

 
44.1kHz Setting
 
 
 
48kHz Setting
 
 
 
Both Settings
 
Connectors
 
Output Level

 
44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 352.8, 705.6kHz
1.4112, 2.8224, 5.6448, 11.2896, 22.5792MHz
 
48, 96, 192, 384, 768kHz
1.536, 3.072, 6.144, 12.288, 24.576MHz
 
100kHz, 10MHz
 
BNC Coaxial (75Ω)
 
Rectangular Wave (TTL level / 75 Ω)

 
10MHz OUT

 
Connectors
 
Output Level

 
BNC Coaxial (50Ω)
 
Sine Wave: 0.5 ± 0.1Vrms / 50Ω

 
Iput Frequency

 
Rb+EXT1pps Mode
 
Rb+EXT10M Mode
 
EXT 10M-IN Mode

 
1pps Signal (GPS precision or better)
 
10MHz (GPS precision or better)
 
10MHz (within ±10 ppm)

 
Connector

 
BNC Coaxial (50Ω)

 
Input Levels

 
10MHz
 
 
1pps Signal

 
Sine Wave: 0.5–1.0 Vrms/50Ω
Square Wave: 1.5–3.0 Vpp/50Ω
 
Positive Pulse, TTL Level/100kΩ

 
Until Oscillator Stabilizes After Power Turned On
 
PLL Locking Time
 
1pps Locking Time
 
Frequency Stability
 
Frequency Precision

 
10
 
1
 
10
 
Within ±0.1 ppb (-20°C to +65°C)
 
Within ±0.05 ppb (when shipped new)

 
Power Supply
 
 
Power Consumption
 
 
Dimensions (W × H × D, including protrusions)
 
Weight

AC 230V, 50Hz
AC 120V, 60Hz
AC 220V, 60Hz
 
85W (while warming up)
28W (when stable)
 
445 x 131 x 360 mm (17 1/2”x 5 1/8”x 14 1/8”)
 
13kg (28 1/2 lbs)

 
Power Cord
 
Owner’s Manual
 
Warranty Card

 
x 1
 
x 1
 
x 1