We are excited to say that the Gustard DAC-X16 is available now. We have got the first batch of DAC-X16 from Gustard and all the preorders will be shipped out in order. We really grateful for your patience and support on us. All your purchasing comes with 30-Day Lowest Price Guarantee, 30-Day No Reason Return, 7 Days DOA Product Guarantee provided by us. We also provide the user manuals and drivers all in one easy-to-get spot for the products we sell.
DAC-X16 adopts Dual ES9068AS digital-to-analog conversion chips which not only supports MQA full decoding via USB, but also can directly process SPDIF and I2S input MQA first-order expanded digital audio signals. There is no need for X16 to add MQA-related identification and control circuits, so as to achieve as little interference as possible by external control signals when the DAC is working, and finally achieve the ideal MQA playback experience.
ES9068AS is the latest SABRE series dual-channel audiophile audio DA chip launched by ESS in the United States. It is the follow-up model of the widely acclaimed ES9038Q2M. It can not only achieve the excellent performance of THD+n -120dB and DNR 128dBA, but also the world's first audio DA chip with built-in MQA hardware renderer function.
It has CSR8675 chip by Qualcomm that enables Bluetooth 5.0 and supports LDAC, AAC, SBC, APTX, APTX LL, APTX HD and other high-frequency encoding, LDAC can realize 24B/96K high code transmission, Bluetooth function can be turned off in the menu. It also uses 2 American ACCUSILICON femtosecond crystal oscillators as the global master clock which is critical in maintaining audio quality.
Gustard X16 MQA DAC Reviews Round Up:
1. Amirm posted an article of Gustard X16 Balanced MQA DAC Review on Audio Science Review:
The Gustard X16 comes in an unassuming package making you think you have bought a mid-priced DAC. But looks are deceiving as it produces some of the best measurements I have seen out of some 350+ DACs I have tested! Talk about getting ready to battle with the best of the best. Yes, there is a hint of ESS IMD Hump but it is not excessive enough for me to worry about it although I hope they look at eliminating this.
1. Hifinext.com wrote a review for Gustard X16 on Feb.07, 2021:
But when listening X16, you literally immediately understand that the sound is balanced, harmonious, everything is in place and everything is enough: details, space and temperament of performance. But in any bundle that we tested with X16, along with the elegant musicality, you can feel the signature style of the gustard.
The absolute neutrality of the playback is shifted to a light warm zone, giving the sound more comfort and emotional saturation. Certainly, the new chips from ESS do their job perfectly. At the same time, Gustard managed to present them properly prepared and at a really nice price for this level. It is difficult to name competitors in this price today.