Asus XONAR ESSENCE - Sound Card - 192 kHz User manual

Xonar Essence One
Hi-Fi USB DAC (Digital-to-Anolog Converter)
User manual

E6774
First Edition (V1)
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form
or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the
serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR
DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT
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ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES
THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE
DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
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explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents
Introduction............................................................................................ 4
Package contents .................................................................................. 4
Safety Information ................................................................................. 5
Voltage Selection............................................................................................5
Repairs ..........................................................................................................6
Fuses .............................................................................................................6
Other Safety Information ................................................................................7
Driver installation .................................................................................. 8
Functionality .......................................................................................... 9
1. USB DAC ( Digital-to-Analog Convertor)................................................9
2. Stand alone DAC..................................................................................10
3. Headphone amplier ............................................................................10
Important Features...............................................................................11
Hi-Fi audio via the world-rst 8x symmetrical upsampling: .......................... 11
Extreme audio clarity with 120dB SNR: ....................................................... 11
Audiophile class headphone amplier output:.............................................. 11
User customizable tone characters by 11 swappable OP-amps: ................. 11
Balanced XLR output: ..................................................................................12
Internal power supply: ..................................................................................12
Bit-perfect with ASIO 2.2 driver:...................................................................12
Low Clock Jitter with Asynchronous Data Transfer: .....................................12
Dedicated volume controls:..........................................................................12
Toslink and Coaxial S/PDIF inputs: ..............................................................12
Front Panel........................................................................................... 13
Rear Panel ............................................................................................ 14
Hardware Introduction ........................................................................ 16
Connections......................................................................................... 17
Input .............................................................................................................17
1. NB/PC-USB connections ................................................................................17
2. Toslink and Coaxial S/PDIF audio input connections ..................................... 18
Output...........................................................................................................19
1. With Amplier and Passive Speaker System ..................................................19
2. With Active Speaker directly............................................................................20
3. With Headphone/Headset............................................................................... 20
Specications ...................................................................................... 21

4 ASUS Xonar Essence One
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this ASUS Xonar Essence One Hi-Fi USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog
Converter). We are condent that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it.
Xonar Essence One USB DAC is ASUS Xonar’s innovative response to the world-wide trend
of PC Hi-Fi. With PC audiophile’s number growing fast according to the convenience and high
resolution of digitalized audio contents, Xonar Essence product line is committed to provide
solution for their needs to enjoy extreme high-delity music with any PC.
Equipped with 32-bit symmetrical upsampling, powerful headphone amplier, dedicated
power adapter, balanced XLR output, and hassle-free software, Xonar Essence One grants
any PC audiophiles or PC audiophiles-to-be the best solution to enjoy their music with
extreme clearness, details (120dB SNR), and hassle-free controls that help to re-discover
one’s music collection.
As every member in Xonar Essence family, a shining tiger totem etched on the surface of its
state-of-the art design shows Xonar Essence One’s commitment of the never-ending pursuit
of the Essence of Sound.
Package contents
This package should contain the following:
• ASUS Xonar Essence One Hi-Fi USB DAC x 1
• USB cable (‘B-A’ type) x 1
• Power cord x 1 (Some versions may have 2 power cords for different countries)
• 6.3mm to 3.5mm adaptor x 1
• User manual x 1
• Audio Precision (AP) test report x 1
• Installation driver CD x 1

5
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Safety Information
For your own safety please read the following important safety instructions carefully before
attempting to connect this unit to the mains power supply. They will also enable you to get the
best performance from and prolong the life of the unit.
Voltage Selection
The rear panel includes a voltage selection switch with two settings: ‘115’ and ‘230’. Check to
see that it is properly congured for your location before connecting AC power. Actually, the AC
input has a very wide input voltage range and can operate over a frequency range of 47.5 to
52.5 or 57 to 63 Hz. At 115, the Xonar Essence One will operate normally over a range of 95 to
132 VAC. At 230, the Xonar Essence One will operate normally over a range of 190 to 264 VAC.
CAUTION: Always insure that the voltage setting is correct for your locality.
Incorrect conguration may blow fuses or cause erratic operation.
230
230V 115V
115
VOLTAGE SELECTOR VOLTAGE SELECTOR

