Description
Brilliant Light, Brilliant Color
Brass Gold – The PLENUE L’s beautiful brass gold color is achieved through the hands of dedicated artisans similar to how brass instruments are born through numerous smelting processes. The brass gold color, with its brilliant shine yet restrained beauty, adds another layer of depth to the PLENUE L.
Dual Status Lights
Two circular LED lights located underneath the Dual Control Wheels indicate the device’s status more clearly than ever before. Not only do the lights indicate whether the unit is charging, buffering, or in playback mode, they also react to your input when operating the Dual Control Wheels. The Volume Wheel’s white light and Multi Wheel’s red light create a dynamic visual effect.
Digital & Analog Interface
Album Art and Matrix Browser has high resolution graphics, also 2Ch Level Meter shows the constantly changing stereo output to express the feel of both digital and analogue. The device includes 6 different types of themes, 2 types of Level Meter skins and 2 types of Backgroung images to provide visual satisfaction. In addition, GUI design was started with the purpose that it can give users the most intuitive and easiest look. As a result, users can operate and understand it easily.
Dignis Premium Leather Case
Dignis, the epitome of premium leather cases, is standard equipment on the PLENUE L. Genuine Italian Minerva leather from BADALASSI CARLO, a tannery with more than 40 years of experience. Minerva leather is carefully crafted to produce a natural luster and unique style that age only deepens. A certificate “Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana” of authenticity is included verifying that the leather was produced by a member tannery of the Italian Vera Pelle Association.
32bit/384kHz | Native DSD256, DXD | HyperStream II8-Channel | Internal Quad DAC
As the flagship product of ESS Technology, the ES9038PRO DAC boasts the highest level of performance in the SABRE PRO series of DACs. Unlike other DACs designed specifically for mobile devices, the ES9038PRO is a high-performance DAC meeting the latest in SABRE PRO specifications and targeted toward professional recording studios, premium home theaters, and audio enthusiasts. It vividly reproduces sound closest to the original source, including 32bit, 384 kHz lossless/uncompressed and native DSD256 and DXD sources.
HyperStream II & 8-Channel Internal Quad DAC
The ES9038PRO DAC incorporates the latest 32bit HyperStream® II technology from ESS, delivering the best dynamic range in the industry and a highly-pure sound by realizing an extremely-low THD+N value even at low-amplitude signals. An 8-channel internal quad-DAC separates the eight channels for precise sound control, and each channel is converted via the four internal DACs to deliver a clear, noise-canceled signal so that you can enjoy a perfect sound close to the original source.
Rich, Clear Sound via High-Quality 4.4mm Balanced Output
The 4.4mm balanced output, the new standard in high-fidelity audio, supports richer output than the conventional 3.5mm unbalanced output. Greater left-right channel separation prevents crosstalk between left and right audio signals to deliver a very clear, realistic sound without distortion or loss. Balanced output effectively blocks noise generated when signals are transmitted by adding ‘out of phase’ signals to unbalanced output signals. Since it transmits two types of signals simultaneously, the PLENUE L strengthens the output signal for clearer and crisper reproduction of original sound. The PLENUE L uses 4.4mm balanced output to reproduce crisp original sounds.
Ultra-Low Noise LDO Power for High-Performance Audio Systems
The PLENUE L offers high PSRR((Power Supply Rejection Ratio) performance and very low noise via an ultra-low-noise LDO(Ultra-Low Noise Low DropOut Regulator) power circuit designed for high-performance audio systems.
Optimal Digital Path for 32bit, 384 kHz via Independent CPLDWe developed an optimized digital path circuit that supports 32bit, 384 kHz sound sources and equipped the PLENUE L with an independent CPLD(Complex Programmable Logic Device), which supports fast operations and minimizes noise by optimizing bus and group unit digital signal processing.
The World’s Best Audio Quality
SNR 128dB, THD+N 0.0004%, Balanced Output 4.05Vrms. The amazing specifications of the PLENUE L include SNR 128dB, THD+N 0.0004%, Stereo Crosstalk -144dB, and Balanced Output 4.05Vrms which are the result of our decades of audio experience and passion for perfection. The PLENUE L was created through our relentless effort to deliver perfect sound quality to listeners anytime and anywhere.
