Gustard X20?

Ric Schultz · « **Reply #260 on:** 26 May 2016, 10:38 pm »

If you guys are not using the usb input then removing the usb card makes the Gustard sound mucho better. I am currently using coax from my modded Oppo 103D. Sounding very nice. Removing the usb board is not easy but doable.

Quadman is working on getting DSD512 into the DAC via either I2S input or directly into the PCI slots used by the usb board. This is going to sound outrageous using HQplayer upsampling to 512. Fun stuff ahead.

reillyzing · « **Reply #261 on:** 1 Jun 2016, 11:32 am »

Has anyone been able to compare the Gustard X20 to the DAC in the Vinnie Rossi LIO?

OzarkTom · « **Reply #262 on:** 1 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm »

Quote from: reillyzing on 1 Jun 2016, 11:32 am

Has anyone been able to compare the Gustard X20 to the DAC in the Vinnie Rossi LIO?

My buddy Rex likes his D.A.C. SMT integrated + Sony HAP-Z1ES over his LIO. LIO is twice as much in price.

rklein · « **Reply #263 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 12:29 am »

Quote from: OzarkTom on 1 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm

My buddy Rex likes his D.A.C. SMT integrated + Sony HAP-Z1ES over his LIO. LIO is twice as much in price.

Quote from: OzarkTom on 1 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm

My buddy Rex likes his D.A.C. SMT integrated + Sony HAP-Z1ES over his LIO. LIO is twice as much in price.

I have not heard the LIO but I have owned a modded Sony HAP-Z1ES and I now own the Gustard X20U which I have modded(not as much as Quadman) and for me the Gustard is superior to the Sony. I am listening to DSD256 via HQPlayer and all genre's of music but especially classical sounds wonderful.

I took a chance on the Gustard as I was really all set to buy the Mytek Brooklyn. I think I hit the jackpot in regards to price/performance. And yes...I too am anxiously awaiting Quadman's quest for DSD512!

Regards,

Randy

OzarkTom · « **Reply #264 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 12:56 am »

Quote from: rklein on 2 Jun 2016, 12:29 am

I have not heard the LIO but I have owned a modded Sony HAP-Z1ES and I now own the Gustard X20U which I have modded(not as much as Quadman) and for me the Gustard is superior to the Sony. I am listening to DSD256 via HQPlayer and all genre's of music but especially classical sounds wonderful.

I took a chance on the Gustard as I was really all set to buy the Mytek Brooklyn. I think I hit the jackpot in regards to price/performance. And yes...I too am anxiously awaiting Quadman's quest for DSD512!

Regards,

Randy

Then that should make the modded Gustard better than the dac in the LIO.

PeteG · « **Reply #265 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 12:59 am »

Randy,
Your dead on with price/performance, one of the best bargains in audio.

mresseguie · « **Reply #266 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 01:39 am »

"I took a chance on the Gustard as I was really all set to buy the Mytek Brooklyn. I think I hit the jackpot in regards to price/performance. And yes...I too am anxiously awaiting Quadman's quest for DSD512!"

I, too, was curious about the Brooklyn DAC, but I just did not wish to spend so much $$$$ on a DAC at this time. I'm pretty sure I can live with my Gustard for a few years - and I haven't even modded it yet.

About that DSD512 - I specifically recall DSD512 capability for the X20 being listed on at least one Chinese website. I do not recall which site it was. I'll go back and search it out. I'll post what I find and include links. If it's in Chinese, you're on your own.

J/K.

Michael

jtwrace · « **Reply #267 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 01:42 am »

Quote from: OzarkTom on 1 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm

My buddy Rex likes his D.A.C. SMT integrated + Sony HAP-Z1ES over his LIO. LIO is twice as much in price.

He should sell his LIO then.

mresseguie · « **Reply #268 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 01:50 am »

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/GUSTARD-DAC-X20U-Super-Ultimate-HIFI-DAC-2xES9018-XMOS-USB-384KHZ-DSD64-128/901633_32410001838.html

I see it is now "Super Ultimate HIFI DAC!" Hot damn!

GUSTARD DAC-X20U Super Ultimate HIFI DAC
2xES9018+XMOS USB 384KHZ DSD64/128

Adopt more humane modular XMOS USB daughter card.
Analog circuit use High-end discrete lines.

