Asus Essence One Headphone Amp/DAC (CeBIT 2011) - Page 101

Thats odd... It's like you buy a Jaguar but without the Jaguar miniature above the hood on that car... thats not a Jaguar then.

Update! Got my Colorware HD800 headphones:

The ASUS Essence One is waiting for me at home today. Couldn't find a Plus, so I grabbed a basic off Amazon with Prime Shipping. What I'm really hoping for is a more refined top end (Pop stuff is a bit harsh), and enough power to bring the bass out of the headphones (My Fiio E9 just can't produce nearly enough power. Then again, it's the original E9 that topped out at, what, 150 ohms?). Once I've got it hooked up and ASIO installed and functional, I'll post impressions.

Congratz, more pics.

That's a HD 800 Jamaican style!

 

I used to pair mine with an E9 too. In comparison with an E1, the sound changed to a much more listening-friendly way. Music sounded less stressful and harsh. A bit warmer and a bit bassier too (thanks to the NE5532 stock opamps). The soundstage got just a tad wider than before. However, I highly recommend rolling your own opamps on them. I'm using the AD797BR's and the LME49990's right now and I must admit, they are a worthwhile upgrade over the stock ones.

I would consider an upgrade over the stock cables too, as aftermarket cables can actually improve the sound on the HD 800 noticeably (maybe some with a sleeving that matches the color of your HD 800's ).

 

Have fun with your new toy =)

Edited by Kenion - 2/14/13 at 11:28am

I was going to comment about it looking similar to Jamaican colors, but you've beaten me to it.

 

How much did the colorways run you for?

I'm thinking of getting a white/red one with some black on it.

 

Gee, i wonder where you'll be able to get an after market cable for those nice headphones.

 

Tim

Perhaps, you could build one for us! =)

If you do a review, sure why not.

 

Back to subject, how's the gain switch situation going boys.

Could!!! this is an insult..., he can/will build you wonderful cables, with fantastic prices. (now where is my %)

Simply put it "Its not there".

 

And no one on the WWW can prove me wrong!

Not even Asus can :/

i have my Essence One stripped naked right now, and i wouldn't know any possible places for them to put it.

Best place for it, would be where they red mark circled it, but since you don't have it on your model, i doubt it was ever incorporated.

 

Tim

That's a new one! I've heard them called Packers and John Deere colors, but Jamaica is a new one. Frankly, they're just my favorite color scheme, and there were no accent parts small enough to work in safety orange somewhere (though if I could paint the screws, Hm...). Also haven't received my frequency response chart from Sennheiser yet.

As for price, Colorware sells them for $1500 with original Sennheiser warranty. If you decide to go that route, be warned that my experience is the company is completely uncommunicative and unapologetic about any delays; it took almost seven weeks from my order being placed before they arrived, despite a quote of "about four weeks" and their website claiming "Ships in three weeks". The paint job is phenomenal, though.

I've just been turned off by the price.

 

I'll just have to paint the one i have.

I've had no previous skills in painting, but come on, what can go wrong.

 

 

Tim