Description

The Esoteric F-01 is a reference-quality Class A integrated amplifier developed for listeners who want the refinement of Esoteric’s finest separate amplifiers in a single beautifully engineered component. Drawing heavily on technology created for the flagship Grandioso C1X, M1X and S1X, it combines a sophisticated dual-mono preamplifier with a powerful Class A output stage.

The F-01 delivers 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 60 watts per channel into 4 ohms. While these figures may appear modest, its substantial power supply, low internal impedance and three-parallel push-pull output stage give it excellent control and speaker-driving ability. Class A operation provides a smooth, richly textured and highly natural presentation, with impressive clarity and dynamic expression.

Its fully balanced, dual-mono preamplifier features Esoteric’s Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System. The proprietary UFA-1792 module provides exceptionally precise volume adjustment in steps as fine as 0.1dB, allowing accurate level control while preserving detail and dynamic range. Three balanced inputs can also operate in Esoteric’s proprietary ES-Link Analogue mode when used with compatible Esoteric source components.

A large 940VA EI-core transformer and independent left- and right-channel rectification circuits provide the clean, stable current required for demanding musical passages. Grandioso-grade capacitors, short signal paths and carefully reduced internal impedance help the F-01 produce a spacious, controlled and effortless performance.

The F-01 also includes a dual-mono MM/MC phono stage, balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, three-band tone controls and balanced preamplifier outputs. An optional PS-01F external power supply can be added to provide dedicated power for the preamplifier section, while an expansion slot allows the amplifier’s capabilities to be tailored further.

Key Features

  • Class A integrated amplifier
  • 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms
  • 60 watts per channel into 4 ohms
  • Fully balanced, dual-mono preamplifier
  • Power-amplifier technology derived from the Grandioso M1X and S1X
  • Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System
  • Proprietary UFA-1792 stepped volume-control module
  • Volume adjustment in steps as fine as 0.1dB
  • Three switchable XLR/ES-Link Analogue inputs
  • Three RCA line-level inputs
  • Dual-mono MM/MC phono stage
  • Fully balanced dual-mono headphone amplifier
  • Balanced 4-pin XLR and 6.3mm headphone outputs
  • Balanced three-band tone control
  • XLR and ES-Link Analogue preamplifier outputs
  • Massive 940VA EI-core power transformer
  • Dual-mono power rectification and smoothing circuits
  • Three-parallel push-pull bipolar output stage
  • Grandioso-grade custom block capacitors
  • Adjustable input gain and left/right channel balance
  • AV bypass for integration with a home-cinema system
  • Expansion slot for a compatible option board
  • Compatible with the optional PS-01F external power supply
  • Aluminium remote control included
  • High-rigidity chassis with semi-floating top panel and isolation feet

Why Choose the Esoteric F-01?

The F-01 is designed for listeners who value tonal richness, natural detail and musical flow over headline power figures. Its Class A output stage combines refinement and transparency with the current delivery needed to control a wide range of high-quality loudspeakers.

It is also an unusually complete high-end amplifier. Vinyl listeners benefit from a dedicated MM/MC phono stage, headphone users have both balanced and unbalanced connections, and owners of compatible Esoteric sources can take advantage of the company’s ES-Link Analog transmission system.

Most importantly, the F-01 brings much of the engineering philosophy of Esoteric’s Grandioso separate amplifiers into one exceptionally well-built component. It is an ideal choice for anyone seeking the performance and flexibility of a serious preamplifier and power amplifier without the complexity of a multi-box system.