Japanese high-end audio specialist Esoteric has refreshed its best-selling two-box amplifier system, announcing the new N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier and S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier.

Due to ship globally in the Spring, the new ‘XE’ models represent the next evolution of the company’s 05 Series – positioned as Esoteric’s most accessible entry point into its luxury hi-fi range – while drawing heavily on technology from its flagship Grandioso lineup.

Priced at US$13,000 for the N-05XE and US$13,500 for the S-05XE (Australian pricing yet to be confirmed), the pairing is designed to deliver a complete high-end stereo system in just two components.

The N-05XE combines a network streamer, fully discrete DAC, dual-mono balanced preamplifier and headphone amplifier in a single chassis – the only Esoteric product to integrate all four functions.

At its core is the company’s next-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2, an FPGA-based design derived from the Grandioso N1 and featuring separate processing algorithms for PCM and DSD audio.

Streaming is handled by Esoteric’s G4 network engine, supporting Ethernet and optical SFP connections. Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Roon are supported, alongside high-resolution Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX HD. A front USB-C port enables direct connection to smartphones and portable players.

The matching S-05XE is a pure Class A stereo power amplifier delivering 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 60 watts into 4 ohms. In bridged mode, output rises to 120 watts into 8 ohms.

Internally, it features a newly designed fully symmetrical balanced input buffer, a 1,000VA toroidal-core transformer and dual-mono power supply smoothing circuits.

Both units are hand-built in Tokyo and will be available in silver or black finishes.