Esoteric F-03A Integrated Amplifier
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.
Fully Balanced Preamplifier
The Grandioso F1 is a fully balanced preamplifier that descends from the Grandioso C1. It is resilient to noise, and can amplify signals purely and powerfully with low impedance.
Dual Monaural Configuration
A dual monaural configuration with separate left and right sides has been adopted for all stages; from the preamplifier stage to the final stage of the power amplifier. The inclusion of the largest amount of materials ever used in the circuits of an all-in-one Esoteric amplifier ensures both superior sound quality and channel separation.
"ES-LINK Analog" Method for High Quality Current Transmission
In addition to regular line connections (XLR and RCA), the Grandioso F1 features the new "ES-LINK Analog" transmission method developed by Esoteric. This current transmission method utilizes the high performance of the HCLD buffer circuit and its enhanced ability to supply power at high-speed to transmit a pure and strong signal with minimal interference from the impedance of the signal route. This is the ideal method for analog audio transmission as it fully maximizes the system's potential when connected to a compatible device.*
*Included in the Grandioso K1 as of September 2016. A standard balance cable (with an XLR terminal) is used for connections, but the "ES-LINK Analog" method can only be used with compatible devices since it is a proprietary transmission method.
ESOTERIC-QVCS
The F1's Esoteric-QVCS* volume control employs four precision switched resistor ladder networks, which change in unison as the volume knob is rotated. This arrangement allows the signal paths for the left and right channels and their positive and negative phases to be kept totally independent and as short as possible. Consequently the sound has superb clarity, excellent channel separation and highly accurate phase characteristics. The elimination of audio board wiring to the volume control further contributes to a reduced signal path, while preventing degradation of sound quality and helping to maintain the low distortion one would expect of a reference model.
*QVCS = Quad Volume Control System
Ultra Low Noise Logic Controls
All control systems in the Grandioso F1 are electrically separated from the main preamplifier using isolator chipsets and contained in the front panel to effectively minimize noise.
High Precision Ball Bearing Control Knobs
Employing the same high-precision bearing system used in our VRDS transport mechanisms, the F1's volume control knob and selector switch provide exceptionally smooth operation with an analog feel free of any mechanical play. Sparing no cost, the front panel and all panel knobs are custom-machined from solid aluminum.
Dual Mono Phonostage Preamp
The dual mono phonostage preamp (MM/MC) features independent left and right channel power sources and independent circuits.
