The F-02 is an integrated amplifier by Esoteric that delivers 120 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 240 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2024. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Esoteric F-02 has an MSRP of $21,000.
There are 2 Esoteric amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Esoteric Integrated Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Esoteric F-02 is rated at 120 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Esoteric provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.008% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 120 watts into 8-ohms (10 Hz-100 kHz) at 0.008%
- 240 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 110dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 120 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Esoteric F-02?
120 W into 8 ohms, 240 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Esoteric F-02 is rated at 120 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the Esoteric F-02 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Esoteric F-02 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Esoteric F-02 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Average |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Esoteric F-02, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Esoteric F-02 has total of 7 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 7
- Phono Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Yes Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
Esoteric F-02 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Esoteric F-02. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Phono Input
Esoteric F-02 features two Phono Inputs which are compatible with
MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the
Cambridge Duo or the
iFi ZEN Phono.
Balanced connections
Esoteric F-02 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
Esoteric F-02 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power nearly doubles into a harder load, 120 watts into 8 ohms rising to 240 into 4, which points to a power supply with real current in reserve.
- ✓Damping factor of 500 means a low output impedance and firm control over a woofer.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Distortion is specified at 0.008%, an order of magnitude below what is generally held to be audible.
- ✓7 analogue inputs, enough for a full rack of sources.
- ✓Phono stage built in (MM and MC), for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges alike.
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✓Headphone output.
- ✓Has tone controls.
- ✓Made in Japan.
- ✗Analogue inputs only - a TV, computer or CD transport needs an external DAC.
- ✗No Bluetooth and no network streaming - everything arrives over a cable.
- ✗It weighs 32.4kg - check the shelf, and plan on a second pair of hands.
Esoteric F-02 External Dimensions and Weight
Esoteric F-02 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 7-1/2 x 17-1/2 x 18-9/16 inch (191 x 445 x 471 mm ). The unit weighs
32.4 kg (71.4 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Esoteric F-02 is approximately 2096.0cm2 / 324.9inch2.
- Width: 445.0mm (17-1/2")
- Height: 191.0mm (7-1/2")
- Depth: 471.0mm (18-9/16")
- Weight: 32.4 kg (71.4 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2096.0cm2 / 324.9inch2
- Volume: ~40.0 liter / 10.6 gallon
Available colors
Esoteric F-02 is available in Silver, Black (limited Black Edition and 2026) color options.
What's in the Box of Esoteric F-02?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of F-02:
- Amplifier
- Power cord
- Remote control (RC-1339)
- AA batteries x 2
- Felt pads x 4
- Owner's manual
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Esoteric F-02 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Esoteric F-02
| General |
| Brand |
Esoteric |
| Full Model Name |
Esoteric F-02 |
| Release Date |
2024 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
120 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
240 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
10 Hz-100 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
500 |
| THD |
0.008% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
110 dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (MM) |
97 dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (MC) |
78 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
7 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
Yes, XLR and ES-Link Analog pre-out; AV through (volume bypass) input |
| Headphone Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
191.0mm (7-1/2") |
| Width |
445.0mm (17-1/2") |
| Depth |
471.0mm (18-9/16") |
| Weight |
32.4 kg (71.4 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Silver, Black (limited Black Edition, 2026) |
| OTHER |
| Tone Controls |
Yes, bass, middle and treble +/-12dB |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
How much power does the Esoteric F-02 have?
The Esoteric F-02 delivers 120 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 240 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Its output almost doubles into 4 ohms, which points to a strong power supply that can hold its composure with demanding, low-impedance speakers.
Does the Esoteric F-02 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Esoteric F-02 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Esoteric F-02?
The Esoteric F-02 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the Esoteric F-02 have a built-in DAC?
No. The Esoteric F-02 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the Esoteric F-02?
Yes. The Esoteric F-02 has a built-in phono stage for MM AND MC cartridges, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp.
Does the Esoteric F-02 have Bluetooth?
No. The Esoteric F-02 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the Esoteric F-02 have a headphone output?
Yes. The Esoteric F-02 has a Yes-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the Esoteric F-02 cost?
The Esoteric F-02 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $21,000.
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