Description
The Problem: Old vs. New
From the mid-90s onward, surround sound grew rapidly:
• Pro Logic turned two channels into five, but it was compressed and artificial.
• By the late ’90s, AVRs added optical and coaxial inputs for Dolby AC-3 and DTS — a big leap forward, but still not high-resolution.
• From 1995 to 2007, many AVRs and Pre/Pros included 5.1 analog inputs so after-market processors could add features the receiver itself lacked.
• From 2008 to 2016, HDMI arrived — but limited to 1080p video, not 4K / 18 Gbps.
That left today’s music and movie lovers with a dilemma: keep their beloved gear and sacrifice audio / video quality — or replace it entirely.
The Solution: Evolve II-4K
The Essence Evolve II-4K is the modern-day “black box” for the 4K era:
• Extracts pristine 5.1 / 7.1-channel Hi-Res soundtracks — Uncompressed LPCM, Lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD64 on SACD.
• Converts to fixed high-line-level analog — ready for the 5.1 / 7.1 analog input section on your AVR, Pre / Pro, or integrated amp.
• Passes through uncompromised 4K HDR video — HDR10+, Dolby Vision, full 18 Gbps bandwidth.
• Integrates seamlessly with legacy gear — whether you own a mid-90s AVR with 5.1 analog inputs or a 2010-era HDMI AVR limited to 1080p.
The result: your vintage system sounds and looks like it was built for today.
What to Expect from Surround Sound
Following its debut in commercial theaters, 7.1-channel surround first arrived in home systems with Toy Story 3 on Blu-ray in 2010. Since then, the catalog of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio discs in discrete 7.1 has steadily grown — mostly blockbuster action titles.
Still, the vast majority of releases from smaller studios and independents, especially live concerts on Blu-ray, remain in 5.1-channel surround due to bandwidth restrictions imposed by streaming services. The split is roughly 80 / 20.
For streaming platforms, every soundtrack is still limited to the industry’s original standard: 5.1 surround. That means Blu-ray remains the only way to experience true 7.1 at home.
The surround channels aren’t just about explosions or helicopters flying overhead — they provide subtle spatial cues that make the on-screen environment feel real. Whether it’s the echoes of a church, the dripping of a rainforest, or the terrifying crack of lightning followed by thunder — the loudest natural sound we instinctively know — surround mixes pull you deeper into the story.
With the Evolve II-4K, your legacy AVR can fully decode both 5.1 and 7.1 immersive soundtracks, letting you experience the artistry of movie and concert sound design as it was intended.
What Listeners & Reviewers Say
“Having lived with the Evolve II-4K for a couple of months now, I can safely say it delivered some of the best sound I have experienced in my listening room. The sound was refined, dynamic, and balanced. For anyone with a legacy AVR, the Evolve II-4K is a no-brainer.”
— Jeff Dunnam, Audiophile Consumer
“I was stunned that the Evolve II-4K … sounded so good. How good? I liked it better than sending the audio via HDMI through the Marantz and its DACs. It seemed just noticeably cleaner and more open.”
— Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile Magazine
“Wow … I am impressed! This is an amazing DAC with an uncanny ability to present individual instruments and voices within a magnificent soundstage. It’s exceptionally clear, natural-sounding and utterly convincing.”
— Bill Vandermarel, former CEO of Paradigm / Anthem
💬 See all 5-star experiences in the full User Testimonials PDF.
