ASUS Xonar Essence One Muses Edition D/A processor–headphone amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Upsampling, stereo D/A processor/headphone amplifier with independent volume controls for line-level and headphone outputs. Digital inputs: 1 S/PDIF (coax), 1 S/PDIF (TosLink), 1 USB 2.0 (type B). Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair unbalanced (RCA), 1 headphone output on ¼" (6.3mm) stereo phono jack. Compatible sample rates: 44.1–192kHz, all inputs. Frequency response: 10Hz–48kHz, –3dB, with 192kHz data. Channel separation: not specified. Signal/noise: 120dB ref. 0dBFS, A-weighted. THD+noise: >0.000316% (–110dB) at 0dBFS. Maximum output level: 2V single-ended, 4V balanced, 7V headphone. Jitter: not specified. Output impedance: not specified. Power consumption: not specified.
Dimensions: 10.3" (261mm) W by 2.4" (61mm) H by 9" (230mm) D. Weight: not specified.
Serial number of unit reviewed: C9YAAJ000453 (firmware v.127 & v0111).
Prices: $899, Muses Edition; $599, standard edition. Approximate number of dealers: "well over 5," including Amazon and NewEgg.
Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc., 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 11259, Taiwan. US distributor: ASUS Computer International, 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538. Tel: (812) 282-2787 (support). Fax: (510) 608-4555. Web: usa.asus.com.

COMPANY INFO
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
US distributor: ASUS Computer International
44370 Nobel Drive
Fremont, CA 94538
(812) 282-2787
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
rockoqatsi's picture

And in any case, I think it's great that you're reviewing these entries from ASUS (this, and the Xonar ST), though I'm surprised to find them releasing such an expensive and esoteric item—for a motherboard manufacturer at least. How good have dacs in the $700-$900 range gotten since the Lynx cards were a hot commodity? Any idea? (I'd try selling my Lynx for the Benchmark DAC2, but nobody wants a legacy PCI card these days.)

X