The last integrated amplifier of the "classic" ES line and a discrete update of the previous TA-F870ES.
The update consists of the addition of Mos-Fet transistors in the driver stages which the previous F870ES only had in the power stages.
The F808ES has the same badge -litterally- glued -litterally- as was glued on the F870ES ; the F808ES is a japanese TA-F555ESJ yet the latter doesn't have the Control S plug or the Pre-Out pair of outputs.
However, given Sony's complex market-related versions, model naming and even lettering schemes, this and other things remain to be confirmed... and don't ask me why the F808ES has a badge and the TA-F707ES doesn't - I don't know !
The TA-F555ESG, F555ESL, F555ESA, F555ESJ and their export versions all have three signal path options :
Direct Input :
bypasses the input & rec-out selectors,
Source Direct :
bypasses the tone/bal/mode switches as well,
Adaptor : simple EQ loop.
The Direct Input does NOT go straight to the attenuator or even direct to the power amp : it lands just before the Source Direct position.
The "B / Pre-Out speaker selector position bypasses the power amp, for use with active speakers (for the export versions which have the pre-out terminals...).
Anyway, very healthy integrated amps : true powerhouses, able to output lots of curent to feed just about any loudspeaker available.
Also, a tradition in Sony's 1980s / 1990s components : ultra-solid build quality, super-parts (Muse, Duorex, For Audio, ALPS etc), generous heatsinking, copper bus bars and a very decent phono stage which, like all of Sony's mid- and top-end integrated amps since 1978 accepts low-output MC cartridges.
The top cover of the TA-F808ES is made of the same G-Base material than its base, to dampen vibrations even further. This has a side effect on the sideburns which have to be taller to conceal the height supplement.
In Japan, said G-Base was already included with the previous TA-F555ESA... which the export version (TA-F870ES) didn't have.
Can't beat Sony on complex multiplications of versions... but you couldn't (back then) beat Sony either on selling more than any other manufacturer - even with 2000€ integrated amplifiers.