GUSTARD X30 Quad ES9039SPRO Network Streaming DAC & Preamp

GUSTARD X30 Network Streaming DAC

The GUSTARD X30 is a flagship DAC and network streamer built for uncompromising sound quality and modern flexibility. Featuring four ES9039SPRO DAC chips, a discrete Class-A analog stage, FPGA-based control, and an integrated preamp with relay R2R volume, it delivers precise, natural, and spacious audio. With Roon, AirPlay, UPnP, and Spotify streaming over Ethernet, plus fixed balanced and single-ended outputs, the X30 serves as a refined centerpiece for high-end digital and analog systems alike.

Quad ES9039SPRO DAC Chips

Each stereo channel is driven by two ES9039SPRO chips with independent power supplies and grounding, maintaining strict channel separation. This fully balanced architecture reduces interference, enriches spatial imaging, and delivers nuanced stereo definition across the entire frequency range.

DSP Digital Filter on SHARC Platform

A newly developed high-performance digital filter runs on the Analog Devices SHARC digital audio DSP platform, using high-precision 64-bit floating-point operations and advanced anti-aliasing noise algorithms to significantly reduce in-band aliasing noise for superior sound quality.

FPGA Programmable Logic Control

A programmable FPGA manages clock functions, 2nd PLL digital shaping, DOP demodulation, and PCM/DSD depop switching. This provides a robust foundation for clock management and precise signal routing, keeping the digital path clean and stable.

K2 OCXO Clock & 10MHz Sync

The X30 integrates a K2 oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) for stable, high-precision clock signals. A dedicated 10MHz BNC input accepts an external master clock (square/sine wave, 0.2–3.3V), synchronizing decoding with a reference clock for systems where timing control matters most.

Network Streaming Bridge

Built-in Gigabit Ethernet supports Roon, AirPlay, UPnP, HQPlayer NAA, and Spotify Connect, with web-based configuration and online firmware updates. The X30 acts as a complete streaming DAC, connecting directly to your network and playback services without additional hardware.

Discrete Class-A Analog Stage

The analog low-pass filter uses discrete Class-A circuitry tailored to the ES9039SPRO’s behavior, with a high-current I/V converter and parallel connection circuit that fully utilizes the chip’s current capability. Every component operates at its optimal point for a detailed yet natural tonal response.

Passive Relay Preamp with R2R Volume

A relay-based R2R volume control operates in the analog domain, adjustable via the included remote with no signal degradation. The X30 can drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly, or serve as a high-end fixed-output DAC for an external preamp.

Flexible Outputs & Measured Performance

Fixed-level RCA (2.5Vrms, 100Ω) and XLR (5.1Vrms, 100Ω) outputs connect to preamps or amplifiers directly. Measured performance is reference-grade: THD+N ≤0.0001% @ 1kHz, SNR 129dB, dynamic range 130dB, crosstalk −139dB @ 10kHz, and a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz within ±0.2dB.

Specifications

• DAC Chips: 4 × ESS ES9039SPRO (two per channel, fully balanced, independent power/grounding)
• Digital Inputs: LAN (100/1000Mbps), USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, I²S, 10MHz BNC clock input
• Streaming Protocols: Roon, AirPlay, UPnP, HQPlayer NAA, Spotify Connect (web config, online firmware updates)
• Sampling Rates: PCM up to 768kHz; DSD512 (via USB/LAN)
• Analog Outputs: Fixed XLR 5.1Vrms (100Ω) + RCA 2.5Vrms (100Ω)
• Digital Filter: SHARC DSP platform, 64-bit floating-point, anti-aliasing noise algorithm
• Clock System: K2 OCXO oven-controlled crystal oscillator; external 10MHz BNC (square/sine, 0.2–3.3V)
• Preamp: Relay-based R2R analog volume control (remote adjustable)
• Analog Stage: Discrete Class-A low-pass filter; high-current I/V converter
• THD+N: ≤0.0001% @ 1kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 129dB
• Dynamic Range: 130dB
• Crosstalk: −139dB @ 10kHz
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.2dB)
• Power: AC 115V/230V, 50/60Hz; <30W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 300 × 80 mm (92mm with feet)
• Weight: 10.0 kg (packaged)
• Colors: Black, Silver

What's Included

• GUSTARD X30 main unit
• Remote control
• Power cable
• User manual