Esoteric F-03A Integrated Amplifier Made In Japan

Integrated Amplifier

F-03A

Basic and complete
Launching brand new F-series

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.

Class A Reference Model A類的旗艦機種

為了成為最受期待的綜合擴大機，F-03A直接配備了Grandioso的全平衡前級和A類後級，聲音滑順，密度又高，加上芳醇的音色以及質感陰影的纖細表現，絕對是單體式擴大機的旗艦機種。

從前級到後級的最終階段，全都是澈底的雙單聲道結構，能把ESOTERIC的K／N系列數位播放機之潛力全部發揮出來

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.

F-SERIES PHILOSOPHY
是基本型態也是完成品

透過完整的投資研發,我們創造了有著更顯著發展的 Esoteric 新一代F系列，比起 Grandioso 旗艦分離式擴大機，F系列代表著新一代綜合擴大機。為了捕捉原有的溫暖和音樂的質感，除了達成 Grandioso傑出的表達力，我們更是濃縮了最極致的音頻表現到整合式結構之中，提供完善的使用性和極富吸引力的外觀，來補足尺寸上的限制，簡單而完整。我們著眼於創造一個型錄上獨一無二的存在，於是， Esoteric F系列就此誕生。

類比放大
從旗艦款Grandioso開始，一貫採用高音質的類比放大電路。
一體式
目標是成為最高端的一體式擴大機。
追求擴大機的基本
大手筆投入大量物資，澈底追求擴大機的本質，試圖從最基本的形式中尋求特別的洗煉與密度。
講求功能性
音色的選擇比分體式擴大機更靈活。設計雖然洗練卻還是具備了豐富的擴充性和功能性，能夠 把一體式擴大機的潛能發揮到極致。

Audio expression, symphonic beauty, artistic passion, the concert hall's spatial feel, the excitement of the audience. Esoteric's Master Sound Works is an audio product concept that recreates all of the music information in original master recordings with the most state-of-the-art technology available today.

聲音的表情、共奏的美、藝術家的熱情、演奏廳的氛圍、觀眾的熱烈。ESOTERIC的「Master Sound Works」是以現代最尖端技術捕捉大師們一切最原始音樂資訊並再現的音響理念。

A Fully Balanced Preamplifier

One result of the lavish attention given to the development of the F Series is the preamplifier's fully balanced configuration, which derives from our highly esteemed C Series preamplifier models. Impervious to noise, it delivers pure and powerful signal amplification at ultra-low impedance.

全平衡前級
F系列奢侈的講究之處有一樣是屬於分體式擴大機的，就是全平衡架構的前級。不但高訊噪比，低阻抗更充滿力量，能夠純淨地將訊號放大。

Dual Monaural by Design

The one design feature of these amplifiers that most clearly reflects Grandioso thinking is their dual monaural configuration, which maintains complete left and right channel independence through all stages, from preamplifier to the power amplifier's final stage. As Esoteric integrated amplifiers, the major investments made in circuit construction expertise and materials developed over the years yield excellent channel separation and a measure of sound quality that transcends the class.

雙單聲道設計
最能夠反映出Grandioso想法的設計手法就是，從前級到後級的最終階段都採用L/R各自獨立的雙單聲道架構。
在ESOTERIC的一體式擴大機中，F系列投入在電路架構上的物資是至今最豪華的，所以才能獲得超越等級的音質與聲音分離度。

ESOTERIC-QVCS

Playing a significant role in the F Series' balanced dual monaural configuration is the proprietary Quad Volume Control System (QVCS), which incorporates a total of four precision switched resistor ladder networks operating in unison to electronically and independently control the left and right channels and their positive and negative phases. This system helps maintain superb audio clarity, excellent channel separation and highly accurate phase characteristics. Further, by eliminating all volume control wiring on the audio board, the resulting shorter signal path minimizes deterioration of sound quality while realizing exceptionally low distortion.
* QVCS: Quad Volume Control System

Esoteric – QVCS
全平衡架構加上雙單聲道，能夠讓這兩點保持高水準是因為採用了獨家的ESOTERIC-QVCS*音量控制方式，經由電子操控統合控制L/R、正/負共計四組電路的分砌式阻抗切換之音量，確保L/R、正/負的信號獨立，藉此在聲道分離度與相位特性中獲得優化的純淨音質。而且因為減少了音源電路版到音量元件的配線，所以大幅度縮短了聲音信號的路徑，防止了音質的劣化，並維持低扭曲。
*QVCS = Quad Volume Control System

Ultra-Low-Noise Logic Control

As a countermeasure against noise, all control lines have been electronically separated from the main body of the preamplifier with the use of isolator elements integrated into the front panel.

