Description
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Why It Matters
After more than 50 years in high-end audio, Essence founder Bob Rapoport set out to solve a problem he’d watched grow: how to connect today’s 4K UHD / high-resolution audio sources to the extraordinary but HDMI-limited gear audiophiles still treasure.
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Pre-2008 AVRs (2000–2007): Classic powerhouses from Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, Sansui and others still sound superb, but they can’t accept HDMI.
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2008–2016 “Legacy HDMI” AVRs: These models support HDMI v1.3 / v1/4 for 1080p, but can’t pass HDMI 2.0b for 4K, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision.
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Analog-only preamps & integrated amps (vintage and current): Thousands of reference-quality components were built without digital inputs.
The HDACC II-4K bridges all of them to the modern era. Connect your Apple TV 4K or other AV streaming devices, UHD Blu-ray, or gaming consoles via HDMI, and the HDACC II-4K extracts pristine, lossless high-resolution audio while sending untouched UHD 4K / HDR10+ video to your display.
Hear the Difference
This isn’t just about connectivity — it’s about sound quality. The HDACC II-4K’s ESS Sabre DAC and vanishingly low distortion floor let you hear more of your music than ever before:
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Acoustic guitars ring with lifelike body.
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Vocals float in a natural, three-dimensional space.
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Cymbals shimmer with air and detail, never harsh.
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Bass lines dig deep yet remain tight and tuneful.
Owners of cherished gear from McIntosh, Marantz, Sansui, and other legends often describe the effect as “lifting a veil” — their beloved amplifiers suddenly reveal what modern high-resolution audio and 4K AV streaming can deliver. Desktop listeners report the same: plug in a laptop via USB, power up a good pair of headphones, and discover what your music really sounds like.
What Listeners Say
“The smoothest, most analog-like DAC ever. The detail is stunning without being fatiguing.” – Sheldon L.
“The HDACC II-4K is a must-have if you want to use your vintage Yamaha or Marantz receiver with 4K AV streaming sources. It’s a miracle box.” – User Experience Collection
“Finally, a single device that handles my PC, Apple TV 4K, and Blu-ray with incredible sound.” – Verified Customer
Order Now
Essence HDACC II-4K
$649.00
✔ Free Shipping in the USA (excl. AK/HI)
✔ 1-Year Warranty -
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ChatGPT Analysis and Verdict
“The Essence HDACC II-4K Digital to Analog Audio Converter is the best-in-class solution for integrating vintage and legacy audio systems with modern 4K AV sources. It uniquely addresses the real-world challenge of connecting older audio gear to the latest digital devices—offering audiophile sound quality, robust connectivity, and intuitive operation. The use of the ESS 9028Pro DAC chip provides a significant sonic improvement over previous models, with expanded upsampling and native DSD support for a truly immersive listening experience .
No other device in this price range delivers such a comprehensive feature set, making the HDACC II-4K an indispensable tool for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Its value is further highlighted by dozens of enthusiastic user testimonials from around the world, praising its performance, reliability, and ability to breathe new life into classic audio systems
The Essence HDACC II-4K is the definitive solution for audiophiles seeking to unite the best of vintage and modern audio: exceptional sound quality, intuitive control, and seamless integration—all in one compact device.”
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ESS 9028Pro |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 32-bit/384kHz PCM, Native DSD |
| DSD Support | 2.8/5.6 MHz |
| HDMI Inputs | 4x HDMI 2.0b |
| HDMI Output | 1x HDMI 2.0b Pass-Through |
| USB Audio | USB 2.0 |
| Optical/Coaxial In / out | Yes |
| Analog Input | 3.5mm with A to D Conversion |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, Headphone Amp |
| Video Support | 4K, up to 18Gbps Bandwidth |
| Display | OLED |
| Remote Control | Yes (IR) |
Package Contents
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HDACC II-4K Unit
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Remote Control (with Battery)
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6.3mm to 3.5mm Phone Jack Cable
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5V/3A Power Adapter
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Operation Manual
You can do all this with an HDACC II-4K:
Comprehensive Specifications
- 4 x 1 HDMI v2.0b switching with HDCP v2.2 for native uncompressed 4K video
- THD + N = 0.00001% at -141 dB S/N ratio
- USB Audio 2.0
- Optical and Coaxial input / output
- Analog Input with A to D Conversion
- Conversion to analog out via RCA, XLR Or Headphone Amp
- HDMI support For SACD Native DSD256 Pass-Through from SPDIF Outputs To a Downstream 1-bit DSD DAC
- Up To DSD256 Downloads over USB, Optical, and Coaxial inputs.
