-
WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!
Gustard X16 Balanced MQA DAC Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
Veri
Master Contributor
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2018
- Messages
- 9,634
- Likes
- 12,142
You could. I honestly wouldn't bother but if you think it makes a difference you can definitely do so.
Oukkidoukki
Addicted to Fun and Learning
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2018
- Messages
- 506
- Likes
- 234
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?
Condensation? Southern China is very hot and humid. I am not surprised to see water droplets inside.
Oukkidoukki
Addicted to Fun and Learning
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2018
- Messages
- 506
- Likes
- 234
Could be so...
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2019
- Messages
- 238
- Likes
- 425
Yikes! I wouldn't accept that. The box itself looks like it was wet on that front left corner. I always worry about unseen rust or issues inside the case if it was exposed to so much moisture.
Oukkidoukki
Addicted to Fun and Learning
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2018
- Messages
- 506
- Likes
- 234
Yeah
that’s what I expected too but the D30Pro is $399, too pricey in my opinion.
curiouspeter
Addicted to Fun and Learning
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)
Veri
Master Contributor
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2018
- Messages
- 9,634
- Likes
- 12,142
Don't forget these three! Although only M500 can decode MQA, I suppose
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-topping-dx7-pro-measurement-comparison.9636/
curiouspeter
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Yes. How could I forget the M500?
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.
raif71
Major Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2019
- Messages
- 2,490
- Likes
- 2,717
Your box looks different than this unboxing video of x16. Since you bought this from store, it is easier to send it back
curiouspeter
Addicted to Fun and Learning
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.
Dannemand
Active Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2021
- Messages
- 139
- Likes
- 133
There is no pre-amp in this DAC. Volume adjustment is implemented (digitally) in the ESS, not in the output stage.
manoy385
Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2018
- Messages
- 31
- Likes
- 21
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.
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...
I can't wait,, 17 days now.
Poor guy, ordered from the same place too!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...
I can't wait,, 17 days now.
I can't wait to hear how you like it when it finally does arrive.
Similar threads
