Esoteric S-03
0% – 3 Year Financing Available!!
Esoteric S-03 Stereo Power Amplifier
A Legacy of Consummate Purity and Perfection
Esoteric’s new S-03 Power Amplifier carry on the refinement of the 02 Series’ superb qualities of musical reproduction, which stand as a Grandioso legacy.
Their minimalist approach to the consummate purity of sound returns to the very source of audio component design to give birth to a rich new range of musical experience. Hand-assembled one-by-one in Esoteric-s Tokyo factory, each unit combines the most advanced technologies with an unprecedented level of craftsmanship to give life to a pre-eminent philosophy of sound appreciation, from which a timeless new standard is born.
Product Description
0% – 3 Year Financing Available!!
Esoteric S-03 Stereo Power Amplifier
A Legacy of Consummate Purity and Perfection
Esoteric’s new S-03 Power Amplifier carry on the
refinement of the 02 Series’ superb qualities of musical reproduction,
which stand as a Grandioso legacy.
Their minimalist approach to the consummate purity of sound returns
to the very source of audio component design to give birth to
a rich new range of musical experience. Hand-assembled one-by-one in
Esoteric-s Tokyo factory, each unit combines
the most advanced technologies with an unprecedented level of
craftsmanship to give life to a pre-eminent philosophy of
sound appreciation, from which a timeless new standard is born.
Concealing the overwhelming potential of Esoteric’s premier Monoblock M1, and Stereo S1 and S-02 amplifiers, the S-03 inherits all the knowledge and technology embodied in the core principles of Esoteric power amplifier development, and expands the scope of Grandioso lineage into new realms of listening enjoyment. Offering a range of power and dynamism comparable to the finest high-end components, the S-03 imbues music with ever more vivid sensations of being truly live.
The Features
The Sound of Life Unleashed – High Power Creates Spaciousness and Dynamism
The indescribable feeling of spaciousness that comes when sound is 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. The new S-03 Power Amplifier extends the legacy of Esoteric’s premier Grandiose M1, setting free every nuance of sound, and imparting 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-03’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.
2×2 Dual Mono Power Supply Provides Stereo Output with Monoblock Thinking
The main feature differentiating Monoblock and stereo amplifiers is the configuration of their power supplies. In conventional stereo amplifier designs, one power supply is shared by both channels, since space and efficiency limitations tend to preclude a dual mono configuration. Starting with our flagship Grandioso models, Esoteric’s stereo power amplifiers have consistently featured a unique 2×2 Dual Mono power supply design which separates the left and right channels of the front and drive stages into four independent dual mono sections. By isolating the power supplies for the front (voltage amplification) stage, which handles weaker input signal, from those for the drive (current amplification) stage, which much contend with huge current fluctuations, the S-03 effectively realizes more clearly focused details and breathtaking dynamics, even when driven to full capacity. Moreover, by optimizing this independent dual mono configuration-from the secondary windings of the transformers to the rectifier circuit-the S-03 is also able to achieve clear channel separation on par with the finest Monoblock amplifiers.
Large-Capacity Custom Power Transformer – The Heart of the Finest Power Amplifiers
Class -leading 2×2 dual mono power supplies are only capable of revealing their true worth by way of the investment of enormous resources. A robust power supply is critical to an amplifier’s ability to deliver high power in a linear manner, and this is especially true for the power transformer. Therefore, particular attention was paid to material selection, core size and even the mounting of the S-03’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 4,700 F 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 Ensures Accurate Damping for Large Woofers
Optimizing the S-03’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.
SPECIFICATIONS
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SPECIFICATIONS
Esoteric S-03 Stereo Power Amplifier
Rated power output 145W + 145W (8Ω) / 290W + 290W (4Ω)
Maximum power output 580W + 580W (2Ω)
Frequency response 5Hz – 100kHz (+0dB, -3dB, 8Ω)
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 115dB (IHF-A)
Total harmonic distortion 0.003% (1kHz, 8Ω, 145W)
Gain 29dB
Damping factor 1000
Analog audio input jacks RCA x 1 pair / XLR x 1 pair
Input impedance 22kΩ (RCA) / 44kΩ (XLR)
Power supply 230V AC, 50Hz / 120V AC, 60Hz / 220V AC, 60Hz
Power consumption 440W (no signal: 160W)
External dimensions (W x H x D) 445 x 221.5 x 476mm (17 5/8 x 8 3/4 x 18 3/8″) (including protrusions)
Weight 48kg (105 7/8 lb)
Included accessories Power cord x 1 / Felt pads x 4 / Power cord support bracket x 1 / Power cord support bracket screw x 2 /Owner’s manual x 1 / Warranty card x 1
– Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
– This product is available in three different power supply variations shown in the chart above. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.
– The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.
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