Esoteric E-02 Balanced Phono Preamplifier

Brand: Esoteric | SKU: EsotericE-02 | UPC: 043774033171

Price
$10,500
Taxes calculated at checkout

User Manual
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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.
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 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/μs. 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: 10Ω, 50Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 300Ω, 500Ω, 1kΩ, 10kΩ, MM: 47kΩ).

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.

Brand Esoteric
Model E-02
RCA Inputs 2
XLR Inputs 1
RCA Outputs 1
XLR Outputs 1
Signal to Noise Ratio (MM) 100
Signal to Noise Ratio (MC) 80
Subsonic Filter Yes, 17Hz –6dB/octave
Dimensions (H x W x D) 5 1/4" x 17 5/8" x 14 1/4"
Weight (lbs) 27.6
Warranty 3 Years

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Price
$10,500.00
$8,500.00
$6,999.99
$12,575.00
$13,500.00
Brand
Esoteric
Simaudio
Musical Fidelity
Accuphase
Simaudio
Model
E-02
Moon 610LP
Nu-Vista Vinyl 2
C-47
Moon 810LP
RCA Inputs
2
1
2
3
1
XLR Inputs
1
1
2
1
1
RCA Outputs
1
1
1
1
1
XLR Outputs
1
1
1
1
1
Signal to Noise Ration (MM)
100
93
> 110
108
95
Signal to Nose Ratio (MC)
80
93
> 98
97
95
Subsonic Filter
Yes, 17Hz –6dB/octave
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dimensions (HxWxD)
5 1/4" x 17 5/8" x 14 1/4"
4.0" x 18.75" x 16.8"
7.4" x 19.0" x 20.1"
4.49" x 18.31" x 16.02"
4.0" x 18.75" x 16.8"
Weight (lbs)
27.6
40
48.5
32.6
40
Warranty
3 Years
10 Years
5 Years
3 Years
10 Years
Based on 296 reviews
93%
(276)
6%
(17)
1%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Great speakers For my needs. Wanted a nice full sound floor standing speaker that wasn’t harsh. Using them just for music in our fireplace room not for home theater. Not a complaint at all on their lack of lower end frequencies, I pretty much knew when I ordered them I’d be adding a sub to the mix to fill in where they leave off. Now to pick the sub 😅😂

Fast shipping and products arrived perfectly. Thank you for a good experience

The delivery was quick and the unit arrived earlier Then expected because I live on the west coast.
The Eversolo T8 is everything as advertised and reviewed. The unit took about 8 hours of use to lose the bright forward sound. I’m happy with my purchase from Sate and Sound.

I'm glad I made the choice to purchase this amplifier! I couldn't be happier and the sound is quite captivating.

I just came back from visiting my big brother out of state who has a system in the mid 5 figure mark. When I came back I was inspired to upgrade but decided to wait. But then my Sub stopped working. I saw these on sale and thought “Is it meant to be?” Of course it was. I have these paired with a NAD T-778 streaming Qobuz. So far I am really enjoying these. I am hearing old songs as if they are new again. I have been listening to music more than ever. Bass is solid and highs are crisp. A truly immersive speaker. While I wouldn’t dare say they are as good as my big brother’s setup, they are close enough to put a smile on my face. I think they are a solid option for the price range. I am very satisfied and they are still breaking in.

Absolute game changer! Love the device - terrific sound quality, intuitive interface and beautiful design!

A
Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Integrated Amplifier with Built-in DAC Customer Return
Anonymous

My amplifier arrived safely and has functioned wonderfully without issue. Thank you!

Reference caliber exotic retro-futuristic LP spinner. Few rivals. Few are so flexible.

I started years ago with an Ortofon Blue and this directly replaced a Mofi Mastertracker. I have coupled the LVB250 with a Darlington MB8 phono preamp and I can finally say that I am satisfied. This cartridge is exceptional and I don't think I'll ever need anything better.

Really good service and extremely fast shipping. Also good price on receiver.

Love the power of it it really feels like the gate way into high end it sounds beautiful happy with your service.Everything was all I hoped it would be thank you

I bought the M2si integrated amplifier to drive my 2.7 magnepans. It does a very nice job of doing just that. That the amplifier is advertised as dipping gracefully or smoothly down to 2 Ohms was a primary point in the buy. Plus, Safe and Sound had a very good buy on this amplifier at $ 799.00. The build quality is very good and it has a large toroidal transformer to better handle high current and increase bass response. The preamp is full Class A and is a strong point for this Class A/B amplifier. Great buy! You can't have it all at this price though. The motorized volume knob does not have an easy viewing of where it is set as it is an inset indention without a light marker. Also, no standby power for the amp but it does have excellent heat management as the chassis has a colder side versus the hotter 2 channel amplifiers side. It is a fully discrete amplifier (wonderful, no integrated except for maybe op-amps at the preamp front). 5 year warranty, hard to beat. The amplifier has to be broken in as treble is at first very forward , but settles after a good break in period. The silver white looks very sexy and has a kind of older vibe. The M2si is British and has a brightness to it which can be toned down if you use the right speakers. Magnepans can change resistor values at the terminals or maybe even use specific DACs. No complaint about not having digital inputs at all since there are plenty of line level inputs as you can use outboards which gives you more opportunities any way. I have three different DACs into the line level inputs so all I have to do is switch out the single coax cable I want to change some of the response. I like a very well made Class A/B like this unit compared to the Class D which I have tried. Soundstage is wide and there is a lot of headroom compared to a lot of class D. If the M2si performs at 90% of what their end does like it has been said, then wow. Way to go Musical Fidelity.

I have all Arcam equipment, the sound is fantastic. The price was amazing.. MusicLife app is so/so. Great piece of equipment..

Safe and Sound is an excellent place to buy audio gear. This phono preamp is excellent, as sounds as advertised and the price was right!

Amazing to deal with and best service on the planet

So pleased with the quality as well as pretty much next day delivery. Great company

Excellent CD player. Very impressed with the quality of the open box service. Absolutely impeccable, couldn’t tell from a brand new unit. Your customer service is also tops. Thanks for great shopping experience!

A
Marantz PM7000N Integrated Stereo Amplifier with HEOS Built-in
Anonymous

Amazing sound. Perfectly pairs with the components I have. Vinyl has never sounded better.

Unit sounds great butyou can hear sound bleeding through the speakers and amp at zero volume. Also bind post so small myspade pugs either too large to accommodate. Unit turned off several times, not sure why possible connection but I could not figure out maybe due to heavy load speakers .Ssrvice and sales always fantastic!

Super quick shipment and communications! Always great experience with Safe and Sound! The T8 is amazing! Big improvement over DMP 6!

These outperform my previous speakers by a wide margin: more punch, more body, higher articulation. The vocals are mesmerizing.

I was trying to scale down from a surround to a stereo setup and looking to upgrade DAC from Marantz av8805a. I have the Anthem mca 525 gen 2 amps and Sonus Faber Sonetto iii g2. It took about 70+ to burn in. It was an upgrade, but it is very subtle and hard to even notice unless really paying attention. This does fell like within the territory of diminishing returns. I don't know if it's because of my speakers, but it is the best speaker I can get given the size and weight for a small walkup apartment. However, I still decided to keep it because it is much lighter and runs cooler than the Marantz. It is also a little bit clearer (the Marantz sounded a little bit muddied, which I didn't even notice after years of using until I was comparing it with m3ai) and I noticed that it sounded louder at the same db level because of this (this means I can listen at lower db levels than I would with Marantz). I do miss the ability to fully control the Marantz via the android app. Overall a good DAC, but subtracting a little bit of points for the high price.