[Preamplifier Section]
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 phonostage preamp (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 the PS-01F external power supply dedicated to the built-in preamp
Preamp gain can be adjusted in 4 steps (0/+6/+12/+18dB) to match the connected power amplifier
[Amplifier Section]
Simple and straightforward circuit design concept based on Grandioso M1X
120 WPC/8Ω
Excellent power linearity and driving power (240 WPC/4Ω)
All stages of the power rectification and smoothing circuit are configured with dual monaural design
Powerful bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull configuration
Huge 940VA EI core power transformer
Channel-independent Grandioso grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)
Custom wave-shaped heat sinks to reduce peak resonance
[Other Features]
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
Aluminum body remote controller (RC-1339) can also be used to operate Esoteric's SACD players and network players
Displayed source device names can be programed
Mute, dimmer and automatic display-off functions
Control functions (RS-232C, trigger input / output)
 
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-02 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.

Dual Mono Power Amplifier
With the birth of the flagship Grandioso M1X and S1X amplifiers, the Esoteric amplifier design platform has been completely renewed.

The M1X monoblock and S1X Class A stereo amplifiers have captivated audiophiles around the world with their transparent, detailed and dynamic sound, and have become the new icons of high-end amplification.

The power amplifier section of the F-02 follows the circuit design concept of the M1X, with a 120 WPC/8Ω high-power design.

For amplifiers, the size of the power supply circuit is the most important point that directly affects the performance. The F-02 is configured with dual monaural power supplies for all stages of the power rectification and smoothing circuits, and are equipped with a huge 940VA EI core power transformer, comparable to that of separate amplifiers. In addition, the "subtractive aesthetics" of advanced engineering cultivated in the M1X amplifiers is reflected in every detail of the amplifier design, including a simple and straightforward circuit design for rich harmonic (overtone) reproduction and powerful speaker drive capability through reduced internal impedance. The new F Series is designed to be the pinnacle of quality in terms of drive capability and sound quality, as good as separate power amplifiers.
 
Substantial Power Supply Comparable to a Separate Amplifier
The power supply is the most important component in realizing a rich sound stage for amplifiers that constantly require large amounts of current, and the F-02 boasts extremely dynamic musical expression thanks to a unique power supply design that incorporates a great deal of Esoteric's expertise.
 
Large Bare-Mount Power Supply Transformer
The F Series uses the largest EI transformer that can be installed. By using a transformer that is much larger than the product originally requires to meet its output power, the F Series is able to follow dynamic changes in the power supply extremely well, resulting in a dynamic and open sound. In addition, suppressing transformer vibration also suppresses current flow. For this reason, the transformer is bare-mounted without a housing.
 
Power Rectification Circuit in Dual Mono Configuration
Unless the sound source is monaural, the left and right music signals are different. The power rectification circuits are dual mono, independent of the left and right channels, to avoid mutual interference and achieve clear channel separation and resolution.
 
Multiple Capacitors Connected in Parallel
Special attention is also paid to the power supply rectification system. High quality custom capacitors of Grandioso grade are used. A dual mono and parallel configuration of four 10,000μF capacitors per channel is used. The capacitors are operated in parallel by time difference to stabilize the current charging and discharging to the capacitors, thus ensuring the required large current supply at all times.
 
Less is More
In the F Series, the signal path from the preamp to the power amplifier is as short as possible, and the bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull amplifier circuit is remarkably simple.

The phase compensation circuit is a minimal single-pole configuration, and the output stage is a coil-less design. By minimizing NFB (negative feedback), the circuit enhances the dynamics of the music. The minimalist circuit philosophy allows the harmonics (overtones), which are the most important but easily lost in the signal chain, to be preserved and the music to be reproduced like a real sound.

Amplifiers generate a lot of heat, and internal temperature stability is extremely important. For this reason, we have optimized the location and circuitry of the temperature compensation circuit to stabilize the temperature of the entire amplifier block. This helps to speed up the stabilization of the idle current after the power is turned on and allows the transistors to operate at their best performance.