Gustard A18

[Facta]

https://shenzhenaudio.com/collectio...ed-dac-lme49860-6-decoder-with-remote-control

 

[gto88]

I got this, and only complain is its remote cannot turn unit on/off, it is only the switch in the back.
The remote is almost useless. in the other hand, its A22 has power switch on front panel, how much can it save
by eliminating the power switch and remove the on/off from the remote?
however, this A18 real sounds good.

 

[KPzypher]

I got this, and only complain is its remote cannot turn unit on/off, it is only the switch in the back.
The remote is almost useless. in the other hand, its A22 has power switch on front panel, how much can it save
by eliminating the power switch and remove the on/off from the remote?
however, this A18 real sounds good.

Does it at least have a standby mode with signal shutoff? If not, that's a big no-no for a fullsize component, if you have to reach to the back of the unit to shut it off. I was debating between this and the SMSL M400, and ultimately went with the M400 due to MQA and better measurements. But I'm sure this sounds awesome too.

 

[gto88]

No, no shutoff mode, it requires to use switch in the back.

 

[lalawilson168]

The A18 doesnt seem to be discussed all that much on head-fi or elsewhere for that matter, with all the bells and whistles it has at this price point that's a bit strange?

Im looking to get one unless other fellow head-fiers have any better alternatives at this price range of sub 500usd.

 

[Kafé]

Soundnews review

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/gustard-a18-dac-review-outstanding-performance-and-value/

 

[professor55]

I ordered the A18 to replace a PS Audio Digital Link III. Not sure when it’s going to arrive. (Coming from Mainland China) I’ll update when I have tried it out.

 

[Kafé]

I ordered the A18 to replace a PS Audio Digital Link III. Not sure when it’s going to arrive. (Coming from Mainland China) I’ll update when I have tried it out.

Thank you in advance for your review

 

[crabdog]

I've been listening to the A18 for a couple weeks now (full review coming soon) and I must say I really like this DAC. But I just learned that there is now an updated version: I'll let the photo tell you what the differences are.

 

[Kafé]

I've been listening to the A18 for a couple weeks now (full review coming soon) and I must say I really like this DAC. But I just learned that there is now an updated version: I'll let the photo tell you what the differences are.

And an XMOS XU216 ?

 

[crabdog]

Here's my review of the A18 for those interested. It is definitely a solid choice, especially the updated version.

 

[Terriero]

No, no shutoff mode, it requires to use switch in the back.

Didn't notice that when I saw the A18 review. Thanks for saying...

 

[Gravitas McBB]

Here's my review of the A18 for those interested. It is definitely a solid choice, especially the updated version.

Good review! I wish more people could get this DAC into their hands. It really deserves to be more widely known then it is. Especially since it's direct competition with the Topping d90.

 

[crabdog]

Good review! I wish more people could get this DAC into their hands. It really deserves to be more widely known then it is. Especially since it's direct competition with the Topping d90.

Thanks. I agree, it's a great DAC. I prefer the sound over the Topping DX7 Pro but I keep the Topping on my desktop for the headphone outs. The A18 is hooked up to my speakers and when I want to treat myself with headphones, the Feliks Audio Echo.

 

[makatech]

I am confused, the updated MQA / optical version of Gustard A18 is still not available on Shenzenaudio?