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Gustard X16 Balanced MQA DAC Review

Many thanks for the clarification!

May I assume that for PCM, DSD and MQA high resolution content (above 16 bit @44,1kHz), the NOS should be set to ON !?
 
May I assume that for PCM, DSD and MQA high resolution content (above 16 bit @44,1kHz), the NOS should be set to ON !?
You could. I honestly wouldn't bother but if you think it makes a difference you can definitely do so.
 
Yo, our box was not looking good and water droplets inside......could this be returned item....we bought it as new from store...what u think?
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I'm gonna be returning my X16 after chinese new year since they won't be able to ship me a replacement until then. After seeing the review of the Topping D30Pro though, I'm thinking of getting that instead of a replacement X16. The D30Pro will probably be significantly cheaper but I would lose MQA and bluetooth. I don't really care about MQA but bluetooth is nice. What do you guys think?

that’s what I expected too but the D30Pro is $399, too pricey in my opinion.
 
If not the X16, the comparable balanced MQA alternatives are:
  • Cambridge DacMagic 200M ($499, with HP amp)
  • SMSL SU-9 ($459.99, no HP amp)
  • Topping D70s ($649.99, no HP amp)
  • iFi NEO iDSD ($699.99, with HP amp)
Within $100 difference I would definitely get one with MQA (at least renderer) just in case.
 
If not the X16, the comparable balanced MQA alternatives are:
  • Cambridge DacMagic 200M ($499, with HP amp)
  • SMSL SU-9 ($459.99, no HP amp)
  • Topping D70s ($649.99, no HP amp)
  • iFi NEO iDSD ($699.99, with HP amp)
Within $100 difference I would definitely get one with MQA (at least renderer) just in case.
The DacMagic 200M sounds interesting too bad Amir hasn't measured it yet.

I like the idea of a built in HP amp and multiple digital inputs.

Wonder is Amir has this in his review pipeline.
 
Your box looks different than this unboxing video of x16. Since you bought this from store, it is easier to send it back
Mine looks like the unboxing video. But I'm in the US and it was delivered by DHL.

Ordered on Thursday and got it on Tuesday. Not bad considering that Monday was a US holiday.
 
How to disable volume control? (I'm assuming that adjusting the volume at 00db gain works like a bypass for the internal pre-amp).

There is no pre-amp in this DAC. Volume adjustment is implemented (digitally) in the ESS, not in the output stage.
 
that’s what I expected too but the D30Pro is $399, too pricey in my opinion.
Yeah, might as well spend the extra $100 to get bluetooth and MQA with the X16. I went with the Motu M2 instead though. The money saved went to purchasing a Rode Podmic and 4 x 10ft Canare Star Quad XLR cables and I still had $180 leftover from my X16 refund. Thinking of getting a nice boom arm and mic booster.
 
Mine looks like the unboxing video. But I'm in the US and it was delivered by DHL.

Ordered on Thursday and got it on Tuesday. Not bad considering that Monday was a US holiday.
How are you liking your X16 so far?

What else did you have in your shortlist, what made you go with the X16 over whatever you had on your list?
 
Last edited:
Yesterday at 10:07 PM
#11

I m placing the order 18/2 from Audiophonics France, but something happens and the package stack in France airport... I send to them an email and below is the answer...


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I can't wait,, 17 days now.
Poor guy, ordered from the same place too!

I can't wait to hear how you like it when it finally does arrive.
 
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