6 ASUS Xonar Essence One
Repairs
Do not service or repair this product unless properly qualied. Only a qualied technician
should perform repairs.
Fuses
The fuse holder is built into a drawer next to the IEC power connector.
CAUTION: For continued re hazard protection always replace the fuses with the
correct size and type (1A 250V, 5 x 20 mm).
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCED OUTPUT DIGITALINPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR AC IN
230
Use tools to replace the fuses.

7
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Other Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean machine surface with a cloth (no any detergent applied).
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use with only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as the power-supply adaptor having been damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

8ASUS Xonar Essence One
Driver installation
After connecting ASUS Xonar Essence One with your computer by the bundled USB cable, you
need to install the device driver that enables the Xonar Essence One to work with Windows
operating system.
NOTES:
• The driver is only needed when you connect ASUS Xonar Essence One with
PC/NB.
• The version and content of the support CD are subject to change without
notice.
To install the device driver:
1. Insert the ASUS Xonar Essence One support CD into your optical drive. If Autorun is
enabled, the ASUS Xonar Essence One driver screen appears automatically. Go to step 4.
If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, perform step 2.
2. Click My Computer on your desktop and double-click the optical drive icon.
3. Double-click the setup.exe icon located on the optical drive.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Read the END USER
LICENSE AGREEMENT in the process and make sure that you understand and accept it
before continuing the installation.
5. When the installation nishes, you may be prompted to restart your computer. You can
choose to restart the computer later if desired.
System requirements
To ensure a successful installation of the ASUS Xonar Essence One USB DAC, your computer
must meet the following requirements:
• IBM compatible PC with one USB2.0 (or higher) compatible port for the USB audio device
• Microsoft®Windows®7 / Vista / XP(32/64bit) / MCE2005
• Intel®Pentium® 4 1.4GHz or AMD Athlon 1400 CPU or faster CPU
• 256 MB DRAM system memory
• 60 MB available HDD space for driver installation package
• CD-ROM drive (or DVD-ROM drive) for software installation
• High-quality headphones or powered analog speakers to enjoy the ultra-high delity sound
of the card

9
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Functionality
1. USB DAC ( Digital-to-Analog Convertor)
Clear, detailed, life-like sound for your digital music collection in PC/NB, with all the
connection(XLR, RCA) you need for end devices.
Steps:
• Connect PC/NB with an USB cable
• Need to install driver in your PC/NB to work
• Select “USB” in front panel as the input source
USB
or
NBPC

10 ASUS Xonar Essence One
2. Stand alone DAC
With S/PDIF in and input select, it also serves as an independent DAC which connects with
digital inputs such as CD audio source and then plays to the end devices.
Steps:
• Connect with other audio resource with S/PDIF input (by Coaxial/Optical cable)
• Select COA (coaxial input) or TOS (optical input) in the front panel as the input
source
S/PDIF
CD/DVD player
3. Headphoneamplier
Grants 100% performance of ALL hi-end headphones, even with impedance up to 600ohms,
providing extra dynamics and sound details.
Steps:
• Connect with high-quality headphones/headsets

