GUSTARD U26 Amanero USB Digital Interface with OCXO Clock

GUSTARD U26 USB Digital Interface

The GUSTARD U26 is not a DAC or an amplifier – it is the digital bridge that ties your whole audio system together. Designed in collaboration with Amanero Technologies, it transforms USB input into ultra-precise digital output for your DAC via I²S, AES, coaxial, and optical connections. With native DSD2048 and PCM 1.536MHz support, a temperature-controlled OCXO clock system, and independent power regulation, it delivers clean, stable, timing-perfect data for the rest of your chain to shine.

Amanero-Based USB Engine

Gustard worked directly with Amanero in Italy to customize the USB interface around a deeply customized ARM Cortex-M7 processor (i.MX RT1011). The result is powerful real-time processing, ultra-low latency, and stable high-sample-rate transfer, with flexible ASIO driver parameters for latency, buffering, and clock alignment tuning.

Full-Format Hi-Res Support

The U26 handles PCM up to 32-bit/1.536MHz and DSD up to DSD2048 native (DSD512 via DoP). Whether you are playing standard 44.1kHz CD rips or studio-grade ultra-high-resolution masters, it passes bit-perfect data to your DAC with clocking stability that keeps music grounded and lifelike.

OCXO + K2 Precision Clock System

A temperature-controlled OCXO crystal oscillator and K2 ultra-low-noise PLL generate dual clock signals – 98.3040MHz and 90.3168MHz – with ±0.1ppm stability. These clocks suppress jitter at the source, delivering sharper transients, improved imaging, and a blacker noise floor. A 10MHz BNC input accepts an external reference clock for tighter synchronization.

Full Isolation Technology

A 200Mbps isolation chip physically separates the USB input from the processing circuitry, keeping PC-borne electrical noise out of the audio path. A custom CPLD then re-shapes the I²S signal after isolation to remove residual jitter, so your DAC receives a pristine, phase-accurate feed.

Dual I²S-H (LVDS) Outputs

Two I²S-over-HDMI outputs use LVDS signaling for clean, high-bandwidth transmission, with adjustable pin assignment for broad DAC compatibility. AES/EBU (XLR), coaxial, and optical outputs complete a flexible connection set that integrates easily with DACs, amplifiers, and powered speakers.

Reference-Grade Linear Power Supply

A built-in linear power supply with an audio-grade toroidal transformer feeds two independent rails for the USB and digital circuits separately. The main filter capacitors deliver a total of 80,000µF, with dual rectifier bridges and discrete regulators ensuring robust, stable current delivery over long listening sessions.

Full Aluminum Chassis

The full aluminum alloy housing shields against EMI and provides structural integrity, while the internal layout keeps the transformer, digital processing, and clock sections electrically and physically isolated. On your desk, the U26 blends into any minimalist hi-fi stack.

Specifications

• Type: USB Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC)
• USB Input: USB Type-B, USB 2.0 High-Speed (UAC2), plug-and-play on Mac/Windows/Linux, OTG mobile support
• USB Engine: Gustard × Amanero custom UAC2, ARM Cortex-M7 (i.MX RT1011)
• PCM Support: Up to 32-bit/1.536MHz (I²S); 24-bit/384kHz (AES, coaxial); 24-bit/192kHz (optical)
• DSD Support: Native DSD64–DSD2048 via I²S; DoP up to DSD512
• Digital Outputs: Dual I²S-H (LVDS over HDMI, adjustable pinout), AES/EBU (XLR, 110Ω), Coaxial (RCA, 75Ω), Optical (TOSLINK)
• Clock System: SC-cut OCXO master clock + K2 high-performance PLL (98.3040/90.3168MHz, ±0.1ppm)
• Clock Input: 10MHz BNC (50Ω, 0–20dBm)
• Isolation: 200Mbps full isolation chip between USB and digital circuits; CPLD signal reshaping
• Power Supply: Linear PSU with audio-grade toroidal transformer, dual independent rails, 80,000µF filter capacitance, dual rectifier bridges
• Power Consumption: <15W
• AC Input: 115V/230V, 50/60Hz
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 330 × 260 × 65 mm
• Weight: 4.8 kg (unit); 6.3 kg packaged
• Colors: Black, Silver

What's Included

• GUSTARD U26 USB digital interface
• Power cord
• USB cable
• User manual