Asus Xonar Essence One Hi-Fi USB Digital to Analog Converter & Headphone

Asus Xonar Essence One Hi-Fi USB Digital to Analog Converter & Headphone Amplifier

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Asus Xonar Essence One Hi-Fi USB Digital to Analog Converter & Headphone Amplifier

Item Code: 31081

Price: £282.90 (£339.48 Including VAT at 20%)

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Manufacturer Code: 90-YAA0J0-0UAN00Z

With most modern audio signals stored in digital format, the ASUS Xonar team has catered to user needs and launched its first hi-fidelity USB digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), the Xonar Essence One. It is an industry-leading high-end USB DAC with the world's first 8x symmetrical up-sampling technology. The Xonar Essence One also features a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), audiophile-class headphone AMP and an eleven operational amplifier (op-amp) design for distinct tonal customisation.

Whilst the majority of common up-sampling USB DACs indistinguishably transfer various audio sources to 192kHz, the Xonar Essence One up-samples 44.1/88.2/176.4kHz input to 352.8kHz and 48/96/192kHz input to 384kHz symmetrically (Note: 44.1*8=352.8kHz; 48*8=384kHz). As a result, data volume is also increased by up-sampling the bit-rate to 32bit, corresponding to the original content and faithfully preserving the details of the user's music collection.

The average SNR of other USB DACs is about 110dB, but with at an extremely high 120dB SNR, the Xonar Essence One provides audio fanatics with clearer sounds, enabling minute sound details to be heard while significantly reducing noise levels. A dedicated power supply ensures that clean power is delivered so the sharpest sound is heard, with excellent immunity to noise from the AC line.

The Xonar Essence One features a fully swappable op-amp design, unprecedented for a high-end USB DAC. An op-amp is a vital part of a DAC that amplifies the analogue signal and affects tonal characteristics of the overall sound image. The Xonar Essence One allows the user to swap every op-amp that is on board, for a truly customisable sound.

The Xonar Essence One combines three different functions, providing a complete Hi-Fi solution:

USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Convertor)

It upgrades digital music stored on your computer into clear and detailed, life-like sounds. It also features XLR and RCA connections for plugging end audio devices.

Stand-alone DAC

With an S/PDIF input and input selection, the Xonar Essence One also serves as an independent DAC which can connect to standard CD/DVD players and provide high quality music without the need for a computer.

Headphone amplifier

The Xonar Essence One integrates an audiophile-class headphone AMP circuit which powers up all Hi-Fi headphones, enabling 100% performance even with impedance of sets up to 600ohms. It offers extra dynamics, sound detail and low distortion for the absolute best sound quality possible.

Audio Performance

Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) (Front-out) :120 dB

Output THD+N at 1kHz (Front-out) :0.000316 %(-110 dB)

Frequency Response (-3dB, 24bit/192KHz input) :10 Hz to 48 KHz

Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage :7 Vrms ( Vp-p)

Bus Compatibility: USB

Sample Rate and Resolution

Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution : 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit

S/PDIF Digital Input : 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit

ASIO 2.0 Driver Support : Hz @ with very low latency

Dimensions: 261.33 x 230 x 60.65 mm ( L x W x H )

Outputs