Setting the tone in Room 1314 will be Esoteric’s F-01 integrated amplifier, the Japanese brand’s Class-A flagship that combines elegant aesthetics with uncompromising design. Offering 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms (doubling into 4 ohms), the F-01 operates in pure Class-A throughout and features fully balanced preamp circuitry and a dual-mono power supply with massive toroidal transformers. Esoteric’s bespoke QVCS volume control and high-precision relay switching are on board to ensure signal integrity at every stage — making it a rare example of an integrated that competes with separates. For those chasing that elusive combination of finesse and firepower, this one promises to have one dream, one soul firmly in mind.

Digital source duties are to be handled by the Esoteric N-05XD, a network DAC and preamp built for the streaming era but steeped in audiophile fundamentals. It combines Esoteric’s custom 64-bit Delta-Sigma DAC with a fully balanced analogue output stage, and offers support for PCM up to 384kHz and native DSD up to 22.5MHz. The N-05XD is also a Roon Ready endpoint, supports MQA decoding, and includes a high-grade headphone amplifier — all wrapped in the brand’s signature milled aluminium chassis. 

Disc lovers are in for a treat, with the Grandioso K1X SE taking pride of place — Esoteric’s flagship single-chassis SACD/CD player, DAC, and transport in one formidable component. It features the VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism, precision-machined from solid aluminium, and the latest 64-bit Master Sound Discrete DAC engine developed in-house. The matching Grandioso PS1 external power supply will also be on demo, physically separating and optimising current delivery for the digital and analogue circuits. This combination ensures mechanical and electrical isolation and allows Esoteric to push noise floors to the absolute minimum. For serious listeners, it promises to be the kind of gear that turns hi-fi into high art.

Michael Marchant, General Manager at Reference Audio Visual, told StereoNET:

Esoteric’s mission has always been to reproduce the original performance in the location it was performed. These are components with exceptional engineering and build quality, where every detail has been considered, and they deliver with musicality, realism and detail that decerning listeners demand. We’re excited to give people a chance to experience what a top-flight system like this can really do.

Loudspeakers will be the EgglestonWorks Oso, the flagship of the Memphis-based brand’s Artisan series. Known for their rich tonal balance, holographic soundstaging, and dynamic ease, the Oso distils Eggleston’s design ethos in a more compact footprint. Reference AV will also showcase product information on the company’s upper-tier models, including the newly announced Andra 5.

Signal and power delivery are in safe hands courtesy of Shunyata Research’s new X-Series cable loom, drawn from the Sigma-X, Alpha-X, and Theta-X ranges. These cables employ advanced dielectric and conductor technologies derived from Shunyata’s work in medical and military applications. Furutech will also be well represented, with various models from its flagship Project V1 and Flux ranges throughout the system and available to view.

Beyond the main demo, Reference AV’s room will include a range of Furutech accessories, connectors, and parts on static display — a nod to the brand’s popularity among DIYers and system tweakers. Esoteric’s own remastered SACD titles and select vinyl releases will be available for purchase, offering attendees a chance to take home some of the same recordings used in the system’s demo playlist.

The StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show takes place August 29-31 at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park. Full show details and tickets are available via the link below.

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