Considering Esoteric….what do I need to know?

[Jackl3y]

Specifically looking at the F-03a as it has a preamp out, preamp in so I could expand it. Plus it’s class A.

I have not heard Esoteric and there’s no dealers in my area. So what do I need to know?

While reviews always seem positive, I’ve seen much chatter about Esoteric sounding “dry” and “soulless “. Why do people have this idea about them?

 

[pdubya]

I think the “dry and soulless” typically referred to their pre-Master Discrete digital offerings. I would guess that people with Esoteric amps probably bought them to go with their Esoteric digital gear, so the amps may have been tarnished by association.
All that aside, I like my F03A a lot as long as I’m not trying to drive a difficult load. Pretty much every speaker I’ve had on hand with sensitivity in the 90s has responded well to the F03A. The class A output should not present as dry/ soulless unless something is up with the partnering gear. Harley’s review in TAS a few years ago was fair, imo. As I expect you may be aware, good deals on dealer demos now available, as the unit has been replaced by newer model, of which I know nothing. Happy hunting.
Parker

 

[Jackl3y]

I think the “dry and soulless” typically referred to their pre-Master Discrete digital offerings. I would guess that people with Esoteric amps probably bought them to go with their Esoteric digital gear, so the amps may have been tarnished by association.
All that aside, I like my F03A a lot as long as I’m not trying to drive a difficult load. Pretty much every speaker I’ve had on hand with sensitivity in the 90s has responded well to the F03A. The class A output should not present as dry/ soulless unless something is up with the partnering gear. Harley’s review in TAS a few years ago was fair, imo. As I expect you may be aware, good deals on dealer demos now available, as the unit has been replaced by newer model, of which I know nothing. Happy hunting.
Parker

Thank you, yes I did read that review. I will ponder deeper. Thank you.