Esoteric F-01, F-02 Black Editions
ESOTERIC has added new Black Edition versions of the F-01 and F-02 integrated amplifiers, together with a matching PS-01F external power supply. These are not new-generation models with revised circuitry or higher output figures. Instead, the existing F-Series architecture is retained while the exterior is reworked with a black anodized finish and matching surface treatment.
The F-Series sits near the top of ESOTERIC’s integrated amplifier lineup, bringing technologies developed for the company’s Grandioso X Edition components into a single-chassis design. The F-01 focuses on Class A operation, while the F-02 delivers significantly higher power from the same broader platform.
Class A F-01 and Higher-Power F-02
The F-01 Black Edition delivers 30W per channel into 8 ohms and 60W into 4 ohms in Class A operation.
The F-02 Black Edition increases output to 120W per channel into 8 ohms and 240W into 4 ohms.
Both models use bipolar output transistors in a three-parallel push-pull configuration and employ dual-mono rectification and smoothing stages for the left and right channels.
Power is supplied by a 940VA EI-core transformer, with four 10,000μF capacitors per channel used in the smoothing stage. The two amplifiers share the same 445 x 191 x 471mm chassis, with the F-01 weighing 32.2kg and the F-02 32.4kg.
Preamplifier Design Derived from Grandioso C1X
The preamplifier section in both models draws on technology developed for ESOTERIC’s Grandioso C1X.
A fully balanced dual-mono topology is used, with three ES-Link Analog / XLR inputs alongside conventional RCA inputs. Volume control is handled by ESOTERIC’s UFA-1792 Ultra Fidelity Attenuator, which provides extremely fine adjustment, including up to 1,120 steps when the preamp gain is set to +12dB.
The amplifiers also include a dual-mono MM/MC phono stage, a 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output and a 6.3mm single-ended headphone output.
Preamp outputs are provided via ES-Link Analog and XLR, allowing the F-Series amplifiers to be integrated into larger systems with external power amplifiers if required.
Matching PS-01F Black Edition External Power Supply
The matching PS-01F Black Edition is designed to power the preamplifier section of either the F-01 or F-02 independently from the amplifier’s main internal supply.
Inside is a 200VA toroidal transformer and a pair of 27,200μF smoothing capacitors. The unit connects to the amplifier using a dedicated DC cable.
ESOTERIC positions the concept as being related to the separate-power-supply architecture used in the Grandioso C1X, isolating the preamplifier circuitry from the main amplifier power stage.
As with the amplifiers, the Black Edition version does not introduce a new electrical design. Its purpose is to provide a visually matched external supply for the black F-Series components.
A Finish Update Rather Than a Circuit Revision
The key point with the new Black Editions is appearance rather than circuit development.
The F-01 and F-02 retain the same core architecture and specifications as the current F-Series models first introduced in 2023. The new versions extend ESOTERIC’s black-finish option into the company’s upper-level integrated amplifier lineup.
ESOTERIC has already offered black-finish versions of selected digital components such as the K-01XD SE and K-03XD SE. Adding the F-Series amplifiers and PS-01F makes it possible to build a more visually consistent all-black ESOTERIC system from source component to amplification.
The F-01 Black Edition, F-02 Black Edition and PS-01F Black Edition are scheduled to become available worldwide from October 2026.
Key Specifications
ESOTERIC F-01 Black Edition
- Type: Class A integrated amplifier
- Output: 30W + 30W into 8 ohms
- Output: 60W + 60W into 4 ohms
- Power transformer: 940VA EI-core
- Smoothing capacitors: 10,000μF x 4 per channel
- Inputs: ES-Link Analog / XLR x 3, RCA x 3, MM/MC phono x 1
- Pre-out: ES-Link Analog x 1, XLR x 1
- Headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR / 6.3mm
- Dimensions: 445 x 191 x 471mm
- Weight: 32.2kg
ESOTERIC F-02 Black Edition
- Type: Integrated amplifier
- Output: 120W + 120W into 8 ohms
- Output: 240W + 240W into 4 ohms
- Power transformer: 940VA EI-core
- Smoothing capacitors: 10,000μF x 4 per channel
- Inputs and preamplifier architecture: same as F-01
- Dimensions: 445 x 191 x 471mm
- Weight: 32.4kg
ESOTERIC PS-01F Black Edition
- Purpose: External power supply for F-01 / F-02 preamplifier section
- Power transformer: 200VA toroidal
- Smoothing capacitors: 27,200μF x 2
- Dimensions: 146 x 128 x 353mm
- Weight: 7kg
- Dedicated DC cable included
Official Press : https://www.esoteric.jp/en/support/news/748