11
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Important Features
Hi-Fiaudioviatheworld-rst8xsymmetrical
upsampling:
While common upsampling USB DACs just transfer whatever audio source to 192kHz
indistinguishably, Xonar Essence One upsamples 44.1/88.2 /176.4kHz input to 352.8kHz and
48/96/192kHz input to 384kHz in a symmetrical way, preserving the originality of your music
collection, also upsample bit-rate to 32bit corresponding to the original contents. (Note: 44.1 x
8 = 352.8kHz; 48 x 8 = 384kHz)
NOTES:
• Sample rate is the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured
in Hz or kHz (one kHz being 1,000 Hz). The more samples per second (the
higher the “sample rate”), the better the quality.
• Bit rate measures how much data is transmitted in a given amount of time. The
higher the bit rate, the higher the quality of the audio playback and the larger
the le.
• Upsampling is the process of increasing the sampling rate of a signal. For
instance, upsampling raster images such as photographs means increasing the
resolution of the image.
• Therefore, upsampling both sample rate and bit rate will make your audio
source sound clearer.
Extreme audio clarity with 120dB SNR:
The SNR of normal USB DAC is about 110dB. With the extremely high SNR (>120dB),
Xonar Essence One provides audiophiles clearer sounds with every details while signicantly
reduces the noise level.
Audiophileclassheadphoneamplieroutput:
The Xonar Essence One has built-in an audiophile-class headphone AMP circuit which grants
100% performance of ALL hi-end headphones, even with impedance up to 600ohms. The
headphone amplier powers up all Hi-Fi headphones with high performance and low distortion.
User customizable tone characters by 11 swappable
OP-amps:
This is the unprecedented attempt for any hi-end USB DAC. Op-amp is the key part that
amplies the analog signal in your soundcard and affects tone characters (darker, brighter,
sound image etc..) Xonar Essence One allows user to swap almost every OPamps for a fully
customized sound.

12 ASUS Xonar Essence One
Balanced XLR output:
Xonar Essence One also features balanced (XLR) outputs. This is a higher quality output that
is useful for eliminating unwanted noises and interference. Since a balanced line contains two
signal carrying conductors of equal magnitude but opposite polarity, noises induced along the
cable path cancel each other out when they reach the destination load. This makes balanced
lines the professional applications for long cable connection which induced noises might be a
problem. XLR connectors should be wired as follows:
Pin 1- Ground; Pin 2- Hot (in-phase); Pin 3- Cold (phase-inverted).
Internal power supply:
The internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for
over and under voltage conditions. It provides cleanest power for cleanest sound with excellent
immunity to noise on the AC line.
Bit-perfect with ASIO 2.2 driver:
Bit-perfect is how the audio stream will come from your PC. If you are running bit-perfect with
ASIO, you will hear the music as it was encoded on the CD. Actually, ASUS Xonar Essence
One’s ASIO 2.2 driver simplies the process of multiple audio streams, bypassing latency issues
in Windows, to deliver a low-latency, high delity sound le that is identical to the original audio
le. (PS. When you run bit-perfect, the “BIT PERFECT” LED in the front panel will light up.)
Low Clock Jitter with Asynchronous Data Transfer:
Most USB audio uses Synchronous Data Transfer mode to adjust internal clock to compensate
different data transfer rate between PC and USB Audio Device. But the jitter is worse if the
transfer rate is different a lot between PC and Device. Instead, ASUS Xonar Essence One
supports Asynchronous Data Transfer mode. This mechanism feedbacks the buffer status to
the system, and the system will base on buffer status to adjust the speed of data transfer, which
leads to the low jitter in Xonar Essence One.
Dedicated volume controls:
ASUS Xonar Essence One is tted with two dedicated Volume Controls specic for the output
levels of headphone and speaker. Unlike most USB DACs which use only one Volume Control
for the output level of both headphone and speaker (or even no Volume Control), Xonar Essence
One allows users to set the headphone and speaker volume level separately.
Toslink and Coaxial S/PDIF inputs:
ASUS Xonar Essence One is tted with one set of digital inputs, Coaxial and Toslink, which
enable the connection of source components. The digital inputs accept data formats at sample
rates up to 192 kHz.

