The “Finest” Integrated Amplifier You Could Ever Want
The new F Series integrated amplifiers are the culmination of various technologies designed to fulfill your ideals.
The new F Series integrated amplifiers, incorporating all of the preamp and power amp developments from the flagship Grandioso “X” Edition, deliver exceptional musicality that captures music's rich textures in a single integrated amplifier. This is the integrated amplifier that owners of Esoteric’s K and N Series digital players have been waiting for, and it pushes the boundaries of integrated amplifier technology.
Balanced Dual Mono Preamplifier
The F-01 preamplifier is a major upgrade from the previous F Series, featuring new technologies from the flagship Grandioso C1X. This large-scale, balanced dual mono preamp includes three ES-Link Analog inputs for a live listening experience. The "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System" and enhanced power supply section improve functionality and sound quality. Other features include a fully balanced headphone amplifier, dual mono phonostage preamp, and a high-quality 3-band balanced tone control.
The F-01 can 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 can be connected. This design emphasizes the F-01's high expandability and quality.
Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System
In preamp design, the audio signal's amplitude depends on the active attenuator's supply voltage. A low supply voltage limits the signal's dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. The "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System" in the F-01 features a high supply voltage to maximize dynamics and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The 0.1dB/1,120-step attenuator circuit allows for smooth and detailed volume adjustment.
The left and right preamp input boards and the preamp board are independent, and the power rectification board and logic control board are separate from the preamp to enhance sound purity. The UFA-1792 stepped attenuator module is designed with advanced technology, using high-quality materials and independent power/ground signal paths for each circuit block to achieve high performance and sound quality.
Powerful Power Supply
The quality of a preamp is largely determined by its power supply. Following the Grandioso C1X philosophy, the F-01's power supply section has separate transformer windings and a rectifier board dedicated to the preamp. To prevent noise contamination, the audio rectification circuit is independent of the logic control section. The power rectifier uses Grandioso custom capacitors in parallel configuration to ensure a stable and clean power supply. An optional PS-01F external power supply can be connected for sound quality close to the Grandioso C1X.
ES-Link Analog
ES-Link Analog is a unique current transmission method that eliminates cable impedance influence, maintaining sound fidelity. Three XLR inputs can switch between ES-Link Analog and standard XLR. The pre-outs also have ES-Link Analog and XLR systems. Unlike conventional voltage transmission, ES-Link Analog ensures powerful and accurate signal transmission by maintaining a high current level during transmission.
Ultra-Low Noise Logic Control
The logic control section is isolated from the amplifier module, using a photocoupler to convert control signals to optical signals and isolators for electrical isolation. The CPU shuts down except during operation to avoid interference with audio circuits. Volume settings reset to zero when the power is off and return to the original setting when turned on. Input switching uses FET element switches for pure tone and transparency.
Advanced Functionalities
Headphone Amplifier
A fully balanced dual mono design with 600mW output (into 32Ω load) and adjustable gain from 0 to +18dB. Balanced (4-pin XLR) and unbalanced (6.3mm) outputs are provided.
Phonostage Preamp
Dual mono design with independent L/R circuits and power supplies for perfect channel separation.
3-Band Balanced Tone Control
Allows fine adjustment of treble, middle, and bass with minimal sound degradation. Control is precise in 0.5dB steps with a range of ±12dB.
High-Precision Control Knobs
Volume and input selector knobs use a bearing mechanism for a smooth, analog feel, machined from solid aluminum for luxury and minimalism.
Power Amplifier
The F-01 power amplifier section follows the design concept of the S1X, with a 30 WPC/8Ω Class A design. Dual monaural power supplies, a 940VA EI core power transformer, and high-quality capacitors ensure dynamic and stable sound. The amplifier's minimalist circuit design preserves harmonics and enhances dynamics. Low impedance and careful design reduce internal losses, providing excellent drive capability.
Mechanical Perfection
The F-01 chassis controls vibrations affecting sound quality, with a heavy construction for rigidity and a semi-floating top panel for an open sound. Esoteric's patented isolation foot reduces mechanical stress, and large wave-shaped heat sinks disperse peak resonance.
System Upgradability
The F Series supports various system upgrades. By connecting the S-05 amplifier or adding the PS-01F external power supply, users can achieve sound quality comparable to separate amplifiers. An option board slot allows for additional features.
Other Features
- Independently adjustable input gains (±18dB; 0.1dB steps)
- L/R channel balance (0.1dB steps)
- AV through output (volume bypass)
- Aluminum remote controller (RC-1339)
- Programmable source device names
- Mute, dimmer, and automatic display-off functions
- Control functions (RS-232C, trigger input/output)
Esoteric F-01 Integrated Amplifier
Tech Specs
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) |