Esoteric E-03 Brochure

A distinguished Phonostage, born for your irreplaceable collection

Lower the needle onto your most beloved LP, and close your eyes. It’s time for a rendezvous with inspiration.

To meet the demands of those who love vinyl, ESOTERIC has extracted the accumulated knowledge of its many years of developing audio technology.

ESOTERIC’s “Master Sound Works” concept aims to reproduce perfectly the audio impression delivered by the master tapes.

This project, which has already produced some truly magnificent amplifiers, now presents to the world its first Phonostage preamplifier—the E-03.

Breathe new life into your treasured records and enjoy analog fidelity at it's highest levels!

Phonostage Preamplifier

E-03

English version

L/R dual mono construction that stands
by ESOTERIC’s philosophy

Identical R-core power supply transformers, power
boards, and audio boards are mounted on each
channel. By avoiding the left and right channels having
to share these components, the E-03 has achieved the
ideal signal path and separation, while ensuring that it
has power to spare. Moreover, the components and
the boards are positioned symmetrically to achieve
mechanical stabilization.

Audio circuitry with all discrete construction

The E-03 contains MC head amplifier that doesn’t
compromise the purity of the musical signals at low
input levels, and an NF-CR type RIAA amplifier that
achieves both excellent RIAA characteristics and NF
reduction. To ensure extensive headroom and transfer,
and a wide range of musical signals with plenty of
power to spare, the RIAA and output buffer amplifiers
both use high voltage circuits. These features achieve
the vivid reproduction of every expression of the music,
from dynamic power to subtle nuances.

Settings that exploit the full potential
of your cartridge

Listening to a masterpiece with a beloved cartridge is
one of the true pleasures of your analog experience.
In recent years, various models of MC cartridges
have entered the market, including a type with
very-low inner resistance. Placing high importance
on supporting various types of MC cartridges, the
E-03 allows you to select from two MC-compatible
input systems and seven impedance positions. The
E-03 also allows you to select between three different

load capacities—0pF, 100pF and 330pF—supporting
the specified load capacities for MM cartridges.

Taking extra care for simple construction
to achieve high sound quality

The E-03 does not have a microprocessor, thus eliminating
the noise produced by such components. In the pursuit of
high sound quality, input and load are switched on the
audio board. By minimizing switching functions to
eliminate switching circuits, we have optimized the signal
paths which greatly reduces noise and interference
associated with conventional designs.

The chassis structure and a highly rigid
body provide additional noise reduction

.

The dual split chassis structure prevents the influence on
the audio circuit of flux leakage from the power transducer
and effectively stiffens the body. The excellent internal
weight balance and the three-point support provided by
the unique hardened steel pin-point feet, minimize the
negative effects of unnecessary resonance.

Sophisticated sculpturing and a beautiful
thick aluminum body

The blast finish and short scratch finish contrast
beautifully on the E-03’s body. The artistic sculpting of
the screwless top panel and rounded corners results in a
beautiful integration with ESOTERIC’s high-end products.

"DEMAG"function

"DEMAG"position located on each input controller helps
to demagnetize MC cartridges or step-up transformers
very easily.

E-03

[ Specifications ] Audio characteristics (1kHz) | RIAA deviation (20Hz to 20kHz); ±0.2dB | Total harmonic distortion (A-weight, MM); 0.003%
Output impedance; 80 ohms | Maximum output level; 18 V | Rated output level; 500 mV | Gain; 40 dB (MM), 66 dB (MC) | Input
sensitivity; 5 mV (MM), 0.25 mV (MC) | Maximum input level; 180 mV (MM), 9 mV (MC) | Equivalent input noise (A-weight); -137 dBV
(MM), -140 dBV (MC) | Input impedance; 47 k ohms (MM), Selectable* (MC) *Use the set control INPUT 1, INPUT 2 (INPUT 1 : 10, 50,
100, 300, 500, 1k, 10k ohms, INPUT 2 : 100, 500, 1k, 10k ohms) | Power supply; AC 230 V, 50 Hz / AC 120 V, 60 Hz / AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption; 14 W | External dimensions (W x H x D); 442 x 103.5 x 364.4 mm (17 3/8" x 4 1/16" x 14 3/8") (including protrusions)
Weight; 10.5 kg (23 1/8 lb)

• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. • Weight and dimensions are approximate. • Illustrations may differ
slightly from production models. • 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.

Phonostage Preamplifier

ESOTERIC COMPANY

1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan
Fax: [phone]

www.esoteric.jp
www.teac.com/esoteric/

Please note that Esoteric products are available at limited distributors in respective countries. “Esoteric“is a trademark of TEAC
Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ©2009 TEAC
Corporation. All Rights Reserved. All text, images, graphics and other materials on this catalogue are subject to the copyright and other
intellectual property rights of TEAC Corporation.
These materials shall not directly or indirectly be published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium. Design and specifications
are subject to change without notice.

PRINTED IN JAPAN 0209O05•TECD-0085