Esoteric has introduced a limited Black Edition of its F-Series integrated amplifiers, expanding the lineup with black-anodized versions of the F-01, F-02 and the matching PS-01F external power supply. The Esoteric Black Edition keeps the same preamp and power amp architecture introduced with the standard F-Series, built around technology inherited from the flagship Grandioso X Edition components, and focuses purely on a new finish rather than new circuitry.
The Esoteric Black Edition Finish
Esoteric says the surface textures and finishes of the Esoteric Black Edition were carefully selected to accentuate the true beauty of black, applied to the F-01, F-02 and PS-01F through a meticulous black-anodizing process. The change is purely cosmetic: every circuit, connector and feature of the standard silver F-Series carries over unchanged, so buyers are choosing a finish rather than a different sound.
The F-01 is a fully balanced dual-mono preamplifier built in the direct line of the Grandioso C1X, using Esoteric’s proprietary Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System for volume control in 0.1dB steps across 1,120 positions. It includes a dual-mono phonostage, three ES-Link Analog inputs, two headphone outputs with a built-in balanced headphone amplifier and a three-band balanced tone control per input. On the amplification side, the F-01 delivers 30 watts per channel in pure Class A, while the more powerful F-02 is rated at 120 watts per channel, both built around simplified circuit designs derived from the Grandioso S1X and M1X respectively. The optional PS-01F supplies external power to the preamp section via an extra-large 200VA toroidal transformer, isolating the preamp’s power supply from the amplifier stage for a quieter, more spacious sound.
Built for Long-Term Ownership
Beyond the core amplification, the Esoteric Black Edition models include practical touches aimed at system integrators: an aluminium remote that doubles as a controller for Esoteric’s SACD and network players, programmable source names, RS-232C and trigger control, and an AV through-output that bypasses the volume control for seamless integration with a home cinema processor. All three Esoteric Black Edition components share Esoteric’s dual-mono power rectification and smoothing design and custom wave-shaped heat sinks intended to reduce peak thermal resonance.
Pricing and availability
The Esoteric Black Edition will reach the United States, United Kingdom and Europe starting in October 2026. The F-01 B is priced at $21,000 / €22,000 / £21,999, the F-02 B at $21,000 / €20,000 / £19,999, and the PS-01F B power supply at $5,700 / €5,500 / £5,499.
Key specifications
- Esoteric Black Edition: F-01 B and F-02 B integrated amplifiers plus PS-01F B power supply
- F-01 B: Class A, 30W/8Ω (60W/4Ω); F-02 B: 120W/8Ω (240W/4Ω)
- Dual-mono preamp with Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System, 0.1dB/1,120-step volume control
- Built-in dual-mono phonostage (MM/MC) and balanced headphone amplifier
- PS-01F B: dedicated 200VA toroidal external power supply for the preamp section
- Pricing: F-01 B / F-02 B from $21,000, PS-01F B from $5,700; available October 2026
Best of High End previously reviewed the Esoteric N-01XE network player. For full specifications, visit Esoteric.
