Esoteric F-01 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The large-scale, balanced dual mono preamp comparable to a separate preamp, comes standard with three ES-Link Analog inputs that allow our proprietary current-based signal input from the Esoteric K/N Series digital source players for a live listening experience as if monitored directly from a recording studio analog console. The new F Series also features a unique "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System", and the power supply section of the preamplifier has been further upgraded. Other key preamp features include a fully balanced headphone amplifier, dual mono phonostage preamp, and a high-quality 3-band balanced tone control.

The F-01 can also be expanded into a multi-amplifier system by connecting the S-05 power amplifier to the ES-Link Analog pre-outs. For even higher sound quality, an optional PS-01F external power supply dedicated to the preamp (to be announced) can be connected. This unique design, which seems to contradict the integrated concept, is a testament to the F-01's high expandability and is the best proof that the built-in fully balanced dual mono preamp is designed with an uncompromising emphasis on quality.

Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System

In preamp design, the amplitude of the audio signal is proportional to the supply voltage of the active attenuator. In other words, a system with a low supply voltage will not allow sufficient amplitude of the audio signal, resulting in suppressed dynamic range and an unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio. The heart of the preamp, the attenuator circuit, features the "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System" used in the Grandioso C1X. This proprietary Esoteric system is designed with a high supply voltage to maximize dynamics and greatly improve the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, even though it is a stepped attenuator circuit, the 0.1dB/1,120 steps (more than 10 times the number of steps of a typical preamp) allow for silky smooth and detailed volume adjustment.

The UFA-1792 stepped attenuator module, is an Esoteric’s proprietary module designed with advanced and super modern process technology. In order to achieve the amazingly fine step of 0.1dB, the myriad of resistors inside are manufactured under the most stringent quality control. Esoteric engineers uncompromisingly examined all materials, circuit patterns, and layout, and created independent power / ground signal paths for each circuit block inside the module to achieve high performance and high sound quality, one of the benchmarks of modern preamp module design.

Balanced Dual Mono Headphone Amplifier

The headphone amplifier is a major evolution from the previous F Series. To respond to new listening styles with exceptional reproduction quality, Esoteric has concentrated its amplifier design technology and wisdom to achieve the highest peak. The circuit design is a fully balanced dual mono design that follows the linestage preamp design, with a balanced output (4-pin XLR) and an unbalanced outputs (6.3mm). With its fully balanced power output of 600mW (into a 32Ω load), this superlative headphone amplifier powerfully drives high impedance headphones with plenty of headroom to spare. The amplifier gain can be also adjustable from 0 to +18dB with 3dB increments to match with the connected headphones.

Dual Mono Phonostage Preamp

The F-01 also responds to analog playback with quality, featuring dual mono phonostage preamp (MM/MC) with independent L/R circuits. The left and right power supplies are also independent, ensuring perfect channel separation.

3-Band Balanced Tone Control (Treble / Middle / Bass)

The tone control is configured with a balanced dual mono circuit, focusing on the quality as a high-end device. Sound quality can be adjusted without worrying about sound degradation. The tone control can be separately preset for each input source. Treble and bass can be finely adjusted without significantly degrading the original sound of the source by shifting the center frequency of variable bandwidths to a higher/lower point (14kHz /63Hz) than usual, assuming a combination with wide-range high-end speakers. Precise control is possible in 0.5dB steps with a maximum range of ±12dB. The middle band (630Hz) can also be utilized as a loudness preset when set to the minus side and used in conjunction with the tone bypass mode.

Flexible System Upgradability

Achieving a level of perfection in the separate amplifier class, the F Series can be used in a variety of system upgrades that go beyond the limits of an integrated amplifier.

By connecting the S-05 class A amplifier to the pre-outputs (XLR/ES-Link Analog), a multi-amplifier system can be built. To improve the quality of the preamp, an external power supply, the PS-01F, can be added.

There is also a slot for adding an option board. Two option boards for the previous generation F Series models (DAC board OP-DAC1 and ES-Link Analog input board OP-ESLA1) are compatible with this slot.

