ESOTERIC F-02 Class-A/B Integrated Amplifier

ESOTERIC F-02 Class-A/B Integrated Amplifier

The Finest Integration

The ESOTERIC F-02 brings technologies developed for ESOTERIC’s flagship Grandioso separates into an uncompromising integrated amplifier. Combining a fully balanced dual-mono preamplifier with a powerful dual-mono power amplifier, the F-02 is engineered to deliver exceptional transparency, dynamics, control, and musical realism from a single chassis.

Its preamplifier architecture draws directly from the Grandioso C1X, while the power amplifier section follows the design philosophy of the Grandioso M1X. The result is an integrated amplifier designed to approach the refinement and authority normally associated with high-end separate components.

Grandioso-Inspired Balanced Dual-Mono Preamplifier

At the heart of the F-02 is a large-scale fully balanced dual-mono preamplifier featuring three ES-Link Analog inputs, a fully balanced headphone amplifier, dual-mono MM/MC phono stage, and high-quality three-band balanced tone control.

ESOTERIC's proprietary Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System uses the UFA-1792 stepped attenuator module for extraordinarily precise volume control. With adjustment in 0.1 dB increments across up to 1,120 steps, volume changes remain exceptionally smooth and precise while preserving dynamic range and signal-to-noise performance.

ES-Link Analog

The F-02 includes three switchable ES-Link Analog/XLR inputs. ES-Link Analog is ESOTERIC's proprietary current-transmission technology, designed to minimize the influence of cable impedance and preserve the energy, dimensionality, and fidelity of the source signal.

Powerful Dual-Mono Amplification

The F-02 delivers:

• 120 watts per channel into 8Ω
• 240 watts per channel into 4Ω
• Massive 940VA EI-core power transformer
• Dual-mono power rectification and smoothing
• 3-parallel push-pull bipolar transistor output architecture
• Four 10,000μF Grandioso-grade capacitors per channel
• Damping factor: 500
• Custom wave-shaped heat sinks

Its substantial power architecture is designed to provide the current delivery and control required for demanding high-end loudspeakers. The power supply uses independent left/right rectification circuits and Grandioso-grade capacitors, while extensive low-impedance construction helps the amplifier maintain control over large woofer systems.

Premium Headphone & Vinyl Playback

The built-in headphone amplifier uses a fully balanced dual-mono architecture and provides both 4-pin XLR balanced and 6.3 mm unbalanced connections. Balanced output reaches 600 mW into 32Ω, with adjustable gain for matching different headphones.

Vinyl enthusiasts also receive a dedicated dual-mono MM/MC phono stage with independent left and right circuitry and power supplies for excellent channel separation.

Built for High-End Systems

Despite being an integrated amplifier, the F-02 provides considerable room for future system expansion. Its XLR and ES-Link Analog pre-outs allow an external amplifier such as the ESOTERIC S-05 to be added, while the optional PS-01F external power supply can further upgrade the F-02's preamplifier section.

The chassis itself weighs approximately 32 kg (70.5 lb) and extensively uses aluminum construction, a semi-floating top panel, ESOTERIC's proprietary isolation feet, and resonance-controlling heat sinks.

Key Features

• Fully balanced dual-mono preamplifier
• 120W + 120W into 8Ω
• 240W + 240W into 4Ω
• Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System
• UFA-1792 precision stepped attenuator
• Three ES-Link Analog inputs
• Dual-mono MM/MC phono stage
• Fully balanced headphone amplifier
• Balanced 3-band tone control
• 940VA EI-core power transformer
• Grandioso-grade power supply capacitors
• XLR and ES-Link Analog pre-outs
• Optional PS-01F external power supply support
• AV Through / volume bypass
• Adjustable input gain and channel balance
• RS-232C and trigger control
• Premium aluminum remote control

The Grid HiFi Recommendation

The ESOTERIC F-02 is an exceptional choice for listeners who want reference-level amplification without building a large separates system. Its combination of Grandioso-derived preamp technology, substantial power delivery, premium phono and headphone stages, and extensive upgrade options makes it an outstanding centerpiece for a serious two-channel system.

Need help pairing the F-02 with the right speakers, source components, cables, or power products? Contact The Grid HiFi for expert system-matching advice, availability, and personalized recommendations.