超低噪訊的邏輯控制
全系統的控制採用絕緣體與前級主體的電源分離，並內建於前方面版部分，澈底考量噪訊問題。

High-Precision Ball Bearing Control Knobs

Employing the same high-precision bearing mechanisms used in our Grandioso components, the F Series' volume control knobs and selector switches provide exceptionally smooth operation with an analog feel free of any mechanical play. Sparing no cost, all panel knobs are also custom-machined from solid aluminum.

音量控制和功能選擇使用與Grandioso相同的軸承結構，軸心完全不會振動，滑順的操作手感給人類比操作的感覺，面板上的旋鈕全都不惜成本，以整塊鋁合金削切製作而成。

Dual Mono Phonostage Preamp

The dual mono phonostage preamp (MM/MC) features independent left and right channel power sources and independent circuits.

採用獨立電源設計的雙單聲道唱頭放大
具備左右聲道使用獨立電源、獨立電路的雙單聲道唱頭放大（MM/MC）設計。

High-Quality Headphone Amplifier

The powerful headphone amp provides abundant output to effectively drive even difficult to power high-end high-impedance headphones.

內建高品質的耳機擴大機
內建驅動力強大的耳機擴大機，就算是高阻抗的耳機也能充分驅動。

3-Band Tone Control (Treble/Middle/Bass)

Commitment to achieving all the quality associated with high-end components results in a balanced dual monaural configuration consisting of four circuits (L/R, -/+) for each band. This system enables users to adjust tone settings free of any concerns about sound quality deterioration. Shifting the variable band more than usual toward the high and low frequency ranges (14kHz/63Hz) permits fine adjustment of bass and treble without adversely affecting the original source signal. Fully electronic control also permits fine adjustment of up to ±12dB in 0.5dB steps. The middle band can also be utilized as a loudness preset when set to the minus side and used in conjunction with the Tone Bypass switch.

講究Hi-End機種的品質，各頻段以4電路（L/R、正/負）的雙單聲道、全平衡電路構成，所以在做音質調整時可以完全不用顧慮音質的劣化問題。TREBLE和BASS所進行切換的可調頻段是在比一般音域高或低（14KHz/63Hz）的部分，所以可以在不對音訊原本的音色造成很大損害的情況下進行纖細的調整。電子操控部分，可以進行一階0.5dB的精密調整，最大調整範圍達到±12dB。MIDDLE的頻段則是可以配合負端並用By-Pass切換，使用預設的LOUDNESS。

Power Amplifier Input Stage Features Balanced Configuration

The power amplification section's front stage is balanced in line with the thinking behind our S Series separate amplifiers. Its low impedance and clean amplification further enhance the dynamic range.

功率放大輸入級的平衡結構
跟S系列的分體式擴大級一樣，將功率放大前段轉為平衡，讓低阻抗時也能乾淨地放大，所以在聽感上，動態範圍會表現得更廣。

Large-Capacity Custom Power Transformer - The Nucleus of the Finest Power Amplifiers

The power supplies of the F Series feature large-core 940VA custom EI power transformers and 40,000µF block capacitors for each channel in a dual monaural configuration. Large-gauge cable is used in all connections to help minimize impedance. As in our separate power amplifiers, this outstanding power section achieves a theoretically linear power output ranging from 30W at an 8Ω load to 60W at 4Ω for faithful reproduction of every musical dynamic.

功率放大的核心，大容量的客製電源變壓器
電源部分採用940VA的大型客製EI電源變壓器，電容陣列也是每聲道對應10,000μF×4的雙單聲道結構。配線則是以超粗的電線輸送電壓，讓過程澈底變得低阻抗。至於媲美分體式擴大機的豪華電源部分，F-03A是從8Ω負載時的30W到4Ω負載時的60W，達到了理論上的功率線性，忠實再生出音樂的動態。

Low Impedance for Enhanced Drive Capability

Utilizing eight 1mm-thick bus bars formed of high-purity OFC, the speaker output section employs MOSFET switching with no mechanical contacts. Coils have also been eliminated from the output stage to minimize impedance and enhance drive capability.