Mechanical Perfection

To achieve the single design goal of "reproducing the master sound," the F-01 chassis optimally controls all vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the F-01 is like that of a Formula 1 racing car, with the balance between rigidity and flexibility pushed to the limit. The heavy construction with a total mass of 32 kg, which is unprecedented for an integrated amplifier, shows the fullness and completeness of the product. The enclosure, which requires rigidity, makes extensive use of aluminum blocks to ensure non-resonance. On the other hand, the top panel has a semi-floating structure for an open sound. Esoteric's unique patented isolation foot, which integrates a spike and a saucer, also has a special structure to reduce mechanical stress. In addition, the large heat sinks of the amplifier block have a unique wave shape that disperses the peak resonance of the fins.

Features

Simple and straightforward circuit design concept based on the Grandioso S1X

Class A, 30w per channel at 8Ω

Excellent power linearity and driving power (60 WPC/4Ω)

Huge 940VA EI core power transformer

Channel-independent Grandioso grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)

Independently adjustable input gains (±18dB; 0.1dB steps)

L/R channel balance (0.1dB steps)

AV through output (volume bypass) ensures seamless coexistence with AV systems

Mute, dimmer and automatic display-off functions

A fully balanced dual mono preamp in the direct line of the Grandioso C1X

“Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System”, a stepped attenuator circuit developed by Esoteric

Volume can be adjusted in 0.1dB/1,120* steps with our proprietary attenuator module “UFA-1792” *Preamp gain setting: at +12dB

3 inputs of “ES-Link Analog”, a unique and proprietary current transmission system

Two headphone outputs (balanced 4-pin XLR / unbalanced 6.3mm) with built-in fully balanced dual mono headphone amplifier

Dual mono phono stage (RCA x 1, MM/MC)

3-band balanced tone control, independently adjustable for each input source

ES-Link Analog(x1) /XLR (x1) pre-out for connecting the S-05 as an external power amplifier

Dedicated DC power connector for connecting an external power supply dedicated to the built-in preamp (to be released later)

Preamp gain can be adjusted in 4 steps (0/+6/+12/+18dB) to match the connected power amplifier

Specifications

Speaker output

Rated output power 30W + 30W (8Ω, Class A)

60W + 60W (4Ω)

Compatible speaker impedance 4Ω

Speaker terminal 1 set (L/R)

Analog audio inputs

ES-Link Analog/XLR 3 pairs

Input impedance 10kΩ (XLR)

RCA 3 pairs

Input impedance 10kΩ

PHONO 1 pair (MC/MM switchable)

Input impedance

MM 47kΩ

MC 100Ω

Analog audio outputs

ES-Link Analog 1 pair

XLR 1 pair

Output impedance 100Ω

Headphone outputs

Standard 6.3mm (¼) stereo jack 1

4-pin XLR jack 1

Maximum effective output

Unbalanced 300mW + 300mW (into 32Ω)

Balanced 600mW + 600mW (into 32Ω)

Applicable load impedance

Umbalanced 16 to 600Ω

Balanced 32 to 600Ω

Extrenal controls

RS-232C 1

DC trigger input (TRIGGER IN) 1 (3.5mm mono mini jack)

DC trigger output (TRIGGER OUT) 1 (3.5mm mono mini jack)

General

Power supply

Model for US/Canada AC 120V, 60Hz

Model for Europe/Hong Kong AC 230V, 50Hz

Power consumption 250W

215W (no sginal)

Standby power 0.3W (when RC-232C is OFF)

0.6W (when RC-232C is ON)

Overall dimensions (W×H×D) 445 × 191 × 471mm (including protrusions)

Weight 32.2kg

Included accessories Power cord × 1

Remote control (RC-1339) × 1

Batteries (AA) × 2

Felt pads × 4

Owner’s manual × 1

Warranty card × 1

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Audio Performance

Frequency response 10Hz to 100kHz (0dB/–3.0dB, 1W output)

S/N ratio 104dB (IHF-A)

Tota harmonic distortion 0.008% (1kHz, 8Ω, 30W)

Damping factor 500

PREOUT S/N ratio

XLR, RCA inputs 110dB (1V out)

PHONO MM input 97dB (1V out)

PHONO MC input 78dB (1V out)

Gain

Preamp Maximum 18dB (adjustable, when volume at maximum)

Power amplifier 28.5dB

Tone cotrol

Treble ±12dB (14kHz)

Middle ±12dB (630Hz)

Bass ±12dB (63Hz)