Esoteric
S-05 Class A Amplifier
$12,500.00 USDFeatures
Finely detailed Class-A sound with super dynamics – an Esoteric’s signature tone
Dual monaural construction in all stages including current smoothing circuit for better channel separation
Esoteric’s proprietary current signal transmission, “ES-Link Analog” delivers music signal with exceptional high power and fidelity.
High capacity bi-polar 3 parallel push/pull circuit that instantaneously responds to the music signal
940VA large EI-core power transformer that responds to dynamic current supply changes with high speed
Large “Grandioso grade” custom capacitors on each channel (10,000μF × 4/ch)
Balanced input amplifier for stable, noise-free signal transmission
BTL / Bi-amp mode switch for dual amplifier configuration
DC Trigger for sequential power ON/OFF with the N-05XD
Esoteric’s unique isolation feet and semi-floating top panel
Unique shaped heat-sink to minimize its own peak resonance
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The S-05 is a cutting-edge stereo power amplifier that draws inspiration from the engineering principles and techniques employed in Esoteric's flagship Grandioso M1X monoblock power amplifier. This new addition to the Esoteric lineup is a class-A power amplifier designed to deliver the full breadth of music's unique tonal qualities while maintaining a more compact stereo configuration. It's an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a high-performance amplifier that can deliver the full essence of music without compromise.
At the heart of the S-05's design philosophy is the concept of "minimal circuitry – maximum output," a principle that has been successfully implemented in the Grandioso M1X. By minimizing the complexity of the amplifier's circuitry, Esoteric's engineers have ensured that the S-05 can deliver the purest possible signal path, preserving the integrity and nuance of the original audio signal.
The S-05's class-A amplification technology ensures that the amplifier operates with minimal distortion across its entire frequency range, providing a transparent and accurate representation of the music. This attention to detail allows the S-05 to reproduce the full dynamic range of recordings, from delicate instrumental passages to powerful crescendos, with exceptional clarity and finesse. Despite its relatively compact size for a Class A, the S-05 is capable of delivering ample power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers with ease, ensuring that the listener can experience the full impact and emotional depth of their favorite recordings. The amplifier's robust power supply and carefully selected components contribute to its ability to maintain consistent, high-quality performance even under demanding conditions.
Dragon Audio Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Esoteric S-05 Class A Amplifier with the Silver Dragon Interconnect. The Silver Dragon Interconnect is one of our best-selling cables at Moon Audio. Sold in Pairs, it is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. The Black Dragon Power Cable is also recommended to provide the cleanest and unbridled power to your high-end amplifier.
Key Features
- Lavish material employment, simple and straight circuit design concept borrowed from the Grandioso M1X
- Finely detailed Class-A sound with super dynamics – an Esoteric’s signature tone
- Dual monaural construction in all stages including current smoothing circuit for better channel separation
- Esoteric’s proprietary current signal transmission, “ES-Link Analog” delivers music signal with exceptional high power and fidelity.
- High capacity bi-polar 3 parallel push/pull circuit that instantaneously responds to the music signal
- 940VA large EI-core power transformer that responds to dynamic current supply changes with high speed
- Large “Grandioso grade” custom capacitors on each channel (10,000μF × 4/ch)
- Balanced input amplifier for stable, noise-free signal transmission
- BTL / Bi-amp mode switch for dual amplifier configuration
- DC Trigger for sequential power ON/OFF with the N-05XD
- Esoteric’s unique isolation feet and semi-floating top panel
- Unique shaped heat-sink to minimize its own peak resonance
Q: What is special about the Esoteric S-05 amplifier?
A: The S-05 is a class-A stereo power amplifier that incorporates engineering techniques from Esoteric's flagship Grandioso M1X monoblock amplifier, focusing on delivering music's unique tonal qualities in a compact stereo configuration.
Q: What is the design philosophy behind the S-05?
A2: The S-05 embraces the "minimal circuitry – maximum output" philosophy, which aims to minimize the complexity of the amplifier's circuitry to ensure the purest possible signal path, preserving the integrity and nuance of the original audio signal.
Q: What are the benefits of class-A amplification in the S-05?
A: Class-A amplification technology ensures that the S-05 operates with minimal distortion across its entire frequency range, providing a transparent and accurate representation of the music and allowing it to reproduce the full dynamic range of recordings with exceptional clarity.
Q: Can the S-05 drive a wide range of loudspeakers?
A: Yes, despite its compact size, the S-05 is capable of delivering ample power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers with ease, ensuring that the listener can experience the full impact and emotional depth of their favorite recordings.
Q: What contributes to the S-05's high-quality performance?
A: The S-05's robust power supply and carefully selected components contribute to its ability to maintain a consistent, high-quality performance even under demanding conditions.
Q6: Is the S-05 a good choice for audiophiles?
A: Yes, the Esoteric S-05 is an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a high-performance amplifier that can deliver the full essence of music without compromise, combining the engineering excellence of the flagship Grandioso M1X with the convenience and affordability of a compact stereo design.
Specifications
- Speaker Output
- Rated Output Power
- 30W + 30W (8Ω, Class-A)
- 60W + 60W (4Ω)
- 120W (BTL mode, 8Ω)
- Compatible Speaker Impedance
- 4Ω to 16Ω
- 8Ω to 16Ω (BTL mode)
- Analog Audio Inputs
- ESL-A
- 1 pair
- XLR
- 1 pair
- RCA
- 1 pair
- General
- Power Consumption
- 245W (210W at no signal)
- External Dimensions (W×H×D)
- 445 × 191 × 444mm
- 17-½" × 7-½" × 17-½" (including protrusions)
- Weight
- 30.7kg / 67-¾ lb
- Included Accessories
- Power cord × 1
- Felt pads × 4
- Owner's manual × 1
- Audio Performance
- Frequency Response
- 5Hz to 100kHz (+0dB, –3dB, 8Ω)
- S/N Ratio
- 102dB (IHF-A, XLR)
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.007% (1kHz, 8Ω, 30W)
- Compatible Speaker Impedance
- 4Ω to 16Ω
- 8Ω to 16Ω (BTL mode)
- Gain
- 28.5dB