Details
Description
The Apex of Vinyl Playback
To meet the demands of vinyl lovers the world over, ESOTERIC has poured knowledge accumulated over many years of developing audio technology into the E-02, our newest phonostage preamplifier. The E-02 inherits the philosophy that guided our highly acclaimed E-03 phonostage to be a continual best-seller for the last 8 years, and adds the new fully balanced transmission and amplification circuit utilizing MC cartridges to achieve a level of analog playback that was previously unimaginable.
Fully Balanced Circuit Design
The E-02 is a fully balanced phonostage preamplifier that features fully balanced circuits from the input stage right through to the final output stage. It is perfectly designed for handling the extremely low level signals from a MC cartridge, minimize noise interference and powerfully amplify signals with low impedance to bring the very best sound out of your beloved MC cartridge collection.
Dual Mono Construction
Identical power supply transformers, power boards and amplifier circuits are mounted independently on each channel. Outstanding channel separation and robust power supply components deliver solid, powerful, and exceptionally high quality audio playback.
Super High Quality MC Head Amplifier and RIAA Amplifier
The E-02 features a newly designed fully balanced MC head amplifier and RIAA amplifier. The NF-CR type RIAA amplifier achieves outstanding RIAA characteristics of ±0.2dB together with minimum Negative Feedback, and the high voltage power supply delivers an exceptionally wide dynamic headroom.
Equipped with ESOTERIC-HCLD, ESOTERIC’s Proprietary Current-Enhancing Output Buffer Circuit
The E-02 employs the same buffer amplifier technology as our flagship Grandioso C1 preamplifier, which features a high current output capability and an exceptionally high slew rate of 2,000V/microsecond. Each channel is equipped with two buffer amplifiers which drive the hot and cold signals separately when the system is in XLR output mode. When switched to RCA output mode, however, the amplifiers work in parallel to maximize the output linearity. This design achieves super-fast current output, resulting in breathtaking super-dynamic sound.
ES-LINK Analog Output
The E-02 is compatible with ESOTERIC’s unique ES-LINK Analog current transmission in addition to regular XLR and RCA outputs. ES-LINK Analog is a current transmission method that fully utilizes the high speed and powerful capabilities of the HCLD circuit to fully maximize the potential of compatible devices.
Three Types of Input Including XLR Balanced Input
The E-02 is equipped with one XLR (MC dedicated) input and two RCA inputs, with the RCA inputs also featuring fully balanced transmission throughout all stages after the input amplifier. Cartridge impedance, filter ON/OFF and MONO switch ON/OFF settings can be configured as presets for each input, and switched easily using the large dial control on the front panel.
Load impedance switching function that exploits the full potential of the cartridge
The E-02 enables you to select between nine different impedance positions (MC: 10Ohm, 50Ohm, 100Ohm, 200Ohm, 300Ohm, 500Ohm, 1kOhm, 10kOhm, MM: 47kOhm).
Various Control Functions
Simply playback a record for around 30 seconds with the DEMAG function switched on to demagnetize any unexpected magnetization of the cartridge’s coils or step-up transformers and recover the original sound. The E-02 is equipped with a sub-sonic filter (17Hz, -6dB/octave), a MONO switch and output switching (XLR, RCA, ES-LINK Analog) controls.
Highly Rigid Chassis Construction
Phonostage amplifiers that amplify extremely low signal levels are highly sensitive to vibration, which is why ESOTERIC pays special attention to chassis construction in order to control vibration wherever possible. The arrangement of each component is designed in minute detail, and a slit construction is used in the bottom chassis that supports all of the circuits to minimize interference. The highly rigid thick aluminum enclosure and proprietary pinpoint feet (patent No: JP4075477) are extremely effective in minimizing the effects of vibration from external sources.
Use of High Grade Components
In our uncompromising pursuit of superior sound quality, ESOTERIC uses nothing but the highest grade components including custom-designed power supply capacitors and machined gold-plated RCA terminals. The two large selector knobs on the front panel feature a ball-bearing structure based on the VRDS drive mechanism, providing a beautifully smooth analog feel without any wobble. Knobs are sculpted from solid aluminum for a truly refined, high-end look and feel.
Specifications
Specifications
ANALOG AUDIO INPUTS | |
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Connectors | RCA x 3 pairs (RCA 2 can be used as an AV pre-input ) XLR x 2 pairs |
Input impedance | LINE : 10 kOhms |
Input sensitvity | At rated output : 510 mV At 800 mV output : 200 mV |
Maximum input level | 12 V |
ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUTS | |
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Connectors | RCA x 2 pairs XLR x 2 pairs |
Output impedance | RCA: 47 Ohms XLR: 100 Ohms |
Maximum output level | 7.5 V ( RCA output, 1kHz, 0.003%) 15V ( XLR output, 1kHz, 0.003%) |
Frequency response | 1Hz – 200 kHz ( -3 dB ) 3Hz – 50 kHz (-0.2 dB) |
S/N ratio | 116 dB ( 2 V input, A-weight ) |
Total harmonic distortion | 0.0006% (RCA) 0.0004% ( XLR) |
Gain | +12 dB |
Rated output | 2 V |
GENERAL | |
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Power supply | AC 230V, 50Hz ; AC 120V, 60Hz ; AC 220V, 60Hz |
Power consumption | 19W |
External dimensions (W x H x D, including protrusions) |
445 x 162 x 457 mm (17 5/8˝ x 6 1/2˝ x 18˝ ) |
Weight | 28 kg ( 61 3/4lb) |
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES | |
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Power cord set x 1; Remote control (RC-1156) x 1; Batteries for remote control (AA) x 2; Felts x3; Owner’s manual x 1; Warranty card x 1 |
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Esoteric E-02 Balanced Phono Pre Amp
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Delivery & Returns
Delivery & Returns
We offer FREE delivery to the mainland UK (excluding Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of White, Isles of Scilly, and some of the remote Scottish Isles).
For other areas please contact us for a quote. Select items can be delivered internationally by prior agreement. Again please contact us for a quote. We will always do our best to help.
Our aim is to dispatch goods within 2 working days of an order being placed. Please allow 5 working days from the time of your order to receipt of item. If an order is expected to take longer than this our order fulfillment department will contact you to inform you of this.
Where multiple items are ordered, we will dispatch them all in one package. If you have ordered any special or customized items, or items otherwise not immediately available, we will dispatch the order when all items are available. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact us and we will do are very best to help you.