GUSTARD X26 III Dual ES9039SPRO Hi-Fi DAC & Network Streamer

GUSTARD X26 III Network Streaming DAC

The GUSTARD X26 III is a flagship desktop DAC built around dual ES9039SPRO chips, one per channel with independent power rails. It combines a precision FPGA-controlled clocking system, a discrete Class-A analog stage, and a built-in network streamer with Roon, AirPlay, and UPnP support – a versatile high-resolution centerpiece for any desktop or speaker system.

Dual ES9039SPRO DAC Chips

Each stereo channel is powered by its own ES9039SPRO chip with independent power supplies and grounding. This architecture maintains superior channel separation, reduces crosstalk, and sharpens imaging precision, so instruments and voices occupy clear, distinct spaces in the soundstage.

Built-in Network Streamer & USB Interface

A LAN port (100/1000 Mbps) running the CelWare 3.x platform supports Roon/Roon Bridge, AirPlay, UPnP, Spotify, HQPlayer NAA, and more, giving direct access to streaming services and local libraries. The USB-B input is driven by the XMOS XU216 chip, supporting PCM up to 768kHz, native DSD512, and MQA decoding.

Precision Clocking & FPGA Control

The GCLK-02 clock module with a femtosecond-grade clock generator minimizes jitter for cleaner audio timing, and a dedicated 10MHz BNC input accepts an external master clock. A powerful FPGA handles PLL shaping, DOP decoding, digital filtering, and depop control to keep the signal path smooth and accurate.

Discrete Class-A Analog Filter

After the DAC chips, a hybrid IV conversion stage and a discrete Class-A analog low-pass filter – designed specifically around the ES9039SPRO’s characteristics – deliver natural warmth and low noise, supporting a vivid yet accurate tonal balance.

Independent Dual Toroidal Power Supply

Dual high-quality toroidal transformers supply the digital and analog circuits separately with multi-stage filtering and independent voltage regulation. Complete isolation between sections guarantees stable, clean power delivery and excellent left-right channel separation.

Fixed Balanced & Single-Ended Outputs

The X26 III provides fixed-volume RCA (2.5Vrms) and XLR (5.1Vrms) outputs, both with 100Ω impedance, ready to integrate with external preamps or power amplifiers. Optical and coaxial digital outputs complete the four-output set.

Measured Performance

Reference-grade measured performance: THD+N ≤0.0001% @ 1kHz, signal-to-noise ratio >127dB, dynamic range >128dB, crosstalk −132dB @ 10kHz, and a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz within ±0.3dB – clean, transparent conversion across the whole band.

Specifications

• DAC Chips: 2 × ESS ES9039SPRO (one per channel, independent rails)
• Digital Inputs: LAN (100/1000Mbps), USB-B, Coaxial, AES/EBU, Optical, I²S, HDMI-I²S
• Sampling Rates: PCM up to 768kHz; DSD512; MQA up to 384kHz (via USB/LAN)
• Streaming Protocols: Roon/Roon Bridge, AirPlay, UPnP, mConnect, BubbleUPnP, Spotify, QQMusic, HQPlayer NAA (CelWare 3.x)
• USB Interface: XMOS XU216 (PCM768k, DSD512)
• Clock: GCLK-02 clock module; femtosecond-grade generator; 10MHz BNC input (square/sine, 0.2–3.3V, 50Ω)
• Analog Outputs: RCA 2.5Vrms + XLR 5.1Vrms (fixed volume, 100Ω impedance)
• Digital Outputs: Optical + Coaxial
• Analog Stage: Hybrid IV conversion + discrete Class-A low-pass filter
• THD+N: ≤0.0001% @ 1kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >127dB
• Dynamic Range: >128dB
• Crosstalk: −132dB @ 10kHz
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.3dB)
• Power Supply: Dual high-capacity toroidal transformers, independent digital/analog sections
• Power: AC 115V/230V (manual switch), 50/60Hz; <25W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 330 × 260 × 65 mm
• Weight: 4.0 kg
• Colors: Black, Silver

What's Included

• GUSTARD X26 III main unit
• Remote control
• USB-A to USB-B cable
• Power cable
• User manual