Technical Specifications
- Inputs:
• 1 × HDMI v2.0b with v2.2 HDCP (uncompressed AV + data)
• 1 × USB Mini-B (Service / EDID programming) - Outputs:
• 1 × HDMI v2.0b (uncompressed AV passthrough)
• 8 × RCA analog (fixed high-line level, 5.1 / 7.1channels)
• 1 × Toslink optical (stereo PCM / Dolby Digital / DTS — not Hi-Res) - Audio Support:
• Uncompressed LPCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz
• Dolby TrueHD
• DTS-HD Master Audio
• DSD (via HDMI on SACD)
• THD+N = 0.0001%
• 115 dB S/N ratio - Video Support:
• Up to 4K2K 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30Hz, 3840×2160 @ 50/60Hz (YUV444)
• 4096×2160 @ 24/25/30/50/60Hz
• HDR10 / HDR10+ / Dolby Vision passthrough - Power Supply: 5V / 2.6A external PSU
- Dimensions: 8.4″ (213mm) W × 4.6″ (116mm) D × 1.2″ (30mm) H
- Weight: 1.5 lbs (658g)
- Warranty: 1 Year
The Bottom Line
The Essence Evolve II-4K carries forward a tradition that began with Dolby AC-3 and DTS decoders in the 90s — only now with true Hi-Res multi-channel audio and 4K HDR video.
For just $349, it revives your favorite AVR, PrePro, or integrated amp, unlocking today’s lossless surround soundtracks and video standards without forcing you to give up the gear you love.
Don’t replace your system. Evolve it.
👉 Order today — Free Shipping in the USA (Hawaii & Alaska excluded).
EDID Commander Software / Virtual Com Port Driver
We offer a software program called EDID Commander that allows for a higher degree of customization of video and audio features than the default settings pre-loaded into the Evolve II-4K. You’ll need a Win 10 computer and a USB cable to use it and first you have to install the Virtual Com Port Driver. Follow the instructions on page 6 of the owner’s manual for installation and you’ll be able to optimize the Evolve II-4K for your TV and audio system.
The Evolve II-4K firmware is up to date with v2.16 for use with 4K TVs, sources, and projectors.
Big Rooms Need Big Power
The Evolve II-4K extracts pristine audio from today’s 4K UHD sources. Pair it with ATI’s AT1827 (MSRP $3795.00) for 7 channels of balanced, 200 FTC Power Rule Rated per channel. Note: 7.1 Channel soundtracks are only available on Blu-ray Disc, AV streaming delivers 5.1 channels due to bandwidth limitations. Click the picture to learn more.
Collis Cody Nelson, Audiophile Consumer Nov 2025 –
Hello Bob, I was just writing to say that the Evolve II-4K is really great! I have been using it for 1 year now and it is wonderful for my 5.1 music collection. The Evolve II-4K also works great for my stereo music listening. Just wanted to say I appreciate you for making this!
Collis Cody Nelson, Audiophile Consumer Nov 2025
Volker Barent, Audiophile Consumer in Germany, Jan 2025 –
I purchased a used Parasound P/SP 1500 and the multi-channel sound with the Evolve II-4K is phantastic!!! It’s better than the Linn I use for stereo. And much much better than the DAC of the Denon AVR…. Volker Barent, Audiophile Consumer in Germany, Jan 2025
Bill Zirkle, Audiophile Consumer, June 2024 –
Yes Bob — the Evolve II-4K is exactly, not more & not less, what I need it to do. I ordered a new Sony UBP-X800m2. These two units produce music to my ears. I’m buying a second of both for backup!!! What a find at so reasonable a price. Bill Zirkle, Audiophile Consumer, June 2024
David Mould, UK Audiophile March 2020 –
“Hi Bob, You’re very correct … I’ve now got fantastic audio AND video with the Evolve II-4K. 🙂 Couldn’t be happier!” David Mould, UK Audiophile March 2020
Terry Underwood, Audiophile Consumer March 2022 –
“Thank you Bob.
It sounds wonderful, BTW. This is the best ESS DAC implementation I’ve heard by far, with excellent detail retrieval and smooth, refined and natural character.” Terry Underwood, Audiophile Consumer March 2022
Bill Vandermarel, Audiophile Consumer and former CEO of Paradigm / Anthem, Jan 2022 –
Hi Bob,
I received the Evolve II-4K last Friday and have been listening all weekend.