13
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Front Panel
Xonar Essence One
HEADPHONE
VOLUME
VOLUME
BIT PERFECT
192
96
88.2
48
44.1
176.4
_+_+
MUTEINPUT
USB
TOS
COA
UPSAMPLINGPOWER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
99
1. Power On/Off
Press to turn on and again to turn off.
2. Upsampling function on/off
(1) Press to turn on the upsampling function which increases sample rate to 352.8 or
384kHz symmetrically and bit rate to 32bit
(2) When the upsampling function is turn on, the LED light of Bit perfect / sample rate
indicator will light off.
3. Input selection
Press to select among USB, Toslink or Coaxial Inputs. The corresponding LED will light up
to show which source has been selected.
4. Mute
Press to mute headphone and speaker output; again to unmute.
5. Speaker Volume control
The Volume Control controls the output level of the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
analog outputs.
6. Bit perfect / sample rate indicator
(1) The relevant LED will light up to indicate the sample rate of your audio source
(44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, and 192 kHz)
(2) Bit perfect: light on under ASIO model
7. Headphone Volume control
The Volume Control is used to control the output levels of the headphone jacks.
8. 1/4” Headphone output
Connect your high-quality headphones/headsets with 6.3mm connector (Please use the
attached 6.3mm to 3.5mm connector if your headphones/headsets are of 3.5 mm ports)

14 ASUS Xonar Essence One
9. Set screws
These 4 screws are used to hold the machine bed (including PCB board and power
module) and machine housing together. For repair’s sake, ASUS technicians may need
a small screwdriver to loosen the 4 screws to remove the front panel and then draw the
machine bed out for checking PCB board (or power module).
Rear Panel
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCED OUTPUT DIGITALINPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR AC IN
230
1 2 3 4 6 75
1. Unbalanced RCA Output (line-out)
Conventional stereo outputs for connection to the line-level phono/RCA inputs of a
speaker
NOTES:
• Most audio equipment has unbalanced audio inputs and outputs. This means
that the audio output (left, right, or mono) appears on a single wire, and is
referenced to “0V” or “Ground”. Typical connectors used are RCA “phono”
connectors and 1/4” (6.3mm) or 1/8” (3.5mm) jack plugs/ sockets.
• Unbalanced audio works well for short cable runs in low noise environments.
For long distances connection or complex setups where RF noise may be a
problem, Balanced XLR Output is recommended to eliminate unwanted noises.
2. Balanced XLR Output(line-out)
ASUS Xonar Essence One also features true balanced (XLR) outputs. Connect Xonar
Essence One with equipment such as speakers of Balanced XLR connections.
NOTES:
• A lot of professional equipment will have balanced audio inputs and outputs,
usually on 3-pin “XLR” connectors. The line is said to be balanced since the
two signal carrying conductors are of equal (though opposite) potential.
• Balanced XLR Output is a higher quality output that can reject noise and
interference with equipment with balanced inputs, especially perfect for long
cable runs or anywhere that induced noises might be a problem

15
ASUS Xonar Essence One
3. Coaxial S/PDIF Input
Connects to external digital decoder or digital speaker systems, Home Theater systems,
AV receivers for outputting digital audio. These outputs loop or pass-through unprocessed
digital audio from the selected digital input. Two types are available and this port is for
Coaxial S/PDIF Input.
4. Toslink Optical Input
As mentioned in point 3, this port is for Toslink Optical Input.
NOTES:
• Both Coaxial and Toslink Inputs can be used to connect and run equipment at
the same time
• This unit only accepts two-channel LPCM digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital 2.0).
You cannot connect a Dolby Digital 5.1 or a DTS signal as they will not be
recognized. If you wish to connect a DVD or similar device, please ensure that
the sound output of your player is set to two-channel PCM.
5. USB port
Connect a PC via a Type B to Type A USB lead.
NOTES:
• The Xonar Essence One’s operation is independent of your PC soundcard- it
will operate whether your PC has a soundcard or not. Please select Xonar
Essence One as the default audio playback device in your system. This can be
conrmed in the Control Panel’s Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices properties
window under the Volume tab.
• You need to install the device driver that enables the Xonar Essence One to
work with Windows operating system.
6. Voltage selection (115/230V)
Always insure that the voltage setting is correct for your locality. Please see page 5
“Voltage Selection” for more info.
7. Power port (AC in)
Plug the supplied power adaptor into the Xonar Essence One once you have completed
all connections.

