ASUS Essence III Honored with EISA European USB DAC 2014-2015 Award

Audiophile-grade USB digital-to-analog converter impresses judges with remarkable audio performance and outstanding build quality

Taipei, Taiwan (18 August, 2014) — ASUS today announces that Essence III, its flagship USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) has received the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) European USB DAC 2014-2015 Award.

“The Essence III has features that are typically the preserve of very-high-end headphone amplifiers. Its performance is as clean and incisive as the engineering, with an honest and compelling sound that puts many traditional Hi-Fi marques to shame,” said EISA President Jorge Gonçalves.

EISA is a unique association of 50 special-interest magazines in audio, home theater, in-car electronics, mobile electronics, photo and video, from 20 European countries. The annual EISA Awards are given to products that showcase the most advanced technology, desirable features, expressive design, user ergonomics and great value for money.

ASUS Essence III – an incredible blend of aesthetics and audio performance

ASUS Essence III is the company’s flagship digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier, crafted for the most demanding audiophiles.

It features native direct stream digital (DSD) playback, supporting both DSD64 and DSD128 encoding rates. Essence III delivers balanced headphone output, with support for up to 600ohm impedance to drive the finest headphones. In addition, unique mini-XLR jacks minimize noise interference and ensure the best signal clarity.

Essence III employs a balanced audio design with separate boards for analog and digital to provide a clean, linear power delivery. It uses a 24K pure-gold, temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO/TCCO) module as a clock source to minimize jitter. In addition, asynchronous USB transfers put the Essence III’s ultra-precise timer in control of the data flow — ensuring incredibly smooth and stable signals.

Essence III has a 24-step attenuator that ensures precise left/right balance at any volume, and it boasts a microcontroller and onboard relays that directly operate its volume resistors. This design ensures incredible stepped precision and the ability to control Essence III remotely.

Aesthetically, the Essence III front panel features power and input-selector buttons for quick control and device selection, while minimalist LED indicators provide clear, uncluttered input information. The elegant chassis can be easily stacked with existing Hi-Fi equipment, while the surface is treated with a special fingerprint-resistant coating.