Next-generation DAC for unrivalled internals
The K5 Pro ESS employs the flagship portable ESS DAC, the ES9038Q2M with more outstanding performance and richer audio details. Compared to the last gen, the distortion has reduced by 50%, the crosstalk for LO has increased by 6dB with greater channel separation, and the dynamic range has increased by 3dB.
768kHz/32bit and native DSD512 support
The XMOS XUF208 USB decoding chip equipped with the clock matching management system, allows decoding up to a sample rate of 768kHz/32bit and native DSD512.
Both coaxial/digital inputs present
No matter what audio equipment you use, digital audio inherently has advantages in integrity and fidelity of signals transmitted. The K5 Pro ESS allows you to take advantage of digital audio with optical and coaxial inputs supporting up to 96kHz inputs, convenient for connecting various music players and digital interfaces.
Specially-designed audio architecture for true high-fidelity sound
When it comes to amplification, the K5 Pro ESS is no slouch. The K5 Pro ESS has generous space to fit and package the necessary components for exceptional analogue amplification, and packs a four-level audio circuit capable of providing extraordinary audio fidelity in its class:
Second-order LPF + analogue volume adjustment + voltage amplification + current drive. Each part of the amplification circuit works perfectly together in harmony for excellent dynamic range and high resolution of sound.
Safe, secure, and robust external power supply
The K5 Pro ESS uses a DC 15V power supply designed to specifically minimise noise. The incoming DC power is filtered with a secondary power supply, which then independently supplies power to the amplification part of the audio circuit and the rest of the circuit. This effectively suppresses power supply ripple and minimises power supply crosstalk between the two major sections of the circuit, for a more stable and less noisy power that is crucial for outstanding sound for such a precisely-designed high performance audio architecture.
Accurate volume adjustment, impeccable detail cares
Through reconstruction of the ADC curve, the K5 Pro ESS's volume control allows you to smoothly adjust volume at extremely fine increments without any undesirable noise nor with any channel imbalances. With the K5 Pro ESS, you can comfortably use various headphones with all kinds of sensitivities.
3 gain levels for unlimited possibilities
Both the input selection and gain are controlled by tactile toggle switches, which are clearly labelled allowing you to easily control your music. Low, medium, and high gain levels are available-allowing you to use the K5 Pro ESS with almost any headphone at comfortable volume levels. A purely hardware gain circuit is used at low gain, with unaffected and uncompromised dynamic range and overall music fidelity.
Minimalist yet full of personality
The one-piece all-metal oversized volume knob is seamlessly integrated within the aluminium front panel, allowing you to easily and comfortably control volume. The RGB light indicator that surrounds the volume knob lights up with different colours according to the current sample rate, giving a lively splash of colour that perfectly complements the minimalism of the rest of the K5 Pro ESS.
Getting precise with toggle switches
Both the input selection and gain are controlled by tactile toggle switches, which are clearly labelled allowing you to easily control your music.
Extremely powerful headphone amplification
The carefully-tuned feedforward amplifier circuit design increases the power output of the TPA6120 op-amp by more than 60%, for a total power output of up to 1.5W under a 32ohm load, and up to 20Vpp at 300Ohms. The K5 Pro ESS easily handles any low or high impedance headphone.
RCA line-out for a high quality output to other sources
Besides the wide variety of digital inputs, the K5 Pro ESS also features a traditional analogue RCA line-in. RCA line-in is not only more robust and less prone to breakage than 3.5mm line-in, it also has better resolution. The RCA line-out line signal is adjustable up to a maximum of 2Vrms, so the K5 Pro ESS can be used with a variety of active speakers and external amplifiers. *When using the line out, please disconnect your headphones.
