Anyone have any experience with the F-05 Integrated? Sounds interesting and may be exactly what I am looking for to kick off my 2 channel system.
"Dual-Mono Esoteric F-05 Integrated Amplifier Delivers Reference-Class Separates Performance: Features Flagship Technology, Proprietary Volume Control System, and MM/MC Phono
The fully balanced preamplifier section in the Esoteric F-05 integrated amplifier directly derives from the company's $35k Grandioso C1 model. The amplifier modules come straight from Esoteric's $26k S2 amp. And that's just skimming the particulars of a Japanese-built reference instrument that gets you dangerously near the level of performance mustered by its six-times-more-expensive sibling separates. Entirely dual-mono throughout, the 240Wpc F-05 features a proprietary Quad Volume Control System responsible for see-through clarity, wondrous channel separation, and spot-on-accurate phase traits.
Tailored to deliver music's unforgettable expressiveness and soul-baring emotion with uncommon rapture, F-05 also includes gargantuan power supplies in the form of large-core 940VA custom El power transformers and 40,000µF block capacitors for each channel. A dual-mono MM/MC phono preamplifier, abundantly dynamic headphone amplifier, three-band tone control, and ball-bearing control knobs help complete a component second-to-none in its class when it comes to fit, finish, and pride of ownership."