因為低阻抗設計而讓驅動能力更強大
8根匯流排全都是1.0mm的厚實OFC材質，喇叭的輸出級採用MOS FET進行切換，而且不是使用機械接點，輸出級也沒有線圈，讓它維持低阻抗，進而提高驅動能力。

Large Bipolar LAPT Transistors Deliver 34 Amperes of Instantaneous Peak Power

Featured in Grandioso models up to and including the M1, large bipolar LAPT* transistors deliver an outstanding continuous current capacity of 17A, and 34A of instantaneous peak power. Their superior high frequency characteristics also play a critical role in the accurate reproduction of the most delicate tones.
* LAPT: Linear Amplified Power Transistor

瞬間34安培的強力雙極LAPT電晶體
採用到Grandioso M1都一貫使用，持續運作17A、瞬間運作34A、具有壓倒性強大電源供應能力的LAPT*雙極電晶體，能再生出高功率機種才有、強而有力又纖細的音色表現。

＊LAPT=Linear Amplified Power Transistor

3-Stage Darlington Circuit with 3 Parallel Push-Pull Configuration + LIDSC

Derived from our flagship Grandioso line, the F Series' amplifier modules feature a three-stage Darlington configuration that utilizes three parallel push-pull sections to faithfully bring out the superb high-frequency characteristics of their LAPT transistors. Proprietary LIDSC* circuitry reduces the drive section's second stage to final stage output impedance, achieving loudspeaker drive capability nearly equal to that of our separate amplifiers. NFB has also been minimized to realize a more natural sound quality brimming with life.
* LIDSC: Low Impedance Drive Stage Coupling

3段的達靈頓電路和3個平行推挽結構+LIDSC電路
忠實繼承Grandioso的理念，採用3個平行推挽的3段達靈頓電路結構，能夠直接發揮LAPT電晶體優越的高頻特性，降低驅動級第二段到最後一段的輸出阻抗，採用獨家的LIDSC*電路，藉此獲得鄰近分體式機種的喇叭驅動力，同時將負回授降到最低，實現洋溢生命力的自然音質。
＊LIDSC =Low Impedance Drive Stage Coupling

3D Optimized Chassis Construction

The F-Series' 3D Optimized Chassis features robust construction that gives each circuit block its own dedicated compartment. Interference between circuits is effectively minimized while achieving the shortest possible cable routing. Chassis exteriors are formed of thick aluminum panels manufactured without compromise following the same design philosophy imbued in Esoteric's separate amplifiers. As a result, their heavy-duty construction tips the scales at a total weight of 32kg, exceptional among integrated models. Our patented steel pinpoint feet* support the F-03A at four points in order to minimize the negative effects of vibration.

堅固的內部結構針對各個電路區塊採用區塊化「3D調校的機殼構造」，抑制各電路之間的相互干涉，達到最短路徑的配線。厚實的鋁合金箱體也毫無妥協，與分體式機種採用相同的設計，完成一體式擴大機中特有、高達32kg總質量的重裝結構。F-03A採用腳錐（專利4075477號），澈底有效抑振。

Designed for System Upgrades

The preamplifier and power amplifier sections of the F Series boast the same degree of refinement as Esoteric's separates, and can both be used as standalone devices, or even disabled if not in use. The PRE-out employs a powerful buffer amplifier, while XLR outputs achieve a highly effective fully balanced configuration. System upgrades can also be performed with no compromises in quality, and an optional board slot facilitates the installation of an optional board, such as OP-DAC1 D/A Converter Board or OP-ESLA1 ES-Link Analog Input Board.

支援系統升級
F系列的前級和後級擁有媲美分體式擴大機等級的完成度，可以個別單獨使用，不使用時可將那部分關掉。前級輸出採用強大的緩衝放大，具備活用全平衡架構的XLR輸出，可以幫系統進行毫不妥協的品質升級，而且還具備一個差孔，能夠追加額外配件，例如對應DSD11.2MHz、PCM348kHz/32bit的數位類比轉換器（OP-DAC1）。

Other features

• Organic EL display (Normal / Large font)..
• Two speaker terminal systems (A / B / A+B)..
• Independently adjustable input gains (±18dB; 0.5dB steps)..
• L/R channel balance..
• Individually selectable phase inversion for each source..
• AV through output (volume bypass) ensures seamless coexistence with AV systems..
• Preamp output jacks (XLR & RCA) can be switched between PRE Out and REC Out..
• Aluminum body remote controller can also be used to operate Esoteric's SACD players..
• Displayed source device names can be remotely programed.
• Mute, dimmer and automatic display OFF functions.

• OLED顯示（可切換一般/放大）
• 2個喇叭端子系統（A, B, A＋B）
• 音訊可調整±18dB的增益範圍（一階0.5dB）
• L/R左右聲道平衡
• 可針對音訊個別設置的相位反轉功能
• 具備與家庭劇院系統共存的便利AV-through輸出（音量ByPass）功能
• 具備一套切換Pre-Out與REC-Out的RCA輸出端子
•  附鋁製遙控器，可以連動操作ESOTERIC SACD播放器
• 顯示幕可以編輯連接音訊的機器名稱
• 靜音功能、顯示調暗功能、顯示幕自動關閉設定

Spec description

Audio performance