Description
The Esoteric F-02 is a high-performance integrated amplifier designed for listeners who want the power and control of a substantial separate amplifier system in one beautifully engineered component. Drawing on technology developed for Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso C1X, M1X and S1X amplifiers, it combines a sophisticated dual-mono preamplifier with a powerful 120-watt-per-channel output stage.
Delivering 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the F-02 has the strength to drive demanding loudspeakers with confidence. Its three-parallel push-pull bipolar output stage and low-impedance circuit design provide excellent control, allowing music to sound effortless, dynamic and convincingly full scale.
The fully balanced, dual-mono preamplifier features Esoteric’s Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System. Its proprietary UFA-1792 module provides volume adjustment in increments as fine as 0.1dB, combining smooth operation with exceptional accuracy. Three balanced inputs can also operate in Esoteric’s proprietary ES-Link Analogue mode when connected to compatible Esoteric source components.
A substantial 940VA EI-core transformer sits at the heart of the power supply. Independent left- and right-channel rectification and smoothing circuits, Grandioso-grade custom capacitors and carefully shortened signal paths help deliver clean, stable power with excellent channel separation and low-frequency authority.
The F-02 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 provide dedicated power for the preamplifier section, while an expansion slot offers further flexibility for future system requirements.
Key Features
- High-power integrated amplifier
- 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms
- 240 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- Fully balanced, dual-mono preamplifier
- Amplifier technology derived from the Grandioso C1X, 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-02?
The F-02 is an ideal choice for listeners who need greater power without sacrificing refinement. Its substantial output and strong current delivery allow it to control demanding loudspeakers with ease, producing impressive scale, weight and dynamic impact while preserving fine detail and musical expression.
It is also exceptionally versatile. The dedicated MM/MC phono stage makes it suitable for a serious vinyl system, while its balanced headphone amplifier, flexible tone controls and comprehensive input selection allow it to accommodate a wide range of sources and listening preferences.
For anyone looking to simplify a high-end system without compromising its performance, the F-02 provides a compelling solution. It combines the power and authority of a separate power amplifier with a Grandioso-derived preamplifier in one substantial, beautifully finished component.
