Essence 3 Hi-Fi USB DAC (Digital-to-Anolog Converter) User manual
E8381 First Edition Sept. 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety Information...............................................................................................................................................................1-4 Additional Safety Information.............................................................................................................................................................1-4 Repairs.............................................................................................................................
Safety Information 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Philosophy We at ASUS, recognizing that computers and digital devices are the major platforms for audio entertainment, started out with consumer-sound cards in 2007 to build the ASUS brand in the audio industry. This gives our ASUS brand a more stable foundation through gradual growth, making it possible to move into the Hi-Fi/audiophile market. In 2009, we launched Essence ST/STX, one of our mid-range products that covered a wide variety of applications, from high-end music applications to games.
FEATURE SUMMARY Ultimate audio enjoyment with native Direct Stream Digital (DSD) support • Digital Stream Digital (DSD) is an encoding technology at 1 bit representation of the audio waveform, allowing high reproduction of the original audio. With native DSD support, audiophiles can enjoy high-fidelity music. Top-notch headphone amplifier enables balanced headphones of up to 600ohm impedance • Most headphone amplifiers only support single-end headphones.
Product Lineup Essence ST/STX Essence STU PC all-purpose Headphone Key Audience gamers/ adventurers audiophiles Key Focus Desire to get the best audio quality on PC 124-dB SNR Audio Clarity Hi-Fi audio clarity Desire to explore different headphones and their characteristics Essence Essence ONE ONE MUSES PLUS EDITION EDITION OP-AMP Entry-level Hi-Fi lovers and DIY audiophiles adventurers adventuuers Desire to Desire to enjoy Desire to DIY experience high fidelity and customize high fidelity music on b
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS Hardware highlights Power management • Independent L/R Power Supply With perfectly balanced L/R power supply, this minimizes power outage and ripples, hence reducing cross talk. • High-fidelity Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) Regulation Using the highly regarded (TI TPS 7A4700 and 7A3301), the power source is regulated twice to reduce heat energy and ensure stable power.
Ease of use & Customization • Precision Matched, Remote Controllable 24-Step Attenuator 0.1% tolerance, high accuracy in volume adjustments even at low volume level. The 24-step attenuator is designed with 2 columns of relays that ensure perfect L/R stepping in volume adjustments. Furthermore, it comes with a motor that allows user to enjoy the benefit of remote control.
Package contents This package should contain the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • ASUS Essence 3 Hi-Fi USB DAC x 1 USB cable (‘B-A’ type) x 1 Power cord x 1 (may contain two power cords depending on region/country) 6.3mm to 3.
Functionality Standalone Digital-to-Analog Converter - DVD Players - AV Receivers - Home Theatre Systems - Speakers and amplifiers USB Digital-to-Analog Converter - Laptops - Desktops iPhone / iPad / iPod Edit High-end Headphones and Headsets Hardware features Front Panel 5 6 7 8 9 ASUS Essence 3 11
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Power On/Off Press to power off/on Essence 3. Output selection Press to select output device such as speaker or headphone. Input selection Press to select audio input source: USB, TOSLINK, Coaxial (COA), AES/EBU (AES3), or AUX audio input. Input selection/Bit perfect indicator The corresponding LED will light up to show which audio source has been selected. Speaker volume control The volume control adjusts the output level of unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog output.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Balanced XLR Output (Line-Out) The ASUS Essence 3 features true balanced (XLR) output and supports balanced XLR audio speaker sets and audio receivers. Unbalanced RCA Output (Line-Out) This port supports conventional stereo output for connection to line-level phono/RCA speaker systems or audio receivers. AUX Input This port supports Apple iPod, iPad, and iPhone devices as well as other audio sources using a 3.5mm stereo connector.
Connectivity options Connecting a desktop PC or laptop using USB TOS on EX-IrDA off VR Bypass R AUX IN R USB Audio L USB EBU AES L COA VOLTAGE AC IN USB Mini-USB B-A type connector Laptop/Portable Desktop PC 1. 2. 3. Connect a USB B-A type cable to the Essence 3's rear USB connector to one of the USB ports on the desktop PC or laptop. Power on the Essence 3 and select USB input using the front panel or remote control. Ensure that the USB LED is on.
Connecting digital audio input devices using AES / EBU / TOSLINK / COA Option3 TOS on EX-IrDA off VR Bypass R AUX IN R USB Audio L USB EBU AES L COA VOLTAGE AC IN Option2 Option1 Digital Outputs Connecting an iPhone / iPad / iPod (Smart Devices) using AUX IN iPhone / iPad / iPod TOS on EX-IrDA off VR Bypass R R AUX IN L USB Audio L USB EBU AES COA VOLTAGE AC IN ASUS Essence 3 15
Connecting an EX-IrDA receiver IR Receiver TOS on EX-IrDA off VR Bypass R AUX IN R L USB Audio USB EBU AES L COA VOLTAGE AC IN Connecting high-end headphones / headset Option #1 Left and right mini-XLR connector Option #2 6.
Specifications Items Description Audio Performance Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Aup to -117dB Weighted): Output Total Harmonic Distortion + up to -105dB, 0.
Specifications LED Indicator One color LED Button Push Button Accessories Accessories OS Support White color LED 2-pin Tact switch Driver CD x 1 Remote control x 1 6.3mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter x 1 Audio Precision (AP) test report x 1 USB cable x 1 Power cord x 1 Mini XLR to XLR x 2 XLR to RCA x 1 RCA to RCA x 1 The Essence One supports Mac OS X 10.8 or later version without any driver needed. * Specifications are subject to change without notice.
