There’s nothing basic about black.
The F-Series integrated amplifiers from Esoteric include the 30WPC/8Ω Class-A F-01 B and the 120WPC/8Ω Class AB F-02B with the matching PS-01F B dedicated external power ready to power either unit’s preamp section.
As you may know, I recently reviewed Esoteric’s Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier & Grandioso S1X Power Amplifier (review) and liked both what I heard and saw:
I am as much a creature of the eyes as ears and the Esoteric Grandioso stack proved to be a delight for both. If you love the idea of living with beautifully made gear from a company with a long hifi history that makes music sound and feel rich, full, and alive the Grandioso C1X solo Preamplifier and Grandioso S1X Power Amplifier combo were made for you.
You may also know I’m a big fan of integrated amplifiers so I see some Esoteric Class-A integrated goodness somewhere in my reviewing future.
The limited “Black Edition” F-Series Integrated Amplifiers are coming next month with retail prices of $21,000 for the F-01 B and F-02 B and $5700 for the PS-01F B external power supply.
Press Release:
Esoteric launches the limited “Black Edition” of the F-Series Integrated Amplifiers: the F-01, F-02 and PS-01F
Tokyo, JP (September 30, 2026) — Esoteric is proud to announce the release of the special, limited “Black Edition” of brand’s F-Series integrated amplifiers, the F-01, F-02 and PS-01F, starting October 2026. The “Black Edition” features a meticulously finished, black-anodized exterior. The surface textures and finishes have been carefully selected to accentuate the true beauty of black.
Introducing the F-01 / F-02 / PS-01F
The “Finest” Integrated Amplifier You Could Ever Want – The new F Series integrated amplifiers are the culmination of a range of technologies designed to fulfill your ideals. Incorporating all of the preamp and power amp developments from the flagship Grandioso “X” Edition, the new F Series integrated amplifiers deliver outstanding musicality that captures the rich textures of music in a single integrated amplifier. The PS-01F is an external power supply for the audio circuitry of the preamp section, designed to further enhance the sound quality of the F-01/F-02.
The limited “Black Edition” features a meticulously finished, black-anodized exterior. The surface textures and finishes have been carefully selected to accentuate the true beauty of black.
F-01 B / F-02 B — Key Features
Preamplifier Section
- A fully balanced dual mono preamp in the direct line of the Grandioso C1X
- “Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System”, a stepped attenuator circuit developed by Esoteric
- Volume can be adjusted in 0.1dB/1,120* steps with our proprietary attenuator module “UFA-1792”
- *Preamp gain setting: at +12dB
- 3 inputs of “ES-Link Analog”, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
- Two headphone outputs (balanced 4-pin XLR / unbalanced 6.3mm) with built-in fully balanced dual mono headphone amplifier
- Dual mono phonostage preamp (RCA x 1, MM/MC)
- 3-band balanced tone control, independently adjustable for each input source
- ES-Link Analog (x1) /XLR (x1) pre-out for connecting the S-05XE as an external power amplifier
- Dedicated DC power connector for connecting the PS-01F external power supply dedicated to the built-in preamp
- Preamp gain can be adjusted in 4 steps (0/+6/+12/+18dB) to match the connected power amplifier
Amplifier Section
- Simple and straightforward circuit design based on Grandioso S1X (F-01 B) and Grandioso M1X (F-02 B)
- F-01 B: Class A 30 WPC/8Ω F-02 B: 120 WPC/8Ω
- Excellent power linearity and driving power (F-01 B: 60 WPC/4Ω F-02 B: 240 WPC/4Ω)
- All stages of the power rectification and smoothing circuit are configured with dual monaural design
- Powerful bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull configuration
- Huge 940VA EI core power transformer\
- Channel-independent Grandioso grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)
- Custom wave-shaped heat sinks to reduce peak resonance
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)
PS-01F B — Key Features
- Dedicated external power supply for the F-01/F-02’s preamp audio circuitry
- Isolates preamp power supply from the amplifier and increases capacitance for higher sound quality
- Extra-large 200VA toroidal transformer
- High capacitance power supply rectifier (27,200μF × 2)
- Highly rigid, heavy-duty, thick aluminum panel enclosure
- Esoteric’s unique pinpoint isolation feet with unique positioning of three support points
- Semi-floating top plate for a more spacious and open sound
- High-quality sound DC cable included (1.5m / 1 cable)
Pricing & Availability
The Black Edition will be available in the U.S., UK, and Europe starting in October 2026.
MSRPs are as follows:
F-01 B
US $21,000
EU €22,000.00
UK £21,999.00
F-02 B
US $21,000
EU €20,000.00
UK £19,999.00
PS-01F B
US $5,700
EU €5,500.00
UK £5,499.00
About Esoteric
The design goal of Esoteric is to recreate the original master sound.
Esoteric is a high end audio manufacturer established in 1987. Based in Tokyo, all products (ranging from network audio players, SACD players, DACs to amplifiers) are hand built in our factory to exacting standards. Cutting edge technologies, engineering excellence, state-of-the-art Japanese craftsmanship and passion for innovation – all coming together to unveil new dimensions in musical experience.
Company Website: Esoteric