Listening Tests

We took a systematic approach to testing this audio system so the DAC was tested by itself in a headphone amplifier capacity and afterwards the EB02 amplifier was connected to various sources to gauge the its sonic abilities. Last but not least the Ensemble was tested as a complete audio system. For music we used the latest Winamp 5.53 with a Direct-Sound output plugin, no DSP or output effects were used.


Music

When used as a DAC / headphone amplifier, we used a set of Sennheiser HD595’s for listening testing with the EB01. The EB01 provided crisp, crystal clear audio when tested in this capacity. The sound signature was very laid back and relaxed. The DAC wasn’t fatiguing to the ears when listened to for extended periods of time. All the tested audio showed similar traits in sonic presence, no smearing of the higher registers with excellent definition and articulation. The bass range produced was full without being tubby or "wishy washy". All tested tracks were clearly defined; there was no muddying or smearing in the sonic image. Everything had its own unique place in the mix and there was no washing out of complex sonic scenes.

When we added the EB02 amp to the EB01 DAC and attached a set of Edifier 2-Way bookshelf speakers the sonic traits of the T-Amps came shining through with crystal clear clarity and high transparency. The soundstage just expand amazingly with this amplifier. The bass region produced by the T-Amp was also very balanced without boominess or tubbiness.

This EB02 amplifier isn’t overly powerful but can give very nice range and punch when turned up. The sound staging produced by this T-Amp is truly amazing due to the 3D sonics it produced. The aural imaging is very wide, deep and very high and there is a very large amount of sound produced. The EB02 produced similar results with other tested sources such as an external USB CD player and a small MP3 player. However, there was a noticed compression effect and a noticeable hum when placing you ear next to the speakers when the system was turned to maximum power. We used CD audio, FLAC and High resolution VBR MP3.

Tested Audio:

Ozzy Osbourne: The Essential Collection
Van Halen I&II
Ozzy Osbourne: Live at Budokan (Concert DVD)
Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings
Various Hip Hop and Country Tracks


Movies

We tested a few movies with the ensemble setup and while this audio system is meant for stereo audio playback it still sounded quite good playing a DVD and movie files on the audio bench. The DAC again provided crystal clear audio signals to the HD 595 testing headphones. We should also mention that the EB01 was tested with Dolby Headphone enabled and disabled through the player and while the DH provided virtual surround, we found the DAC provided very good quality front stage imaging without any enhancments.

When the EB02 was connected to the DAC (EB01) and then connected to the test speakers again the soundstage once again expanded quite a bit. The front soundstage was very wide and deep providing an amazing sound-scape for movies. In many instances the dialog was so clear and properly imaged you would bet there was a center channel providing the vocal or center track audio. We were truly impressed with the accuracy and quality of the stereo image.

Tested Movies:
War of the Worlds –Modern
U571
Knight Rider, Modern Pilot
AVP:Requim
Star Wars EP I,II


Gaming

We played a few games with this unit but this audio setup is not a consumer gaming soundcard. There is no gaming options, standards or any settings whatsoever to enhance any type of game play. The Ensemble audio system is really meant for and designed to provide the user with crisp, clear sound production without alterations or any type of DSP effects.

The familiar EB01 DAC and HD595 combination yielded crisp in game sounds and accurate front stage imaging.

Lastly, the EB02 T-Amplifier was added to the mix completing the Ensemble and while we only had stereo soundscape for our test games. The Ensemble again didn't fail to impress with audio quality although the lack of ambiance effects (Reverb) was noticeable.

With this system, Silverstone has a product that can easily provide exceptional audio for games which utilize internal effects engines as the system provides high quality imaging across the stereo soundstage. Thats being said, if you’re looking for a gaming audio device with gaming effects and standards, the Ensemble series is not meant for this task and not right for you.

Tested games:
Prey
COD2
COD4
Bioshock