Faithful to Original Sound
Support Native DSD up to DSD256DSD(Direct Stream Digital) is a high quality Super Audio CD format that processes signals at 2.8224MHz per bit. The technology carries the maximum sound information possible to reproduce the delicate and crisp sound of analog. To realize the best possible sound quality, the PLENUE L reproduces DSD in Native method without PCM conversion and supports DSD256(Quad rate DSD), the highest frequency among all DSD formats.
Internal Storage 256GB+micro SD Card Slot 256GB
256 GB of High-Speed Storage to Tackle – All High-Quality Sound Sources. 32bit HD audio files and ultra-high-quality sound formats such as DXD and DSD typically require a large amount of storage space at more than 200 MB per song. The PLENUE L provides 256 GB of high-speed storage and supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, making it ideal for storing high-quality, high-volume sound sources.
High-Gloss, High-Strength Hybrid Metal Alloy – Micro Polish Alloy Metal
The PLENUE L boasts a hybrid metal alloy body reinforced with high-strength materials and heat treatment that is precision-machined via CNC. Its high-gloss finish, a visualization of the magnificent sound of brass instruments, is realized through experts in special micro-polishing (buffing) and anodizing to match the high sound quality with equally premium materials.
SoundPlus – High-Performance SoundPlus Amplifier for Sound Perfection
One requirement for achieving perfect sound is a high-performance amplifier that is optimally compatible with high-end receivers. Texas Instruments’ high-performance SoundPlus amplifier delivers high voltage while maintaining the highest level of linearity—a significant step up in audio technologies from existing versions of amplifiers. With a maximum output of 4.05Vrms, the amplifier generates powerful performance capable of driving high-end headphones with high impedance without the need for a separate headphone amplifier. Now, sophisticated and precise sound tuning makes it possible to clearly express any frequency range in combination with a variety of receivers.
Dual TCXO – Ultra-Precise Dual TCXO Clock for Perfect Accuracy
44.1kHz and 48kHz sound sources, staples in the music industry, are adjusted most accurately via dual ultra-precise temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) clocks with 1.0ps of phase jitter to reproduce the most accurate sounds. High-resolution sound is perfectly and finely reproduced in every circumstance thanks to stable, error-free operation even when exposed to thermal extremes caused by prolonged device operation or temperature and voltage fluctuations in the surrounding environment.
AI Functionality for a Smarter PLENUE L
To make your listening experience more comfortable and convenient, PLENUE L had to be smarter. Some songs’ volume is too high or low. The PLENUE L’s AI function handles these situations with ease. AI Volume continuously normalizes volume levels of sound files played more than once. You no longer have to adjust the volume of each of your songs. AI shuffle conveniently changes the playback order of songs. It even analyzes and arranges playlist positions according to your preferences. With AI JetEffect function, Cowon’s sound field technology “JetEffect” automatically matches presets that are best suited to each source file. PLENUE L’s AI functions automatically adjust the settings so your favorite tunes are played exactly the way you like them.* AI Volume normalizes volume levels based on Normal Preset.
Beyond the Limits of Hearing
- Premium Sound Digital FilterThe PLENUE L provides a wider variety of digital filters than ever before for fine-tuning the ES9038PRO DAC.
- Extreme micro-tuning is possible via seven DAC filters (Fast Roll-Off, Linear Phase Filter I Slow Roll-Off, Linear Phase Filter I
- Apodizing, Fast Roll-Off, Linear Phase Filter I Fast Roll-Off, Minimum Phase Filter I Slow Roll-Off, Minimum Phase Filter I
- Hybrid, Fast Roll-Off, Minimum Phase Filter I Brickwall Filter) for realizing transient signal responses in the time domain.
- This empowers listeners to tune sounds previously beyond the limits of hearing even with identical sound sources.
