Asus has announced the new Xonar Essence STU USB external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier. Based on the same design and quality as the previously released Xonar Essence ST/STX internal sound card, the new Xonar Essence STU should provide audiophile-grade performance paired up with USB connectivity and accessible external controls.

According to Asus, the new Xonar Essence STU has a 120dB signal to noise ratio (SNR), strong 600ohm headphone amplifier asynchronous USB audio and swappable Op-Amps for DIY sound modification. When paired up with high quality headphones the Xonar Essence STU will be able to provide high audio fidelity and quality audio reproduction.

The Xonar Essence STU is based one the Texas Instruments PCM1792A DAC and TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier and aided by support for ASIO audio drivers. It also comes with accessible controls providing easy access to switch between low and high gain settings depending on which output do you use and even comes with dual-volume controls allowing for simultaneous change of sound levels for speakers and headphones. It comes with USB interface and provides stereo RCA out, a 6.3mm headphone jack, two digital inputs and auxiliary in.

Unfortunately, the price or the availability date have not been announced.



Source: Asus.com.