Resonessence Labs CONCERO
Best versatile converter for audiophiles seeking refined digital sound quality.
The Resonessence Labs CONCERO is a versatile Canadian-made audio device that functions as both a high-quality USB DAC and a USB-S/PDIF converter. It employs an ESS Sabre 9023 chip and custom asynchronous USB code to minimize jitter, offering refined sound quality. The CONCERO is conveniently bus-powered via USB, with selectable digital filters to tailor the audio output. Its USB bridge mode provides excellent jitter reduction, making it a flexible component for enhancing digital audio playback systems.
$599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 488
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
DAC Chip
9023
/ ESS Sabre
Who it's for
- Travelers requiring a durable, portable high-end audio component
- Audiophiles seeking pristine, jitter-free digital audio reproduction
- Desktop users needing a space-saving all-in-one audio solution
Who should skip it
- Listeners preferring tactile controls and visual status feedback
- Users needing connectivity for multiple digital audio sources
- Owners of demanding, high-impedance planar magnetic headphones
Performance breakdown
Jitter suppression
Custom asynchronous USB implementation effectively eliminates timing errors for cleaner signal delivery.
Sound signature
The ESS Sabre chip delivers a transparent, highly detailed audio presentation.
Versatility
Seamlessly toggles between a high-fidelity DAC and a precision digital bridge.
Portability
Bus-powered design makes high-end audio performance easy to transport anywhere.
Filter flexibility
Three selectable filters offer meaningful control over the final sonic character.
Connectivity
Reliable interface options cover essential needs for modern digital audio setups.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS Sabre 9023
USB Implementation
Custom asynchronous code with Cypress CY7C68013 chip
Power Source
5V USB bus power
Analogue Output Level
1.2V
Filter Options
Native, IIR (4x up-sampling), Apodizing (4x up-sampling)
Functionality
USB DAC and USB-S/PDIF converter (bridge mode)
Clocking
Separate clocks for 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz families
Compatibility
Windows 8 compliant (requires USB Class 2.0 driver)
Features
- Dual USB DAC and USB-S/PDIF converter
- Custom asynchronous USB for low jitter
- Three selectable digital filters for sound tailoring
- Bus-powered operation for portability
- Superior jitter reduction in USB bridge mode
- Refined sound quality compared to rivals
- Supports sample rates up to 192kHz bit-perfectly
- Remote control functionality
What customers say
The Resonessence Labs CONCERO earns high praise for delivering exceptional sound quality that far exceeds its compact size and price. Users consistently note its pristine clarity, excellent detail retrieval, and remarkably low noise floor, creating a truly black background for music. Reviewers appreciate how the implementation of the ESS Sabre chip results in a highly musical and engaging presentation, avoiding common harshness. While the design is functional, the core focus remains on its outstanding performance value. The CONCERO is widely regarded as a giant killer, offering a sophisticated, high-fidelity audio experience that competes favorably with much more expensive components.
Know before you buy
Yes, the CONCERO features a dedicated bridge mode that allows it to function as a high-quality USB-to-S/PDIF converter. This is ideal if you want to feed a clean, low-jitter digital signal into an existing external DAC.
No, the device is entirely bus-powered via its USB connection. This makes it a convenient, portable solution for desktop setups without the need for additional power cables.
The filters allow you to subtly tailor the sound profile to your preference. You can choose between the Native filter, an IIR filter, or an Apodizing filter, each offering a slightly different sonic character to suit your listening style.
The CONCERO supports PCM audio files with sample rates up to 192kHz. It is designed to handle these files bit-perfectly to ensure the highest level of fidelity.
The CONCERO is compatible with Windows 8 and newer operating systems. Please note that you will need to install the appropriate USB Class 2.0 driver to ensure proper functionality.
It utilizes a custom asynchronous USB implementation paired with separate, dedicated clocks for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz audio families. This architecture significantly reduces jitter, resulting in a cleaner and more precise audio signal.
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$599