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ASUS Launches Essence III Preamplifier, USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

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ASUS did a good job with the design of the Essence One and if this new design indeed features those op-amps and a step attenuator it will be very very interesting.

Now all we need is the price!
 
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Hello!

I found this website with some detailed info about the new Asus Essence III. hit translate in Chrome :)

Looks like there is some volumen adjustment potentiometers on the back for XLR levels ?
and a switch that says VR bypass (Volumen bypass ?)

It also has a Stereo phono AUX input!

According to this Hungarian site, it also uses AD 827SQ opamps 6 pcs total ($26+ opamp)
I guess it will not come cheap!

http://ipon.hu/hir/asus_essence_iii_celkeresztben_a_vajtfuluek/27271

I own the Asus Essence One, and I have been very happy with it from day one!
But I have modified my I/V section so it uses a passive resistor network for current to voltage conversion. This sounds very analog compared to Opamp I/V.

I have been missing the possibility to remotely adjust the volumen level, and now the Essence III seems to have this, so I am considering to buy this nice looking preamp!

The AnalogDevices AD1955 is also a sweet sounding DAC Chip, I have the AD1955 Eval board with one AD1955 and AD797 opamps.

Cheers
Flemming Bach
Denmark!

Welcome aboard to TPU :)
So Asus decided to dump NE 5532 and switch to AD827.It appears Asus try to address some harsh sound over the previous Essence.
AD797 :eek:
One of the rarest and the best opamp out there...is it AD 797 BRZ or AD 797 ANZ?
 

BachAudioDK

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Thank you!

Well the AD1955 eval board uses the PDIP version of AD797, so I think it must be the ANZ version. See attached picture.

I think the AD827SQ would be better as I/V converter opamp due to the much faster settling time and larger slewrate (300V/us vs. 20 V/us of AD797 vs. 9V/us of NE5532)

I would say that my personal choice for I/V would be a passiv resistor I/V stage.
On both my Essence One and Essence STX soundcard I have replaced the I/V opamp with passive resistor I/V with negative current bias to V- so the Vout is centered to approx zero volt. This gives a very pleasant and airy treble in my ears. Very close to my analog LP setup.

I would recommend you to read Nelson Pass´s thoughts on using Opamps as I/V converter, vs. discreet I/V.

https://www.passdiy.com/gallery/other/zen-i-v-converter

Im a bit concerned that the Essence III would cost a lot more that I can afford at the moment :eek: and I hate to sell my Essence I to upgrade ;) (you can never get too many amplfiers :roll: )

EvalKitAD1955.jpg
 

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I own the Asus Essence One, and I have been very happy with it from day one!
But I have modified my I/V section so it uses a passive resistor network for current to voltage conversion. This sounds very analog compared to Opamp I/V
please share details about this mod: photos, parts you used
 
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