F-01
The F-01 has been significantly upgraded from the previous F Series in terms of both functionality and sound quality, incorporating a number of new technologies from the development of the flagship Grandioso C1X preamplifier.
£22,000
1 year warrantyFinance example
£4,400.00 initial 20% deposit then £586.67 per month for 30 months. Other finance terms available. Finance subject to statusF-01
£22,000
The large-scale, balanced dual mono preamp comparable to a separate preamp, comes standard with three ES-Link Analog inputs that allow our proprietary current-based signal input from the Esoteric K/N Series digital source players for a live listening experience as if monitored directly from a recording studio analog console. The new F Series also features a unique "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System", and the power supply section of the preamplifier has been further upgraded. Other key preamp features include a fully balanced headphone amplifier, dual mono phonostage preamp, and a high-quality 3-band balanced tone control.
The F-01 can also 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 dedicated to the preamp (to be announced) can be connected. This unique design, which seems to contradict the integrated concept, is a testament to the F-01's high expandability and is the best proof that the built-in fully balanced dual mono preamp is designed with an uncompromising emphasis on quality.
Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System
In preamp design, the amplitude of the audio signal is proportional to the supply voltage of the active attenuator. In other words, a system with a low supply voltage will not allow sufficient amplitude of the audio signal, resulting in suppressed dynamic range and an unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio. The heart of the preamp, the attenuator circuit, features the "Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System" used in the Grandioso C1X. This proprietary Esoteric system is designed with a high supply voltage to maximize dynamics and greatly improve the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, even though it is a stepped attenuator circuit, the 0.1dB/1,120 steps (more than 10 times the number of steps of a typical preamp) allow for silky smooth and detailed volume adjustment.
The UFA-1792 stepped attenuator module, is an Esoteric’s proprietary module designed with advanced and super modern process technology. In order to achieve the amazingly fine step of 0.1dB, the myriad of resistors inside are manufactured under the most stringent quality control. Esoteric engineers uncompromisingly examined all materials, circuit patterns, and layout, and created independent power / ground signal paths for each circuit block inside the module to achieve high performance and high sound quality, one of the benchmarks of modern preamp module design.
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-01 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.
3-Band Balanced Tone Control (Treble / Middle / Bass)
The tone
control is configured with a balanced dual mono circuit, focusing on
the quality as a high-end device. Sound quality can be adjusted without
worrying about sound degradation. The tone control can be separately
preset for each input source. Treble and bass can be finely adjusted
without significantly degrading the original sound of the source by
shifting the center frequency of variable bandwidths to a higher/lower
point (14kHz /63Hz) than usual, assuming a combination with wide-range
high-end speakers. Precise control is possible in 0.5dB steps with a
maximum range of ±12dB. The middle band (630Hz) can also be utilized as a
loudness preset when set to the minus side and used in conjunction with
the tone bypass mode.
Flexible System Upgradability
Achieving a level of perfection in the separate amplifier class, the F
Series can be used in a variety of system upgrades that go beyond the
limits of an integrated amplifier.
By connecting the S-05 class A amplifier to the pre-outputs (XLR/ES-Link
Analog), a multi-amplifier system can be built. To improve the quality
of the preamp, an external power supply, the PS-01F, can be added.
There is also a slot for adding an option board. Two option boards for
the previous generation F Series models (DAC board OP-DAC1 and ES-Link
Analog input board OP-ESLA1) are compatible with this slot.
Mechanical Perfection
To achieve the single design goal of
"reproducing the master sound," the F-01 chassis optimally controls all
vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the
F-01 is like that of a Formula 1 racing car, with the balance between
rigidity and flexibility pushed to the limit. The heavy construction
with a total mass of 32 kg, which is unprecedented for an integrated
amplifier, shows the fullness and completeness of the product. The
enclosure, which requires rigidity, makes extensive use of aluminum
blocks to ensure non-resonance. On the other hand, the top panel has a
semi-floating structure for an open sound. Esoteric's unique patented
isolation foot, which integrates a spike and a saucer, also has a
special structure to reduce mechanical stress. In addition, the large
heat sinks of the amplifier block have a unique wave shape that
disperses the peak resonance of the fins.
Tech spec
Rated output power
30W + 30W (8Ω, Class A) / 60W + 60W (4Ω)
Compatible speaker impedance
4Ω
ES-Link Analog/XLR
3 pairs
Input impedance
10kΩ (XLR)
RCA
3 pairs
Input impedance
10kΩ
PHONO
1 pair (MC/MM switchable)
Input impedance
MM47kΩ / MC100Ω
ES-Link Analog
1 Pair
XLR
1 Pair
Output impedance
100Ω
Headphone outputs
1x Standard 6.3mm (¼) stereo jack
1x 4-pin XLR jack
Maximum effective output
Unbalanced 300mW + 300mW (into 32Ω)
Balanced 600mW + 600mW (into 32Ω)
Applicable load impedance
Unbalanced 16 to 600Ω / Balanced 32 to 600Ω
Overall dimensions (W×H×D)
445 × 191 × 471mm (including protrusions)
Weight
32.2kg
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