The Esoteric delivers the sonic virtues of very expensive amplifiers on a smaller scale, and at a more moderate price.
Class A Reference Model
Setting out to create one of the most desirable integrated amplifiers available, Esoteric brought together a fully balanced preamplifier and a Class-A power amplifier-both directly derived from its well-respected Grandioso line-to created a new reference for integrated amplifiers that gives full expression to the smooth, full-bodied tones and delicately shaded textures of your favorite music. Featuring distinctive dual monaural construction that extends through all stages, from preamplifier inputs through to the final stage of its power amplifier output, the F-03A Integrated Amplifier brings out the full audio potential of Esoteric's highly regarded K and N Series of digital players.
F-Series Philosophy: Basic and Complete
Representing a new generation of integrated amplifiers, Esoteric's new F Series has been thoroughly invested with proven results gained in the development of our flagship Grandioso line of separate amplifiers. With the goal of capturing all the inherent warmth and texture of music, not only were the outstanding expressive powers of the Grandioso line pursued, the utmost limits of audio performance were also concentrated into an integrated configuration that offers excellent usability combined with an attractiveness that more than compensates for the limitations of their size. Basic and Complete. With sights set on creating a unique presence in the category, the Esoteric F Series is born.
Full Analogue
Analog amplification circuitry inherited from Esoteric's flagship Grandioso series for consistently superb sound quality.
Fully Integrated
Aspiring to be superior examples of the integrated amplifier format.
Fundamental
Invested with the finest materials and expertise in pursuit of the essence of amplifier design, while seeking uncommon sophistication and substance in the most basic format.
Functional
Offering more versatile tone control capability than separates, while bringing out the full potential of the integrated amplifier by providing ample functionality and abundant expandability in its overall refinement.
Output power: 30Wpc into 8 ohms, 60Wpc into 4 ohms
THD: 0.006% (1kHz, 8 ohms, 30W)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 104dB (IHF-A)
Damping factor: 370
Inputs: Two balanced on XLR jacks, five unbalanced on RCA jacks, external preamplifier inputs (balanced); optional DAC board (OP-DAC1)
Input impedance: 10k ohms (line), 47k ohms (mm phono), 100 ohms (mc phono), 47k ohms (external preamp in)
Outputs: Dual pairs of binding posts with speaker A/B switching; preamp-out jacks (balanced and unbalanced)
Tone controls: +/–12dB at 63Hz, 630Hz, 14kHz in 0.5dB steps
Dimensions: 17.6″ x 7.6″ x 18.5″
Weight: 71 lbs.
The F-03A’s rendering of space was superb, not just in width and depth but importantly in the precise placement of images within the soundstage. Notably, instruments were presented as individual objects spatially and texturally, making it easy to clearly hear individual parts within the whole. That’s one quality that many very expensive amplifiers do well; to hear it to this degree from an integrated amplifier was surprising and rewarding.