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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-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.
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.
High-Precision Ball Bearing Control Knobs
The volume and input selector use the same bearing mechanism as the Grandioso preamp. You can enjoy a smooth, analog feel with no core shake. The large volume/selector knob, which symbolizes the powerful drive capability of this integrated amplifier, is machined from solid aluminum, sparing no expense. The fine machined texture, which varies from surface to surface, beautifully accentuates the design and enhances the sense of luxury. The volume and input select knob also function as mute and power switches, respectively, and the number of buttons on the front panel has been kept to a minimum in pursuit of a minimalist aesthetic.
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.
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.
Mechanical Perfection
To achieve the single design goal of "reproducing the master sound," the F-02 chassis optimally controls all vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the F-02 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.
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.
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)