GUSTARD X18 ES9038PRO MQA DAC High-Performance Audio Digital to Analog Convertor

Elevate your audio journey with the Gustard X18, a pinnacle of desktop audio decoding excellence. Boasting a flagship-grade ES9038Pro DAC chip, premium components, and advanced features, the X18 transforms your HiFi desktop chain into a realm of unparalleled sound quality. From MQA unfolding to Bluetooth convenience and a fully balanced design, the Gustard X18 is a testament to precision and innovation in the world of audio technology

Flagship-Grade DAC Excellence: Gustard X18 redefines desktop audio decoding with its flagship-grade ES9038Pro DAC chip from ESS Sabre Technologies. This eight-channel 32-Bit DAC, paired with a top-tier XMOS USB processor, supports Hi-Res 32-Bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 decoding. Experience music with unparalleled precision and quality in your HiFi desktop chain.

Premium CPLD Logic Architecture: Designed for high-performance digital integration, the X18 incorporates a premium ALTERA CPLD chipset. Handling various logic functions such as clock management, 2nd PLL, digital shaping, and DoP decoding, this CPLD ensures precision and efficiency in signal processing.

Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Experience reliable and stable wireless Bluetooth connectivity with Gustard X18. Boasting Bluetooth V5.0 with hi-res transmission codecs like LDAC, AptX HD, AptX LL, and AptX, it opens avenues for digital signal input, enhancing the flexibility of your audio setup.

Fully Balanced Design Precision: The X18 features a fully balanced design with eight independent I/V converters for each channel. Utilizing premium OPA1612 chips in the I/V stage ensures low distortion and high SNR ratings, delivering exceptional audio performance.

Accusilicon A5318-B Clocks Precision: Two Accusilicon A5318-B clocks guarantee perfect signal synchronization, minimizing jitter for clear and pure playback. These clocks contribute to the exceptional audio quality delivered by the Gustard X18.

XMOS XU216 USB Interface Accuracy: The X18's USB input utilizes the XMOS XU216 interface, supporting high-resolution streams up to 32bit 768kHz PCM and DSD512. This interface ensures accurate and neutral sound, enhancing the overall audio playback experience.

MQA Unfolding Excellence: Enjoy the latest in audio technology with Gustard X18's full MQA support. Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) delivers high-res audio in compact file sizes. The X18 unfolds MQA streams, providing a superior master audio experience with top-notch performance.

Specifications:
Inputs: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-B, Optical Toslink, Coaxial, AES, I2S via HDMI
Outputs: Single-ended stereo RCA, Balanced stereo XLR
DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Pro
USB interface: XMOS XU216
CPLD: Altera
Supported sampling rates
USB: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512, DSD DoP up to DSD256, MQA
I2S: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512, DSD DoP up to DSD512
AES, Coaxial, Optical: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD64, MQA
Supported Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC
PCM Filters: M-Fast, M-Slow, L-Fast, L-Slow, H-Fast, APO-Fast, Brick
DSD Filters: 47K, 50K, 60K, 70K
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.08dB
Output level
RCA : 2.5Vrms @ 0dBFS
XLR : 5Vrms @ 0dBFS