Wow … I am impressed! This is an amazing DAC with an uncanny ability to present individual instruments and voices within a magnificent soundstage. It’s exceptionally clear, natural sounding and utterly convincing. The Evolve II-4K has rejuvenated HDMI sourced music for my stereo system. What a great product!
You were also right about setting my Apple TV 4K to stereo – no more 5.1 down-mix congestion. I’m also convinced there would be no benefit to adding an external stereo DAC, and with HDCP limits reapplied it could only sound worse.
Thanks again and all the best,
Bill
Oren Shive, Audiophile Consumer in Israel, Oct 2021 –
As I opened the box I was surprised to discover a VERY high quality product, from the exchangeable power adapter to the build quality. The sound quality is wonderful, my vintage receiver really got evolved!!! I want to thank you for your kind service and a really unique and wonderful product. Oren Shive, Audiophile Consumer in Israel, Oct 2021
Eric Edewarrd, Audiophile Consumer, Aug 2021 –
Hey Bob,
I hooked up the Evolve II-4K on Friday and I’ve done some testing. It works great with the nVidia Shield. I’m very happy with the final results. Thanks again.
Eric Edewarrd
Price Ambler, Audiophile Consumer, July 2021 –
Hey Bob.
I am very pleased with the Evolve II-4K that I just put in service. So much better than Cambridge DAC which is good but yours has so much more flexibility and sound. I had been using a tube DAC which I liked a lot but the sonic quality of the Evolve is quite nice sonically to my ears. And I love the improvement in the FIBBR HDMI Fiber Optic Cables over my prior copper (what I thought was high end) cables. I am ordering two more in a moment. You went out of your way to ship it to me rapidly and thanks for that and your review of my system. Price Ambler, Audiophile Consumer, July 2021
Jack Kyte, Audiophile Consumer, Feb 2021 –
The Evolve is working marvelously. When the recording is a quality one, the sound is very close to the concert hall. One can hear the bow on the strings and the breath of the singers. Jack Kyte, Audiophile Consumer, Feb 2021
Lily Finley, Audiophile Consumer, August 2020 –
Hey Bob!
I got my first chance to audition the Evolve DAC last night, and I have to say, I’m quite impressed. Listening to this DAC was a joy. I know the sound signature of my monitors pretty well, so I can tell if a DAC is adding any significant color, noise, or distortion to that familiar sound. Thankfully and delightfully, the Evolve was not. That’s what I strive for in a DAC — transparency. There’s a time and a place for coloring the sound, but a DAC isn’t where it should happen.
I tried both music and film material, and both sounded great. The music was smooth and detailed, and I ended up listening for more than an hour. Then I put on a movie, and the dialog was crystal clear with excellent imaging. Some DACs struggle to remain transparent at the far low end, but the Evolve produced lifelike low frequency effects that pushed my monitors’ woofers to their limits.
What started out as a simple sound test in a desktop system with active speakers turned into a few hours of sonic fun. Nice job all around in the fidelity department. Lily Finley, Audiophile Consumer, August 2020
Jeff Dunnam, Audiophile Consumer, June 2020 –
Having lived with the Evolve II-4K HDMI Multi-Channel DAC for a couple of months now, I can safely say it delivered some of the best sound I have experienced in my listening room. Listening from a variety of sources, including BluRay discs, movies streamed through AppleTV and an Amazon Fire, in every instance, with the Evolve, the sound was refined, dynamic, and balanced. For anyone with a legacy AVR, the Evolve II-4K, is a no-brainer offering a big sonic upgrade at a very reasonable price. Well done Essence! Jeff Dunnam, Audiophile Consumer, June 2020
Frederick Lee, Audiophile Consumer, June 2020 –
“Thanks Bob, Evolve II-4K works. It sounds great with my PrimaLuna and Sony 800.”