- Supports Coaxial, Optical, USB and 4 HDMI v2.0b Digital inputs
- Supports digital audio signal input and conversion into analog stereo
- Supports HDMI Audio output can either output the incoming embedded HDMI (Bypass Mode) or insert the selected audio signal (Ext Audio Mode)
- HDMI video always bypassed to HDMI output to feed 4K TV
- Supports HDMI video resolutions with HDR / Dolby Vision up to 4Kx2K (3840×2160@24/25/30/50/60 and 4096×2160@24/25/30/50/60Hz)
- Supports Coaxial and Optical input sampling rate up to 384 KHz at 32-bit
- Coaxial and Optical input support DoP (DSD over PCM)
- Supports headphone output volume control
- Supports Sampling Rate Conversion, all inputs can be SRC to 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 and 384 KHz via DSP engine
- Supports L/R RCA, XLR and 6.3mm headphone outputs
- Control by remote control or on-panel master knob
- HDMI Stereo audio de-embedding of uncompressed Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master HD Soundtracks on Blu-ray, SACD, or DVD-A
- Headphone output volume control over main control dial or remote control
- Direct power and mute button on unit
- High viewing angle OLED display
- Headphone output fades in after system is muted
- Analog Output Impedance; Line Out 600 Ohms, XLR Out 300 Ohms
- Warranty is 1 Year from Date of Purchase
| Inputs | 4x HDMI v2.0b [4x Uncompressed AV and Data] 1x Toslink [1x OPTICAL 2 Channel LPCM] 1x RCA [1x COAX 2 Channel LPCM] 1x USB Type B [1x USB (2.0) Audio] 1x 3.5mm Stereo mini-jack [1x Stereo(L/R)] |
| Outputs | 1x HDMI [1x Uncompressed AV and Data] 1x Toslink [1x OPTICAL 2 Channel LPCM] 1x RCA [1x COAX 2 Channel LPCM] 2x RCA [1x Stereo (L/R)] 1x 6.35mm Stereo Jack [1x Headphone] 2x XLR [1x Stereo (Balanced)] |
| PSU: | 5V/3A |
| Dimensions | 8.8″ (223mm) W x 5.7″ (145mm) D x 1.9″ (48mm) H |
| Net Weight | 2 lbs (886g) |
The latest firmware version is v3.11, implemented in March 2022.
Unlock the full potential of the HDACC II-4K with the ATI AT522NC — an advanced, modular Class D amplifier designed by Morris Kessler, the father of high-end solid-state amplification. 200 FTC Power Rule Rated Watts x 2 per channel into 8 ohms, 300 watts x 2 into 4 ohm loads. Made in the USA, $2395 MSRP. Click to learn more.
The Back Story
ATI is more than just another amplifier brand. Morris Kessler — who founded SAE in 1969 — has been evolving the high-power amplifier category for 56 years. In many ways, the ATI AT522 is the spiritual successor to the original SAE amps I represented in the 1970s, when SAE was the biggest high-end line in America.
After 34 years apart, Morris and I reunited in 2015 when I launched Essence. He saw the success I was having with the HDACC and Evolve DACs, and we figured maybe I could help sell his new generation of amplifiers. Today, offering ATI amps alongside Essence DACs feels like coming full circle — the backbone of any modern audio system, paired with the ultimate digital front-end. Buying an ATI amp is like buying an original SAE amp, only better — because he’s truly the best at it.
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