Features:

1. Doul (sic) ESS Technology Sabre Reference 32bit ES9018 DAC chip,R and L sound Channel one on each side.
2.Automatic adaptation master clock technology and Asynchronous master clock technology.
Two clock mode can be freely selected.
3. XMOS 32bit USB receiver chip which is best performance asynchronous USB audio solution.
4.CPLD programmable logic device. Soft control ES9018.
5.Three files gain, volume can be adjusted. Attenuation adjustable from 0 to -99DB.
6.TFT LCD screen, adjustable contrast.
7.Power supply with two O-type transformers, Digital and Analog independent power supply, and use Discrete Components regulation Voltage stabilization.
8. Full balance Discrete components Analog Line. Balance / RCA output simultaneously.
9. Digital Input: balanced Spdif AES/EBU port, RCA, Toslink Optical input and USB,(Key switch)
10. Both 110/120v and 220/240v version supported.
11.Power Supply: AC 230V 50 / 60Hz (AC 115V 50 / 60Hz), Power Consumption: <50W
12.Dimensions (excluding protruding part): W 380MM * H 65MM * D 260MM

DAC Specification:

ESS Technology ES9018 Sabre Reference 32-bit DAC
8 mono to 2 stereo configuration,four D/A converters per channel

Digital Input>>>>>>

Coaxial/BNC:
PCM:16-24bit /44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
DOP: DOP64

optical:
PCM:16-24bit /44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
DOP:DOP64

AES/EBU:
PCM:16-24bit /44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
DOP:DOP64

IIS:
PCM:16-32bit /44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384kHz
DSD:DSD64/DSD128/DSD256/DSD512
DOP:DOP64/DOP128 DOP256/DOP512

Wouldn't this suggest that attaining DSD512 is 'easily' attainable?

USB:16-32bit / 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384 kHz
DSDx64(2.8224MHz)/DSDx128(5.6448MHz)

Analog Output:

RCA Output :2.3 Vrms *0dBFS
XLR Output :4.6 Vrms *0dBFS
Frequency :20-20K Hz +/-0.15dB

USB 2.0 interface can replay 1BIT/2.8224MHz or asynchronous sampling rate 5.6448MHz DSD Digital Signals.
This is supported DSD64 and DSD128.
Coaxial / Optic / AES / EBU support DOP64, can connect Digital Music Player playback SACD MUSIC

Main chip: ESS Technology ES9018 Sabre Reference 32bit chip x 2

Unlike conventional Sigma-Delta D / A converter, ESS Sabre32 use innovative patented circuit,
Get rid of the ordinary Digital Audio System timebase jitter, get very wide dynamic range, low distortion and accurate sound field.

Automatic adaptation master clock technology and Asynchronous master clock technology.
Two clock mode can be freely selected.
CPLD Digital Integer technology
Full balance Discrete components Analog Line. Balance / RCA output simultaneously.
Two 50W O-type transformers. The best choice for high-end equipment.
Coupled better and more efficient. A more stable job, to bring you more beautiful sound.

XOMS USB Professional SOUND CARD:
XMOS X-CORE digital signal processing unit, which have powerful processing capabilities, is by far the most advanced digital audio solution
USB Audio Class 2.0 implements asynchronous transfer playback, and supports low latency ASIO, KS and other professional audio software interface, support for Windows and Mac operating systems.

OzarkTom · « **Reply #269 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 01:53 am »

Quote from: jtwrace on 2 Jun 2016, 01:42 am

He should sell his LIO then.

He is seriously thinking about it. He likes the remote. Rex sells most of his stuff on Agon but he should sell it here on AC.

jtwrace · « **Reply #270 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:04 am »

Quote from: OzarkTom on 2 Jun 2016, 01:53 am

He is seriously thinking about it. He likes the remote. Rex sells most of his stuff on Agon but he should sell it here on AC.

I look forward to seeing it for sale. Maybe I'll buy it.

OzarkTom · « **Reply #271 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:11 am »

Quote from: jtwrace on 2 Jun 2016, 02:04 am

I look forward to seeing it for sale. Maybe I'll buy it.

I will call Rex right now.

reillyzing · « **Reply #272 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:23 am »

Quote from: OzarkTom on 1 Jun 2016, 11:45 pm

My buddy Rex likes his D.A.C. SMT integrated + Sony HAP-Z1ES over his LIO. LIO is twice as much in price.

But is it really twice as much, since the LIO eliminates the need for power conditioners and cords?
I guess that's what has me so interested in the LIO, a $2,000. power conditioner (with high quality power cord) may not even work as well as isolating all circuitry from ac mains power... Does your friend use a power conditioner?

OzarkTom · « **Reply #273 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:33 am »

Quote from: jtwrace on 2 Jun 2016, 02:04 am

I look forward to seeing it for sale. Maybe I'll buy it.

Rex said he will take $5K plus sipping. It has the works, and all black with silver knobs.

jtwrace · « **Reply #274 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:35 am »

Quote from: OzarkTom on 2 Jun 2016, 02:33 am

Rex said he will take $5K plus sipping. It has the works, and all black with silver knobs.

Have him PM me here with all the details. Exact modules...

OzarkTom · « **Reply #275 on:** 2 Jun 2016, 02:37 am »

Quote from: reillyzing on 2 Jun 2016, 02:23 am

But is it really twice as much, since the LIO eliminates the need for power conditioners and cords?
I guess that's what has me so interested in the LIO, a $2,000. power conditioner (with high quality power cord) may not even work as well as isolating all circuitry from ac mains power... Does your friend use a power conditioner?

No power conditioner, his amp sounds better plugged into the wall.