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E7402
Op-Amp Swap Guide
Hi-Fi USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)
Essence Series & Xense
First Edition
May 2012
Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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English
4
4
4
1
1
1
1
2
2
3B
3B
3A
An operational amplier (Op-Amp) plays an important role in audio performance
and tonal style by creating distinct listening experiences. Catering to the needs of
audiophiles, Essence series and Xonar Xense streamline Op-Amp modications
with easily-swappable Op-Amp sockets.
1. Swap Guide
1.1 Essence One
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. Serves as I/V (current to voltage convertor) that turns current from DAC
into voltage for output purpose. Changing this will affect all outputs
(including Headphone output, RCA output and XLR output).
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.
2
Changing this will affect the headphone output.
ASUS Op-Amp Swap Guide
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All outputs (Headphone output, RCA
1
1
2
output, XLR output)
1
2
3A
3B
4
√
√
Headphone
output
√
1.2 Essence Series and Xonar Xense
Before you start swapping, ensure that you have removed the EMI shield
and unplugged the power cord that connects to the Xonar Xense or Essence
ST/STX.
RCA output XLR output
√
√
English
Xonar Essence STX
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English
1
1
2
1
2
Xonar Essence ST
1. Serves as I/V (current to voltage convertor) that turns current from DAC into
Xonar Xense
voltage for output purpose. Changing this will affect the tonal quality for all
outputs (including both RCA and 1/4” Headphone output).
2. Serves as buffer that enhances output signal for speaker. Changing this will
affect the tonal quality of RCA outputs.
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ASUS Op-Amp Swap Guide
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Xonar Essence One
HEADPHONE
VOLUME
VOLUME
BIT PERFECT
192
96
88.2
48
44.1
176.4
_
+
_
+
MUTEINPUT
USB
TOS
COA
UPSAMPLINGPOWER
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCED OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGE SELECTOR AC IN
230
UNBALANCED
OUTPUT
BALANCED OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUT
USBLRR
L
TOSLINK
COAXIAL
VOLTAGE SELECTOR AC IN
230
2. Instructions
8 7 6 5
1 2 3 4
2.1 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 Op-Amp with an IC clamp vertically
upward to avoid bending.
2.2 Disassembly
Essence One
1. Loosen the four screws in the front panel and the two screws in the rear panel
with a screwdriver.
Front Panel
English
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.
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English
Essence Series and Xonar Xense
1. Loosen the screws with a screwdriver.
2. Remove the EMI shield.
2.3 Swapping Op-Amps
1. Use an IC clamp to clasp an Op-Amp and remove it vertically upwards.
2. Replace it with a new Op-Amp from the Op-Amp kit.
3. Op-Amp Pairing Impression
Recommended Op-Amp Pairing combinations:
Essence One
I/V Slot 1 Buffer Slot 2 Impression
TI – OPA2132 NS – LM4562NA
TI – OPA2132 TI – NE5532
TI – NE5532 TI – OPA2132 Less transparent, softer, tighter bottom end
TI – NE5532 NS – LM4562NA
Essence One - Alternative Pairing
DAC I/V Slot 1 DAC buffer Slot 2 Sound Impression
TI – OPA2107 TI – OPA2132 Sweet and articulate, brighter vocal, slightly less
TI – OPA2107 NS – LME49860 Detailed and delicate, with less but tighter bottom
NS – LME49720 NS – LM4562NA Cool, more extensive detailed and dampened mid-
NS – LM4562NA NS – LM4562NA Wider sound stage but less detailed than the above
NS – LM4562NA NJRC – MUSE02 Powerful, punchy sound with good sound stage
NS – LME49720NA NJRC – MUSE02 Brighter, sweet sound and more detail than the
TI-OPA1232 NS-LME49720NA Wider sound stage, brighter and more detailed but
Brighter, dense bottom end, wider sound stage and
articulate with detail, slightly cool
Open sound stage, less detailed but with more powerful
bass and bottom end sound
Brighter and more detailed, airy, a little distant and less
warm
bottom end sound
sound
range, smooth, Essence ST/STX style
combination
and richness, less resolution but good dynamic
above combination
less body
Essence Series and Xonar Xense
I/V Slot 1 Buffer Slot 2 Impression
NS – LME49720 NS – LM4562NA Natural sounding, punchy, great sound stage with depth and details
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4. Recommended Op-Amp List
Brand Model name
NS LME49860
NS LME49720NA
NS LM4562NA
TI OPA2111
TI OPA2132
TI OPA2107
ADI OP275
ADI AD823
NJRC MUSE01
NJRC MUSE02
English
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