Digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
High fidelity Texas Instruments PCM1792A DAC delivers accurate digital-to-analog conversion, sensational audio clarity, and low distortion.
Audiophile-approved capacitors
WIMA FKP2 and Nichicon Finegold capacitors deliver balanced and rich sound.
Asynchronous audio transfer
Asynchronous USB transfer mode separates unstable and noisy clocks generated by the computer or its USB interface logic, maintaining sync with master clock circuitry on Xonar Essence STU.
Balanced (or mirrored) PCB layout
Symmetrical analog output path ensures balanced and truthful representation of all sound sources and minimal crosstalk.
Integrated 600ohm headphone amplifier optimizes sound detail with two gain settings
Headphone amplifier
Renowned TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier supports up to 600ohm impedance, driving all headphones available in the market. It empowers your favorite set with dynamic and detailed sound.
Headphone gain switch
Xonar Essence STU offers readily accessible switching between low and high gain settings, accommodating better listening experiences across a wide range of headphones, from in-ear headsets (typically 16ohm-32ohm) to premium full-size headphones ( up to 600ohm). This is especially useful with the increasing popularity of mobile devices, which normally ship with low impedance/high sensitivity headsets.
Convenient tonal tuning
Xonar Essence STU has room for three swappable Op-Amps (operational amplifiers), which you can replace to adjust tonal performance based on personal taste. This open-ended and customizable design is inherited from previous Xonar Essence audio products, and remains true to the series commitment to accommodating as many audiophile preferences as possible.
Texas Instruments NS-LME49720 and NS-LM4562NA Op-Amps deliver acoustics fine-tuned by audio engineers to support livelier, more detailed, and more spacious sound.
Advanced controls
By-passing volume jumper switch
The included jumper switch re-routes sound and allows Xonar Essence STU to be used as a pre-amplifier in conjunction with a dedicated power amplifier. You can opt to adjust master volume directly on the power amplifier without having to reach Xonar Essence STU controls.
Selectable DC servo headphone output
Many music enthusiasts choose to solder a DC servo on their DAC to minimize power-up pop noise on the renowned TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier. The dedicated DC servo on Xonar Essence STU offers a convenient and solder-free alternative.
Product overview
Specifications:
Audio Performance
Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) (Front-out) :
120 dB
Output THD+N at 1kHz (Front-out) :
>0.00036 %(-108 dB)
Frequency Response (-3dB, 24bit/192KHz input) :
10 Hz to 48 KHz
Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage :
Unbalanced Output : 2 Vrms ( Vp-p)
Headphone : 7 Vrms ( Vp-p)
Bus Compatibility
USB 2.0 high-speed
Chipset
Audio Processor :C-Media CM6631A High-Definition Sound Processor
Sample Rate and Resolution
Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution :
44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit
ASIO Driver Support :
44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit
Connectivity
Analog Output
1 x 6.3 mm jack (1/4") Headphone out
2 x RCA (Un-Balanced)
Digital
2 x S/PDIF in (1 x Optical (Toslink)/1 x Coaxial)
1 x Aux in 3.5mm jack (1/8)
Operating System
Windows 8 , 32bit/64bit
Windows 7 , 32bit/64bit
Windows XP , 32bit/64bit
Mac OS X *
Accessories
6.3mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter x 1
Driver CD x 1
Quick Start Guide x 1
USB cable x 1
Power cord x 1
Power adapter x 1
Note
Swappable operational amplifier:
I/V: LME49720 x 2
LPF: LM4562 x 1
Output impedance:
Line out: 100 ohm
Headphone out: 10 ohm
Clock:
Crystal clock: 12MHz
Oscillator: 45.1584MHz (44.1kHz);49.152MHz (48kHz)
Power supply type:
Power consumption(Max): 12W
Power input jack: DC in 12V
Power input range: AC 90~264V
*Xonar Essence STU supports OS X 10.6 or above for playback.