Cesar Augusto, Audiophile Consumer, May 2020 –
“At $299, plus a modern Blu Ray player which has now reached picture quality of the higher priced options at much lower prices, the Evolve II-4K is a no brainer over buying a costly new AVR. So far I’m very happy! It turned my legacy McIntosh AVR into a modern one which run a cost of about $7k! It also sounded sweet enough with music for me to consider selling my separate 2ch Tube DAC which will also save me a lot of money!” Cesar Augusto, Audiophile Consumer, May 2020
David Moench, Audiophile Consumer, March 2020 –
“So, I am going to be satisfied with running 5.1 channel with the Essence Evolve II-4K using the 5 Adam F5’s.
Actually, they sound great. With the new DAC, I find that they produce so much more clarity and separation of instruments.
I can hear sound that just wasn’t there without it. I rate the Essence Evolve II-4K a solid 5 out of 5 stars. David Moench, Audiophile Consumer, March 2020
John Gatski, Publisher of EAN, Nov 2019 –
“A combo HDMI hi res audio de-emebdder, low-cost, high-quality, multi-channel PCM DAC that nets you 24/192 quality from lossless (DTS MasterHD, Dolby TruHD) and LPCM multichannel or stereo audio. This Evolve II-4K gives you the ability to use virtually any Blu-ray player with any legacy or current multichannel analog preamplifier, or preamp section contained in a receiver. And the results are amazing, given the price.
The DAC performance, combined with a quality, multi-channel analog input/output preamp, rivals or exceeds what you get out of many modern pre/pros, receivers or BD players via their HDMI DAC sections. An Oppo 205‘s analog output did not sound any better through my AudioControl Maestro M3 analog output. And a $3,000 receiver decoding the BD player’s HDMI output sounded much more closed in than the Essence Evolve II-4K.
If you have a multi-channel analog preamp that you like, the Essence HDMI DAC is your savior. The gravy is that it also gives you compatibility with legacy HDMI formats, and it translates stereo PCM digital from the HDMI input into a stereo (24/192 SPDIF) TOSlink output so you can feed your fancy, smancy audiophile DAC. from your BD player.”
John Gatski, Publisher of EAN, Nov 2019
Ken Baker, Audiophile Consumer, August 2019 –
I got the Evolve II 4K HDMI DAC pretty quickly, after a very brief delay due to how much this thing has garnered interest from review. I love the size, I have been thinking a lot lately about putting together a compact killer system – the only downside is this DAC is not standard 19” width… also a bonus to my future plans of downsizing/streamlining. The instructions are pretty clear and the features are minimalist – In (HDMI) – Outs (HDMI video, Optical audio, & 8 analog (7.1)) Controls – on/off and a slider for three decoding choices: select per connected display choice, stereo, 7.1 channel… The Huge Sony STR DA7ES came out of hiding to test – stereo for now – and it went so well that you could say I was Quite Surprised… I set the receiver back to 2.1, connected L & R from the Essence and set the switch to 2 channel – instant success by playing my Sony UBP-X800 thru it! Clean, clear, instant and no glitches – brought my latest pair of classic Stereophile Class C recommended Acoustat Spectra 11’s roaring to life.
Very simply:Easy, Covers the basics,.Manual adjustment (3 choices), Clean and clear sound, No glitches – no hassles, Modest & useful/purposeful design. Ken Baker, Audiophile Consumer, August 2019
Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile, June 2019 –
“I was stunned that Essence Evolve II-4K HDMI v2.0 Multi-Channel DAC ($299) sounded so good. How good? I liked it better than sending the audio via HDMI through the Marantz and its DACs. It seemed just noticeably cleaner and more open……” Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile, June 2019
Hyendaudio Services, Audiophile Dealer, July 2019 –
All I can say is…WOW! The Evolve II-4K is something special. I’m getting 88.2 with SACDs, just as before. Honestly this sounds so good I don’t know how much better it can get. I am VERY pleased and will gladly recommend your products. Hyendaudio Services, Audiophile Dealer, July 2019