Gustard DR70 (DR90)

[GiFi]

Hi guys, does anyone have any news on the release of the Gustard DR90?
Thanks

 

[VientoB]

Hi guys, does anyone have any news on the release of the Gustard DR90?
Thanks

Doesnt seem to be any information on the internet. Note it doesnt say "Gustard" anywhere.

Update of the AH90?

AUDALYTIC AH90 DAC AK4499EX XMOS XU316 LAN DLNA Roon 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA Silver - Audiophonics

The Audalytic AH90 is a DAC offering excellent decoding performance and precise sound reproduction, thanks to a careful and intelligent design. And it's reasonably priced for what it delivers...

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[GiFi]

Doesnt seem to be any information on the internet. Note it doesnt say "Gustard" anywhere.

Update of the AH90?

AUDALYTIC AH90 DAC AK4499EX XMOS XU316 LAN DLNA Roon 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA Silver - Audiophonics

The Audalytic AH90 is a DAC offering excellent decoding performance and precise sound reproduction, thanks to a careful and intelligent design. And it's reasonably priced for what it delivers...

www.audiophonics.fr

minute 0:45.
it seems an R2R version of the AH90

 

[GiFi]

Good morning guys, this is the last answer that the friendly staff of Gustard gave me: "Thank you for reaching out. I'm glad to update you that the Gustard DR90 is anticipated to be available for purchase following the Chinese Spring Festival in 2025. It's also important to note that the model you're referring to will be named DR70. Rest assured, the features and quality will not be affected by this change."

 

[Superbillen]

Hi just got this email
Audalytic DR70

The final product model has been named DR70 and will be launched on November 1st.



Best regards,
Customer Service 01
Shenzhen Gustard Technology Co., Ltd.
Tel:+86-18682080102
https://www.gustard.com

 

[alexpert5363]

Hi just got this email
Audalytic DR70

The final product model has been named DR70 and will be launched on November 1st.



Best regards,
Customer Service 01
Shenzhen Gustard Technology Co., Ltd.
Tel:+86-18682080102
https://www.gustard.com

Hi people, just ordered that DR70; already own the AH90, I wonder what differences will be found. And living in Italy would like to know an average delivery time. Thanks for offering us that kind of devices

 

[Superbillen]

Hi I just ordered it, from Shenzhen audio hope it will be shipped soon.
Really looking forward trying this out to see if it up to the cheap denafrips models

 

[Deutschesfach]

Hi people, just ordered that DR70; already own the AH90, I wonder what differences will be found. And living in Italy would like to know an average delivery time. Thanks for offering us that kind of devices

I own the AH90 also. So what is the difference from your point of view? I am really interested!!

 

[teleblaze]

Im curious. Price is extremely good for this package

 

[Svend P]

I wonder what differences will be found.

Most likely none. Even the worst DACs (R2R) have distortion that is below human hearing.

How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[24U]

Sorry if OT, but since there are a couple of AH90 owners. Is it still only one base clock compatible when running in DSD Direct, or does it now support both 44.1 and 48 kHz?

 

[Deutschesfach]

Sorry if OT, but since there are a couple of AH90 owners. Is it still only one base clock compatible when running in DSD Direct, or does it now support both 44.1 and 48 kHz?

I will get back to you on that. I think we covered that on the thread on Head-Fi about 2 years ago. I will look through the thread for you.

 

[24U]

I will get back to you on that. I think we covered that on the thread on Head-Fi about 2 years ago. I will look through the thread for you.

<3

 

[Deutschesfach]

Sorry if OT, but since there are a couple of AH90 owners. Is it still only one base clock compatible when running in DSD Direct, or does it now support both 44.1 and 48 kHz?

I do not speak in any way for Gustard Audalytics. I have done some extensive research using Ai research tools. If a Member of the Trade from Gustard speaks up on this or the AH90 feed, is up to them.

Here is what came out of my research.

"As of the most recent, specific evidence I can verify for the AH90 in true “DSD Direct” mode (the special Gustard-provided firmware), it is still effectively a single-base-clock situation: you should treat it as 44.1 kHz-family only for DSD Direct operation (e.g., DSD256×44.1), not “both families.” Roon Labs Community+1

What “one base clock” actually means here​

In digital audio you have two clock “families”:

• 44.1 kHz family: 44.1 / 88.2 / 176.4 / 352.8 kHz and DSD rates derived from 44.1 kHz (e.g., DSD64 = 2.8224 MHz, DSD256 = 11.2896 MHz)
• 48 kHz family: 48 / 96 / 192 / 384 kHz and DSD rates derived from 48 kHz (e.g., DSD64 = 3.072 MHz, DSD256 = 12.288 MHz)

When a DAC is designed to be “perfect” about this, it either:

1. has two low-jitter oscillators (one for each family), or
2. has a scheme that can switch the master clock cleanly, or
3. uses sample-rate conversion (SRC) / internal reclocking in ways that may defeat the point of “direct.”