16 ASUS Xonar Essence One
Hardware Introduction
12
4
4
3
10
9
10
9
5
5
5
5
6
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
1. USB Audio processor: C-Media CMI6631 (for USB input)
2. S/PDIF receiver: AKM AK4113 (for digital input)
3. DSP: ADI ADSP-21261
4. DAC: TI PCM1795
5. Swappable Op-amps: NE5532
6. Swappable Op-amps: NE5532
7. Film Cap (red ones): WIMA FKP2/FKS2
8. Swappable Op-amps: LM4562 (for Speaker out)
9. Swappable Op-amps: LME49720NA (for Headphone out)
10. Headphone Amplier: NS LME49600TS (for Headphone out)

17
ASUS Xonar Essence One
Connections
Input
1. NB/PC-USB connections
NOTE: Do not turn on the machine until all connections have been made.
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCEDOUTPUT DIGITALINPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR ACIN
230
or
NBPC
(1) Connect a USB ‘B–A’ type lead (as illustrated at left) from the Xonar Essence One’s
USB input to one of the USB ports on the PC/NB.
(2) Turn on the Xonar Essence One using the front panel On/Off switch and make sure
that the USB input is selected (USB LED lit).
(3) Install the device driver that enables the Xonar Essence One to work with Windows
operating system.

18 ASUS Xonar Essence One
NOTES:
• The PC’s previous audio output device should now be temporarily disabled
and the Xonar Essence One becomes the default audio playback device for
the PC/NB. This can be conrmed in the Control Panel’s Sounds, Speech and
Audio Devices properties window under the Volume tab.
• If you wish to disconnect your Xonar Essence One and return to using your
previous soundcard, etc., simply disconnect it or switch off the power on the
front panel. If the PC fails to disable the Xonar Essence One and automatically
re-enable your default soundcard, you can manually disable the Xonar
Essence One in the hardware device manager. To do this, navigate to the
Device Manager (click Start — Control Panel — (Vista: Performance and
Maintenance —) System — Hardware— Device Manager in Windows XP).
Scroll down the device manager window and expand the heading Sound,
Video and Game Controllers to display a list of the connected devices. The
Xonar Essence One will be listed as “ASUS Xonar Essence One”. Click on this
description to highlight in blue and then click on the Disable icon at the top of
the window. A warning message will appear: “Disabling this device will cause
it to stop functioning. Do you really want to disable it?” Click Yes to disable
the Xonar Essence One. The previous audio playback device will now be
re-instated by Windows.
2. Toslink and Coaxial S/PDIF audio input connections
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCEDOUTPUT DIGITALINPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR ACIN
230
CD/DVD player
Digital Outputs
OR

19
ASUS Xonar Essence One
(1) Connect your digital source (ex. CD/DVD players or some PC/NB with SPDIF output)
to Digital Input. Either S/P DIF Coaxial or Toslink optical types can be used, each
being of equal quality.
NOTE: Both Coaxial and Toslink Inputs can be used to connect and run equipment
at the same time.
Output
1. WithAmplierandPassiveSpeakerSystem
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCEDOUTPUT DIGITAL INPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR AC IN
LR
230
L
R
Amplifier
Unbalanced
Input
OR
Balanced
Input
(1) Use either the unbalanced (RCA/Phono) or balanced (XLR) outputs of the Xonar
Essence One to connect unbalanced or balanced inputs of an amplier.
(2) Connect the amplier with a Passive Speaker System.
NOTE: It is possible to use the RCA phono connections and the XLR balanced
connections at the same time, e.g. for connecting to different ampliers or multi-
room operations. However, no same audio quality is guaranteed as using RCA and
XLR output non-simultaneously.

20 ASUS Xonar Essence One
2. With Active Speaker directly
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCEDOUTPUT DIGITALINPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGESELECTOR ACIN
230
(1) Connect Xonar Essence One with a set of active speakers directly.
3. With Headphone/Headset
(1) Connect Xonar Essence One with high-quality headphones/headsets directly.