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Asus Essence One Headphone Amp/DAC (CeBIT 2011)
Nov 9, 2011 at 5:56 AM Post #286 of 3,573
Hello, I found this:http://www.chiphell.com/article-2089-1.html
Translation will be welcome unless you are familiar with the Chinese.
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Nov 10, 2011 at 12:34 AM Post #287 of 3,573
Nov 18, 2011 at 8:30 PM Post #293 of 3,573
Another Chinese review found:
 
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.todayav.com%2F%3Fp%3D1816
 
original URL: http://www.todayav.com/?p=1816
 
 
 
In summary, the ASUS Xonar Essence One worthy of its official propaganda "HiFi decoder" in the title, regardless of the quality of analog output, or headphone amplifier output quality of the HiFi (sound of, or "hard" indicators) are picked on What's wrong with not too obvious, in line with the "real reduction" requirements: neutral and transparent sound, good analytical, sense of speed and without the dynamic compression, if you must, and similar relatively high price of the decoder, then the instrument overtone, vocal finish processing of 3D sound field sense, the sound of separation still exists a certain lack of, in no special tuning on the "art" and "personality" of the place. Considering its price (4000 yuan or less), so the sound quality and provides a very practical amp features, I believe that is still relatively good value; and taking into account the background of the brand ASUS, this tuning style, you can understand, after all, ASUS PC hardware is started, have to face is the most popular users, the most popular flavors.
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Nov 19, 2011 at 10:21 AM Post #295 of 3,573
Nov 19, 2011 at 11:34 AM Post #296 of 3,573
I'm not very good with all the sound terminology, but I will try my best:
 
In conclusion, the ASUS Xonar Essence One is worthy of the claim "Hi-Fi Decoder", whether it's the analog output, the headphone output, or when using speakers, there are very little problems and distortion, and lives up to its claim of excellent sound reproduction: The sound is neutral and clear, great analytical abilities, the feel of the speed and the uncompressed sound (I can't think of a better way to translate this part). If you must compare it to another high-priced DAC, you will find that it starts to show its weakness on instruments' overtones, the processing of vocals, the soundstage, and music separation, as well as that the sound produced isn't "artistic" nor "personalized". Considering its price, the author thinks it is of great value, as it provides great audio quality and a very practical headphone amp functionality. Considering ASUS's background, the sound it produces is understandable: as ASUS started off as a PC hardware manufacturer, it has to cater to the general public, and their tastes.
 
Hope this helps!
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Nov 19, 2011 at 11:58 AM Post #297 of 3,573

 
Quote:
sheep duck said:
so, although it is a bit more expensive (projected) how would the quality of this unit compare to the e7/e9 combo? i am using hd650's at the moment if that matters at all.
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All you really have to do if you  want improvements, is to upgrade from the E7 it self, you can use your Fiio E9 with another source. Just not with the dock, by using the Line in on the rear of the Fiio E9. There many good choices for source/DACs you could use. I know I would do just this if I had the E7 with the E9.
 
Nov 20, 2011 at 4:23 PM Post #298 of 3,573
Does any one know the answers to the following questions:

- Is the DAC truly balanced (i.e. does it have 2 DAC chips)?
- Is the headphone amp fully discrete?

I can't find the answers in the specs.

Thanks!
 
Nov 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM Post #300 of 3,573
cladisch said:
Yes, two PCM1795s used in balanced mono mode.



From the specs in the manual:
Balanced/Unbalanced IV: NE5532
Balanced/Unbalanced LPF: NE5532
Current Buffer: LME49600
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Right, so it's a yes and a no. Thanks, I'm going to look elsewhere then :)
 
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