In DSD Direct, the entire intent is to keep the chain “direct” (no PCM conversion, no unnecessary processing), which usually implies the device is expecting a DSD stream synchronous to a particular clocking regime. If the firmware/clocking path is implemented around one family, then feeding the other family either:

• forces some internal workaround (not truly “direct”), or
• produces instability/artifacts (noise, distortion, crackling), or
• is simply rejected by the device/software chain.

What we can actually confirm for the AH90 (not just in theory)​

A credible user measurement/reporting chain around the AH90’s special DSD Direct firmware explicitly states:

• “With the DSD Direct firmware … you must set HQPlayer to DSD256×44.1kHz … DSD256×48kHz results give loads of noise and distortion, so avoid it.” Roon Labs Community

That is exactly the “single base clock” behavior you’re asking about: it is not being described as “now supports both 44.1 and 48 kHz families,” but as “use 44.1-family; avoid 48-family.”

Separately, later thread commentary (late 2025) continues to frame AH90 DSD Direct as something that requires the special firmware and some know-how to install, but does not introduce any verified claim that the AH90 has gained robust dual-family DSD Direct support. Roon Labs Community

So, does it “now support both 44.1 and 48 kHz”?​

There is no verified, up-to-date evidence I can cite that the AH90’s DSD Direct path has been updated to support both families cleanly. The most concrete, device-specific guidance still points to 44.1-family only and warns against 48-family behavior. Roon Labs Community+1

Practical implications for you (HQPlayer/Roon use)​

If you use HQPlayer with AH90 DSD Direct firmware:

• Set HQPlayer output to DSD256 (or your chosen DSD rate) on the 44.1 base (often shown as DSD256×44.1).
• For 48 kHz-family source material (48/96/192 kHz), HQPlayer will need to rate-convert it into the 44.1 family before modulation to DSD, so the final DSD stream stays in the 44.1-derived clock domain.

This is not just a “preference”; it is how you avoid the exact failure modes the reports describe."

From my experience: I have rather large number of DSD's collected over the years. I simply switch to DSD Mode and play them and they sound terrific on my system. I have the most recent firmware and am very happy. I have had several occasions when my SimAudio Moon CD-1 which was one of their first players, required I use a computer or over the network.

I hope this is a help.

 

[24U]

Practical implications for you (HQPlayer/Roon use)​

If you use HQPlayer with AH90 DSD Direct firmware:

• Set HQPlayer output to DSD256 (or your chosen DSD rate) on the 44.1 base (often shown as DSD256×44.1).
• For 48 kHz-family source material (48/96/192 kHz), HQPlayer will need to rate-convert it into the 44.1 family before modulation to DSD, so the final DSD stream stays in the 44.1-derived clock domain.

This is not just a “preference”; it is how you avoid the exact failure modes the reports describe."

From my experience: I have rather large number of DSD's collected over the years. I simply switch to DSD Mode and play them and they sound terrific on my system. I have the most recent firmware and am very happy. I have had several occasions when my SimAudio Moon CD-1 which was one of their first players, required I use a computer or over the network.

I hope this is a help.

My friend, I must say you have given me the most compelling answer ever received in any forum. Thank you! <3

This means that my previous experience with this DAC still remains with 44.1 kHz base clock family. To bad they have not changed this as more and more tracks from streaming service are 48 kHz base clock (96 and 192). My HQPlayer setting is so break even in performance that even the slightest extra may cause core stuttering. Today I use the wonderful RME ADI-2 DAC fs, still my favorite choice efter numerous other really expensive auditions. When run in DSD Direct mode the RME changes appearance quite dramatically and at full speed DSD256 upsampling input, bypassing its own DSP, the modulators and filters in HQPlayer lift this DAC to levels others simply cannot match except in perhaps pure measurements. To bad all these devices, unfortunatly also the RME, still are so bloody sensitive to electrical/galvanical connections. Hope next gen DAC and streamers fully implement really clean power supplies (<1uV @ extreme bandwidth), proper ground management and learn how to master USB and ethernet decoupling or add SFP+ options for them both. The resulting noise/harschness/sibilence is still highly disturbing also in expensive DAC's, even those having good measures here and other places.

Perhaps I should give the AH90 another try? Update the PC and go all in, so I can isolate the max speed to [email protected] MHz regardless of source clock?

Merry Christmas, dear friend

 

[gjm]

Hi people, just ordered that DR70; already own the AH90, I wonder what differences will be found. And living in Italy would like to know an average delivery time. Thanks for offering us that kind of devices

Have you received the DR70? Keen to hear your impressions, and any comparison with the AH90.

 

[Mac Arthur]

Would love to get some feedback too!

 

[VientoB]

Probably sound the same?