S-05

The Esoteric S-05 is a Class A stereo power amplifier in a compact stereo configuration, developed using engineering techniques from the Grandioso M1X mono block. It follows the same philosophy of minimal circuitry and maximum output, while focusing on the tonal qualities associated with this model.

The S-05 incorporates development work from the Grandioso M1X to refine its driving power and performance. Its Class A design provides low distortion and a dense presentation, with vivid tonal colours comparable to those associated with a direct-heating triode amplifier. Abundant idling current supports fast sound start-up, powerful drive capability and open-ended dynamics.

ESOTERIC developed the S-05 as a focused study of Class A amplification and of the qualities expected from a power amplifier. The result combines the Class A operating method with the company’s wider engineering approach and commitment to amplifier design.

The S-05 also carries over the Grandioso C1X and M1X approach to fidelity in preamplifier and power amplifier transmission. Its ES-LINK Analogue current transmission is designed for situations where signal levels are extremely low. Compared with conventional voltage transmission, it transfers approximately 100 times more current, reducing susceptibility to noise and transmitting the musical energy from the preamplifier to the power supply.

In principle, ES-LINK Analogue also prevents the impedance of the connecting cables from affecting the preamplifier’s output signal and the power amplifier’s input signal. This allows the 2 signals to remain identical to an extremely high degree. The S-05 brings this Grandioso technology to a stereo power amplifier.