Asus Xonar Essence One first USB DAC from Asus

Asus achieves yet another first with the Asus Xonar Essence One, being the company’s maiden outing where a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) is concerned. Of course, Asus knows that you never get a second chance at making a first impression, which is why the Xonar Essence One is a true blue, audiophile-class device that might just make you fall in love with it at first sight. Audiophiles will be able to let you know that op-amps are the forces behind a DAC, delivering its unique tonal qualities, and just a minority of USB DACs carry this feature – we’re glad to say that the Asus Xonar Essence One is part of this elite group.

Sporting an eleven (replaceable) op-amp design, it is a whole lot easier to tweak the sound signature according to your hearts’ content. Apart from that, this puppy sports a signal to noise ratio of 120dB, and to round it off, Asus decided to let it function as a standalone DAC if the need arises courtesy of its S/PDIF input option. No idea on when it will hit the market, and for how much, but we will just have to be patient with the additional details.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Audio, Gadgets
Tags: Asus, USB