Essence HDACC II-4K HDMI DAC

Description Why It Matters A Real-World Problem, Solved After more than 50 years in high-end audio, Essence founder Bob Rapoport set out to solve a problem he’d watched steadily grow: how to connect today’s 4K UHD video and high-resolution audio sources to the extraordinary — but HDMI-limited — gear audiophiles still treasure. Over the years, three major categories of equipment have been left behind by rapid HDMI evolution: Pre-2008 AVRs (2000–2007)Classic powerhouses from Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, Sansui, and others still sound superb — but they cannot accept HDMI at all. 2008–2016 “Legacy HDMI” AVRsThese models support early HDMI versions for 1080p video, but cannot pass modern HDMI 2.0b signals required for 4K, HDR10 , and Dolby Vision. Analog-only preamps and integrated amplifiers (vintage and current)Thousands of reference-quality components were built without any digital inputs, despite their exceptional sonic performance. The HDACC II-4K bridges all of them to the modern era. Modern Sources, Properly Integrated Connect your Apple TV 4K or other AV streaming devices, 4K UHD Blu-ray / SACD transport, or gaming console via HDMI. The HDACC II-4K plays pristine, uncompressed, high-resolution audio while passing untouched UHD 4K / HDR10 video directly to your TV. Nothing is down-converted.   Nothing is compromised.  Widely available, mass-market sources trusted by audiophiles worldwide.  Your system finally works as one. Why I Recommend The Apple TV4K AV Streamer 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 allow your system to reveal far more of what’s in the recording: • Acoustic guitars ring with lifelike body and texture• Vocals float in a natural, three-dimensional space• Cymbals shimmer with air and detail, never harsh• Bass lines dig deep while remaining tight and tuneful Owners of cherished gear from McIntosh, Marantz, Sansui, and other legends often describe the experience as “lifting a veil” — their familiar amplifiers suddenly reveal what modern high-resolution audio and 4K AV streaming can truly deliver. Desktop listeners report the same result: connect a laptop via USB, power a good pair of headphones, and discover what your music actually sounds like. What They’re Saying “The HDACC II-4K fills a need no one else is addressing. My music sounds noticeably better than with the integrated amp alone, and I’m really enjoying it.”— Dan Davis, Audiophile Consumer, January 2, 2026 “WOW. Even with a quick test, it already sounds fantastic. It’s obvious this is a very high-quality device.”— Marco Cervi, Italian Audiophile, November 10, 2025 “Congrats on what seems to be a superlative product, and bravo on the communication from order receipt to tracking info to usage advice. I do not recall ever receiving a personal email from the CEO of any major audio company.”— Jim Edgar, Audiophile Consumer, September 11, 2025 “The HDACC II-4K still sounds great in my system. Tiny Desk Concerts look and sound amazing using an Apple TV 4K, this DAC, my stereo, and a Samsung 4K TV.”— Brian Kengle, Audiophile Consumer, May 20, 2025 “Looking to breathe new life into your vintage audio system? The HDACC II-4K bridges modern digital sources and classic analog gear while delivering true audiophile-grade sound.”— Travis Ballstadt, AVNIRVANA, May 6, 2025 “For direct use with a TV—especially for zero-lag audio with a vintage analog system—nothing else in this price class beats the Essence.”— ChatGPT, May 10, 2025 Read more user experiences → Analysis & 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.  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.”   “For integrating modern HDMI 4K AV sources with vintage audio gear, the Essence HDACC II-4K is the top-rated #1 pick.  It is highly recommended for its purpose-built HDMI inputs, 4K video passthrough, and high-performance analog outputs…”   “For merging vintage/legacy audio systems with modern HDMI media, the Essence HDMI DACs are arguably the most direct, elegant, and performance-oriented answer on the market.”     Learn more about why HDMI ARC is not an audiophile solution. Technical Specifications Table Feature Specification 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 HDACC II-4K Unit Remote Control (with Battery) 6.3mm to 3.5mm Phone Jack Cable 5V/3A Power Adapter 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 1x Analog Input with A to D Conversion Conversion to analog out via RCA, XLR Or Headphone Amp HDMI support For Native DSD on SACD up to 256 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 HDR10 / 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 for 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.