The latest additions are not new amplifiers internally, but limited Black Editions<\/strong> of the existing F-01<\/strong> and F-02<\/strong> integrated amplifiers, along with a matching PS-01F external power supply<\/strong>. All three feature black-anodized exteriors and are scheduled for worldwide delivery beginning in October 2026. Esoteric confirms that the underlying circuitry and specifications remain unchanged from the standard silver versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That still leaves plenty to talk about. The F-01<\/strong> is a 30-watt-per-channel Class A integrated amplifier, while the F-02<\/strong> delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Both incorporate preamp and power-amplifier technologies derived from Esoteric\u2019s Grandioso \u201cX\u201d Edition components, including balanced dual-mono preamplifier stages and substantial dual-mono power supplies. The optional PS-01F<\/strong> further isolates and expands the preamp power supply for either amplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, Esoteric has gone back in black \u2014 but this is a cosmetic encore, not a new album.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Esoteric\u2019s F Series integrated amplifiers<\/a>, available in black or silver, are all-analog designs from input to output and incorporate many of the technologies the company uses in its more expensive separates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The preamp and power-amplifier sections of the F-01<\/strong> and F-02<\/strong> borrow heavily from Esoteric\u2019s flagship Grandioso \u201cX\u201d Edition lineup<\/a>, bringing elements of those reference designs into a single integrated chassis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Esoteric also offers the matching PS-01F external power supply, which is designed to provide a dedicated power source for the preamplifier section of either integrated amplifier. We\u2019ll get into exactly what that adds \u2014 and whether it makes sense \u2014 later in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference between the Esoteric F-01 and Esoteric F-02 integrated amplifiers is their amplification class<\/a> and power output capability: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dual Mono Preamp Design<\/strong>: The F-01 and F-02 both use a fully balanced dual-mono preamplifier section derived from technology developed for Esoteric\u2019s flagship Grandioso C1X<\/a>. The left and right channels are kept electrically independent to minimize interference and preserve channel separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System<\/strong>: Also derived from the Grandioso C1X, Esoteric\u2019s Ultra Fidelity Attenuator uses its proprietary UFA-1792 module<\/strong> with 1,120 volume steps in 0.1dB increments. Rather than relying on a conventional variable-resistor potentiometer, the stepped-resistor network is designed to reduce channel crosstalk, contact-related degradation, and long-term wear while providing extremely fine volume adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On-Board Power Supply<\/strong>: Both integrated amplifiers use dual-mono power-supply layouts built around a large 940VA EI-core transformer<\/strong>. The optional PS-01F external power supply<\/strong> can also be connected to provide a dedicated power source for the preamplifier section, further separating it from the amplifier\u2019s internal power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connectivity<\/strong>: The F-01 and F-02 each provide three pairs of ES-Link Analog\/XLR inputs<\/a>, three pairs of RCA inputs, a built-in MM\/MC phono stage<\/a>, and balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs driven by a dual-mono headphone amplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The F-01 and F-02 can also serve as the control center of a larger multi-amplifier system. Their ES-Link Analog preamp outputs can be connected to an external power amplifier such as Esoteric\u2019s S-05XE<\/a>, allowing the integrated amplifier to function as the system\u2019s preamplifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjustments<\/strong>: The F-01 and F-02 provide a 3-band balanced tone control that can be adjusted independently for each input source. Preamp gain is adjustable in four steps \u2014 0, +6, +12, and +18dB \u2014 to better match the connected power amplifier, while left\/right channel balance can be fine-tuned in 0.1dB increments. An AV Through mode bypasses the volume control for integration into larger home theater or multi-channel systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Control<\/strong>: Esoteric includes its dual-sided RC-1339 aluminum remote control<\/strong> with both the F-01 and F-02. The remote can also operate compatible Esoteric SACD and network players, reducing the need for multiple handsets. Additional system-control connections include RS-232C<\/strong> and trigger input\/output for integration with more complex installations.<\/p>\n\n\n Circuit Design<\/strong>: The F-01 and F-02 use amplifier topologies derived from Esoteric\u2019s Grandioso power amplifiers \u2014 the Grandioso S1X in the case of the F-01 and the Grandioso M1X for the F-02. The two models differ substantially in output, with the F-01 rated at 60 watts per channel into 4 ohms and the F-02 at 240 watts per channel into 4 ohms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dual Mono Power Supply<\/strong>: The rectification and smoothing stages in both amplifiers use a dual-mono layout, with separate power-supply paths for the left and right channels. Each channel is supported by four Grandioso-grade custom block capacitors rated at 10,000\u03bcF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Output Stage<\/strong>: Both models use a three-parallel push-pull bipolar transistor configuration in their power-amplifier sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power Transformer<\/strong>: The F-01 and F-02 each use a large 940VA EI-core power transformer to supply the amplifier section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chassis and Thermal Design<\/strong>: Both integrated amplifiers use custom wave-shaped heat sinks designed to reduce mechanical resonance while providing the thermal management required by their high-current output stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"esoteric-f-02-black-interior\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-02-black-interior.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEsoteric F-01, F-02 and PS-01F: What’s New in Black Edition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F-01 and F-02 Shared Preamp Technologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"esoteric-rc-1339-double-sides-remote\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-rc-1339-double-sides-remote.jpg\")
F-01 and F-02 Shared Power Amplifier Technologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"esoteric-f-01-black-front\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-01-black-front.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"esoteric-f-01-black-rear\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-01-black-rear.jpg\")
![\"esoteric-f-01-ps-o1f-black\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-01-ps-o1f-black.jpg\")
![\"esoteric-f-02-black-power-supply\"](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-02-black-power-supply.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"2026](\"https:\/\/www.ecoustics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/esoteric-f-02-black-front-angle.jpg\")