Dual Control Wheels – The New Standard for Analog Wheels
We designed Dual Control Wheels that offer users a variety of experiences–the Volume Wheel for incremental adjustments to sound and the Multi Wheel that controls other analog functions. The wheels are located on the top of the device to prevent accidental adjustments during handling while allowing positive control of volume and other functions. The Multi Wheel on the left conveniently controls functions related to music listening and device operation, while the Volume Wheel on the right allows the volume to be fine-tuned (140 steps in 0.5dB increments). The PLENUE L’s Dual Control Wheels are the future of analog wheels.
Tuning the Physical Limits of Space-Time – JetEffect 7 & BBE+
Speakers, headphones, and earphones tend to delay the high-frequency band more than the low-frequency band, even in original sound sources. When facing these phenomena, JetEffect 7 and BBE+ compensate the physical phase to reproduce vivid original sounds like a live performance and provide optimal HD sound via sophisticated methods and controls.
Extensive Codec Support from 32bit 384 kHz HD Sound to DXD and DSD256
The PLENUE L supports a variety of audio formats, from 32bit, 384 kHz lossless/uncompressed AIFF to lossless/compressed formats such as FLAC, ALAC, and APE, as well as other popular formats including WAV, MP3, WMA, and OGG. Also, the device supports DXD(352.8/384kHz) and Native DSD256(11.2MHz) format to offer wide range of high quality sound formats.
Reflecting the Inspiration
Brass Wind Inspired DesignThe PLENUE L’s design reflects a modern interpretation of brass instruments, channeling their brilliant color and unique characteristics into an analog design concept that expresses the softness and depth of classical instruments.
Cowon Plenue L Specifications
| DAC | ES9038PRO |
| CPU | ARM Cortex A9 1.2 GHz dual core |
| SNR | 125dB Unbalance, 128dB Balance |
| THD+N | 0.0004% Unbalance, 0.0005% Balance (24bit, 32bit) |
| Stereo Crosstalk | -133dB Unbalance, -144dB Balance |
| Output | 2.1 Vrms Unbalance, 4.0 Vrms Balance |
| Output Impedance | 0.9Ω Unbalance, 1.8Ω Balance |
| Volume | 140 levels |
| Clock | Precision Clock Dual TCXO (Phase Jitter 1.0ps) |
| Display | 3.7″ AMOLED Touch screen @ 400×800 resolution |
| Output port | 3.5mm single ended, 3.5mm optical out, 4.4mm balanced out |
| Internal Storage | 256GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSD SDXC up to 256GB |
| Chassis | Micro polish alloy & carved glass |
| Buttons | Power, Play / Pause, Forward, Rewind, Multi Button, Multi Wheel, Volume Wheel |
| File Formats | APE, MP3, WMA, OGG, WV, TTA, DCF DXD, DSD (DFF, DSF, ISO), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC |
| Audio Details | DXD: ~352.8/384kHz DSD Native: ~11.2 MHz (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256) FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, WV ~32bit/384kHz – WAV Tag supporting – 5.1 Channel Downmixing support APE: Fast, Normal, High and Extra High compression rates (~24bit/384kHz) TTA: ~24bit/384kHz MP3:MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, ~320kbps WMA: ~320kbps, ~96kHz OGG: ~Q10, ~16bit/192kHz |
| JetEffect 7 | 66 Presets (50 Presets + 16 User Presets) 10 Band Equalizer (EQ Filter) BBE+ – BBE, Mach3Bass, 3D Surround, MP Enhance Special Effect – Chorus (8 modes), Reverb (8 modes) |
| Track Information | CUE sheet, SACD ISO (2ch) |
| Lyrics Support | LRC, LDB, Lyrics3, ID3 Tag Lyrics (Time Information Yes/No) |
| Battery | Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Polymer 3,050 mAh / 3.7V |
| Playback Time | Approx. 9 hours for MP3, ~8.5 hours for FLAC |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3 hours via 5V/2A |
| Package Includes | Plenue L, Micro USB cable, Quick guide, Warranty, Dignis leather case |
| Dimensions | 119.1mm x 16.5mm x 67.9mm |
| Weight | 199 grams |
| Color | Brass Gold |
