{"product_id":"kecess3","title":"KECES S3 DAC \u0026 Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe KECES S3 is a compact audio hub: a high-resolution D\/A converter, a powerful headphone amplifier and an adjustable preamp in one housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single device for the desktop and headphone setup that converts digital sources, drives headphones and can directly power active speakers when needed. Supplied as a single unit with a metal remote control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the KECES S3?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it cleanly combines three tasks. An ESS SABRE converter handles PCM up to 32-bit\/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, a relay-based volume control ensures exact channel matching even at low levels, and massive toroidal transformers deliver stable power. Both headphones and active speakers can be driven via XLR and RCA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalm and drive: a stable, dynamic sound picture that loses no detail even at room volume. The OLED display shows the sample rate, and switchable gain adapts the S3 to sensitive in-ears as well as to power-hungry planar magnetic headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the S3 suited for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlain talk:\u003c\/strong\u003e if you're just after a stylish mini device, more compact solutions exist. If you want a genuine hub with reserves for demanding headphones, this is the right place. It's not suited as a standalone power amp – for that, there's the S300+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA versatile centrepiece for headphone enthusiasts and desktop setups: DAC, headphone amp and preamp in one, cleanly built. The trade press sees it similarly: hifitest.de rated the S3 4 out of 5 stars and placed it in the top class (issue 2\/2018). At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we advise you on the right headphone combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Data – KECES S3\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: D\/A converter with headphone amplifier and preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConverter: ESS SABRE (PCM up to 32-bit\/384 kHz, DSD up to DSD256)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInputs: USB, coaxial (RCA), optical (Toslink)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutputs: 4-pin XLR \u0026amp; 6.3 mm jack (headphones), RCA \u0026amp; XLR pre-out (adjustable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume: relay network; switchable gain; OLED display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing: brushed aluminium, black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions (W×D×H): 300 × 220 × 66 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 4 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: S3, metal remote control, mains cable, USB cable, manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use the S3 as a preamp for active speakers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it has a pre-amp mode with adjustable RCA and XLR outputs – volume via the device or remote control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich headphones does it suit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom easy-to-drive dynamic headphones to power-hungry, high-impedance models – thanks to high output power and switchable gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the KECES S3 from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause DAC, headphones and source need to match. We advise you on the right combination and integrate the S3 cleanly into your chain – in Wädenswil. Free shipping from CHF 190.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA KECES \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/netzteile\"\u003elinear power supply\u003c\/a\u003e, more \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kopfhorerverstarker\"\u003eheadphone amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and good \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Keces","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989536043344,"sku":null,"price":1890.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/keces-s3-dac-kopfhoererverstaerker-frontansicht.jpg?v=1785424162","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/kecess3","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}