Asus Essence One Series User manual

First Edition
March 2014
Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
All Rights Reserved
E9167
Essence One
Hi-Fi USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)
DSD Upgrade Kit
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ASUS Op-Amp Swap Guide
English
2. Swap Guide
Change all the Op-Amps of the same types in the same slot. For example, if you need
to change DAC I/V (slot 1), you would need to change all the Op-Amps of the same
types in all slot 1. If you need to change DAC buffer (slot 2), you need to change the
Op-Amps of the same types in all slot 2.
1. Package Contents
DSD Upgrade EEPROM x1 Op-Amps (2 pcs)
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Features
• Solder-free EEPROM: Upgrades your Essence One with native Direct-Stream Digital
(DSD) support via DSD over PCM (DoP) (DSD64 Only)
• Twoadditionalop-ampsforeasyaudialcustomization
Formoreinformation,visitASUSofcialwebsitewww.asus.com.
4
4
4
1
2
2
3B
3B
3A
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1. EEPROM: for current EONE/EONE Muses Edition models. Remove the EEPROM
from upgrade kit to upgrade devices with DSD support at this location.
2. ServesasLowPassFilterthatltersbackgroundnoises.Changingthiswillaffectall
outputs (including Headphone output, RCA output and XLR output).
3A. Serves as buffer that enhances the output signal for the speaker. Changing this will
affect the RCA output.
3B. Serves as buffer that enhances the output signal for the speaker. Changing this will
affect the XLR output
4. Serves as buffer that enhances the output signal for the headphone. Changing this
will affect the headphone output.
All outputs (Headphone output, RCA
output, XLR output)
Headphone
output
RCA output XLR output
2√
3A √
3B √
4√
3. Instructions
3.1 Place down an Op-Amp correctly
To avoid reversion, make sure that Pin 1 is at the lower left corner when the bracket is
on your left-hand side. Pick up an Op-Amp with an IC clamp vertically upward to avoid
bending.
8 7 6 5
1 2 3 4
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Rear Panel
2. Push the power connector on the rear panel to remove the machine bed (including
the PCB board and power module) from the machine housing like a drawer.
Front Panel
3.2 Disassembly
1. Remove the four screws in the front panel and the two screws in the rear panel with
a screwdriver.
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3.3 Swapping Op-Amps
1. ClampthetwosidesofanOp-Amprmlyandloosenitfromitssocketgently.
2. Lift the Op-Amp vertically upwards and avoid touching other components.
3. Pick up a new Op-Amp that you want to swap in from the Op-Amp kit.
4. To avoid reversion, ensure that the half-
moon opening on the op-amp points the
same way as that on the socket.
5. Place the new Op-Amp vertically downward in the socket and avoid touching
other components.
6. PresstheOp-Amprmlywiththeendtipsoftheclampuntilitiscompletely
seated in the socket.
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4. Op-Amp Pairing Impression
Recommended Op-Amp Pairing combinations:
Essence One
DAC I/V Slot 1 DAC buffer Slot 2 Impression
TI – OPA2107 TI – OPA2132 Brighter vocal, slightly less bottom
TI – OPA2107 NS – LME49860 Even brighter than 2107-2132 combination, more
detailed with less but tighter bottom
NS – LME49720 NS – LM4562NA Less warm than stock OPamps, extensive detailed
and dampened mid-range, Essence ST/STX style
NS – LM4562NA NS – LM4562NA Wider sound stage with less details compared to
49720-4562 combination
NS – LM4562NA NJRC – MUSE02 Powerful, punchy sound with good sound stage but
less detailed
NS – LME49720NA NJRC – MUSE02 Brighter, thinner sound with more details compared
to 4562-MUSE02 combination
TI – OPA2132 NS – LM4562NA Brighter, denser bottom, wider sound stage with lots
of details but less warm
TI – OPA2132 TI – NE5532 Open sound stage, less detailed but with more
powerful bass and bottom
TI – NE5532 TI – OPA2132 Less transparent, soft, tight bottom
TI – NE5532 NS – LM4562NA Bright with details, airy, a little distant and less
warm
TI – OPA2132 NS – LME49720NA Wider sound stage, brighter, lots of details, not
much weight
NJRC – Muse01 NJRC – Muse02 Wide sound stage, bright with dynamics
NJRC – Muse01 NJRC – 8820 Great separation and detail
NJRC – Muse01 ADI – 827SQ Airy, detailed, punchy with dynamics
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5. Recommended Op-Amp List
Brand Model name
NS LME49860
NS LME49720NA
NS LM4562NA
TI OPA2111
TI OPA2132
TI OPA2107
ADI OP275
ADI AD823
ADI AD827SQ
NJRC MUSE01
NJRC MUSE02
NJRC Muse8820
NJRC Muse8920
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