Gustard DAC-X30

[BDWoody]

My question is why would the bass be different if the response is flat. The only thing that comes to mind is an intentional eq in the DAC in question. But, if that were true it would not measure “flat”.

How have we established that the bass is different?

 

[Bob from Florida]

How have we established that the bass is different?

Greenman posted there was a bass problem that was solved with a different DAC. Not to worry, I can still recognize audio BS - which was my initial reaction - and still is….

 

[GPx86]

Simply way too expensive for what this is. It is certainly a premium product, but the 80% profit prices from these manufacturers is getting out of hand.

 

[chord]

I hope A30 will come too.

 

[BrokenOath]

I don't foresee a scenario where I will be putting $3000 US on a product when Gustard completely ignores my simple support question about my R26.
I have written to Gustard support team on June 17, 2024 asking them -- if it is ok to connect both XLR and RCA output ports of the R26 to two different external preamplifiers, although only one will be used at a time while the other is off, do they foresee any impedance mismatching issue? Something I can easily do with my SMSL SU-10, since the SMSL has a menu that allows to activate either of the output ports or both, Gustard doesn't have such setting, both outputs are always on.
I still haven't received neither an acknowledgement of reception or an answer from Gustard. Yet it took NAD's technical team 30 minutes to answer a similar question regarding one of their products.

 

[chord]

I don't foresee a scenario where I will be putting $3000 US on a product when Gustard completely ignores my simple support question about my R26.
I have written to Gustard support team on June 17, 2024 asking them -- if it is ok to connect both XLR and RCA output ports of the R26 to two different external preamplifiers, although only one will be used at a time while the other is off, do they foresee any impedance mismatching issue? Something I can easily do with my SMSL SU-10, since the SMSL has a menu that allows to activate either of the output ports or both, Gustard doesn't have such setting, both outputs are always on.
I still haven't received neither an acknowledgement of reception or an answer from Gustard. Yet it took NAD's technical team 30 minutes to answer a similar question regarding one of their products.

Yes, the support seems not very good. But he price of the same NAD would be around $7200 or more I am sure.

 

[BrokenOath]

Yes, the support seems not very good. But he price of the same NAD would be around $7200 or more I am sure.

North American manufacturers always stand by their products and their customers. Gustard does not even bother to create an English version of their website.

 

[chord]

North American manufacturers always stand by their products and their customers. Gustard does not even bother to create an English version of their website.

You are right.
But please list the North American companies using this newest AKM chip.

 

[BrokenOath]

You are right.
But please list the North American companies using this newest AKM chip.

Musical Paradise is a Canadian company. Their MP-D2, MP-Dx units support both ESS and AKM dac chips. The DAC chips are mounted on a plugin card, therefore you can use the unit with your preferred DAC chips.

 

[chord]

Musical Paradise offers ESS or AKM 4490 chip.
I see that almost only the Chinese manufacturers jump on the latest AKM 4499 chip, which is a serious development.

 

[James. B. Lansing]

One of the most important features for me is the inclusion of a passive analog R2R preamp with an optional bypass. So the volume control will be in the analog domain, therefore no bits truncation using the unit as both a DAC and preamp. This feature alone and the streamer are the reasons why I will definitely buy one. However, with that preamp feature they should have added more analog inputs, or add the possibility of an extender à la Topping

Our experience when running direct into power amp wasn't as positive as we hoped, for example when running direct into Hypex Nilai even on high gain setting, bass, dynamics, layering were compromised, once preamp went back in it was superb https://audiophileshop.com.au/blogs/news/review-gustard-x30-dac-streamer

 

[BrokenOath]

Our experience when running direct into power amp wasn't as positive as we hoped, for example when running direct into Hypex Nilai even on high gain setting, bass, dynamics, layering were compromised, once preamp went back in it was superb https://audiophileshop.com.au/blogs/news/review-gustard-x30-dac-streamer

May be it needs some burning time, however, I am not surprised at all to hear that. I have three different preamps (Classé model six mkII, Classé model five, Musical paradise 701 mk3); each provides a different sonic experience.

 

[BrokenOath]

This DAC is on sale at shenzhenaudio. There is currently a $300 off on it. However I still think it is too expensive. I'll buy one when the price drops to $2000 USD.

GUSTARD X30 4x ES9039SPRO Streamer Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)

shenzhenaudio.com: professional headphone, earphone, amplifier, dac, decoder, hifi player, cable supermarket. you will find good price here.

shenzhenaudio.com

 

[Rja4000]

How come all those "audiophool" comments are now invading ASR ?

No evidence, no methodology, not even any clue of questionning on the absurdity of saying there is a tone difference between flat measuring devices...
Pure audiofool logorrhoea in pack.

There is a new Gustard DAC ?
That's an information.
All the rest should be moved to the proper thread, IMO.
It's just pollution.

 

[JSmith]

How come all those "audiophool" comments are now invading ASR ?

Agree... I gave up on Gustard when they started selling an expensive audiophool fuse.


JSmith

 

[Rja4000]

Depending on the signal generator logic, the individual frequency amplitude may be lower despite equal Peak amplitude.
It's not as simple as 32x -30dB = 0dB

Each peak is at same level, but phase optimization is why their sum doesn't just equals the sum of each (which would only be true if they were perfectly in phase).

 

[Moderate Dionysianism]

How come all those "audiophool" comments are now invading ASR ?

That's not new, it's a feature of Gustard threads on ASR. A secluded garden where the flowers of subjectivism bloom


'Nice, expressive' vocals from the A18 (2020)
The X16 sounds 'too polite' (2021)
The R26 is 'musical' (2022)


This is from a 5-minute search. Seeing your comment I had this hunch like 'hey, aren't Gustard threads quickest to drift off into nonsense'

 

[Purité Audio]

Gustard is just too close to custard.( egg milk sugar) not Bird’s powdered custard powder which I was brought up to believe was custard.
Keith

 

[chord]

How come all those "audiophool" comments are now invading ASR ?

No evidence, no methodology, not even any clue of questionning on the absurdity of saying there is a tone difference between flat measuring devices...
Pure audiofool logorrhoea in pack.

There is a new Gustard DAC ?
That's an information.
All the rest should be moved to the proper thread, IMO.
It's just pollution.

Is it an information?
https://soundnews.net/reviews/sourc...ac-review-the-quintessential-delta-sigma-dac/

If not, pls sorry.

 

[Moderate Dionysianism]

Is it an information?

Tons of flowery prose is what it is, dude must get paid by characters typed.

He even writes he has 'fetish for math'. You'd think he'll produce a measurement or a at least a specs-driven analysis. Turns out 'math fetish' is when you drool over symmetrical case and 'beefy' circuitry