Esoteric S-02 Stereo Power Amplifier
Grandios Lineage
Representing the next generation in a proud lineage of audio excellence, the S-02 Stereo Poweramplifier and its matching Stereo Preamplifier C-02X feature state-of-the-art circuitry in a discrete dual mono configuration that dramatically conveys all the power and energy of music. Assembled one at a time in ESOTERIS's Tokyo factory and incorporating all the knowledge and technology of the flagship Grandioso line, these two new models accentuate the refined qualities of audio reporduction with expert draftsmanship and handmade precision.
Proudly taking its place as a new reference boasting Grandioso lineage, the S-02 utilizes the know-how and technology employed in Esoteric's premier monoblock M1 and stereo S1 power amplifiers to offer generous power and exceptional dynamics that propel musical crescendos to breathtaking heights. The S-02's outstanding performance and unsurpassed clarity allow the listener not only to hear the music, but also to feel the music, by helping to reproduce the emotion that is the essence of an involving musical experience.
The Sound of Life Unleashed
The indescribable feeling of spaciousness that comes when sound is truly unleashed and the sense that the music you're hearing is truly live, can only be generated by amplifiers that offer abundant power to properly drive the loudspeakers. Esoteric's amplifiers use the finest components and massive power supplies to achieve the high output power this demands. Faithfully incorporating the design philosophy of our Monoblock M1 amplifier, the new S-02 sets free every nuance of sound, and imparts to music all the vibrancy and richness of life.
Exceptional Power Linearity for Outstanding Dynamics
Loudspeaker impedance can vary widely depending on the frequencies being reproduced. The fast attack of deep bass imposes demanding loads on an amplifier, requiring not only continuous high power output, but also repeated bursts of peak power. Unless the amplifier's power supply is capable of consistently meeting these demands, musical dynamics will be compromised. The S-02's generous power supply capacity enables this nominally rated 145W into 8 ohms amplifier to deliver an impressive 580W into 2 ohms - a testament to the linearity of a power supply that faithfully reproduces the full spectrum of sound dynamics at all volume levels.
Large-Capacity Custom Power Transformer
A robust power supply is critical to an amplifier's ability to deliver high power in a linear manner. This is especially true for the power transformer, so great attention was paid to the material selection, core size and even mounting of the S-02's custom-made EI-type power transformer. Popular among avid audiophiles, this transformer was selected for the full-bodied, high-quality bass it provides. To preserve sound purity, this large-core 940VA transformer features separate windings for left and right channels, and is securely mounted on a rigid, 5mm-thick steel base plate. Three parallel 4,700µF capacitors per channel shorten charge and discharge times, and provide a tighter, faster sound. Power supply wiring uses heavy-duty cables fitted with crimp terminals, which are tightly bolted together to reduce impedance to the lowest levels possible.
Breathtaking Speaker-Driving Power
Optimizing the S-02's loudspeaker drive capability required reducing the output impedance to an absolute minimum. To achieve this, a total of nine bus bars were used for each channel, while the output coil was eliminated. Strenuous efforts were also made to simplify the circuit design and widen its range, resulting in an exceptional damping factor of 1,000, considered a guideline for woofer drive capability. Even large-diameter woofers are provided with accurate damping for precise sound reproduction, giving an expansive feel across a wide range that reaches to even the lowest frequencies.
