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Gustard U16 - the first USB Interface featuring ESS USB chip
Mar 31, 2019 at 10:55 PM Post #856 of 1,697
Ludique said:
Unless ESS has announced that the support has ended and Gustard has bought these chips from a reseller's remaining storage (against advice) because somebody found them to have exceptional sound quality.

That is the story, isn't it?
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Is Gustard using the same ESS U16 chips for their new X26 DAC ?
I heard Volumio the other day in my system with a friends DIY DAC, we did not even tweak it and it sounded great...
If ESS or Gustard can get these to work with Linux (with proper i2s support for the U16 of course), that could be a possible remedy..
 
Apr 1, 2019 at 4:21 AM Post #858 of 1,697
My U16 after caps replacement

U16 caps_b.jpeg
U16 no caps.jpeg
 
Apr 1, 2019 at 4:33 AM Post #859 of 1,697
Please notice used transformer 2 x 9V but voltage is summarized and we have AC18V so DC25.2V Used caps are 25V...

From SQ perspective I tested few types (brands and types) but Elna Silmic II is definitely the best IMO. Sound is coherent and more natural then with original Nichicon Muse.
Capacity increase gives more 3D. Because limited space I was able to put 1 x 1000uF + 2 x 470uF. I was testing also 4400 & 4700uF and this would be more optimal but no space inside the case. Unless you go with extension wire. Anyway I am happy with result.
 
Apr 4, 2019 at 6:52 PM Post #862 of 1,697
peteg said:
I have around 75hrs now and really enjoying the sound I'm getting, less edgy sound around the notes but still has detail. U16 is more analog sounding than my Singxer su-1.

Now the not so good, when playing 176/192khz I get the dreaded distortion (v1.6/v1.4) so I have the ability to down sample to 96khz which works and sounds good, just a band-aid for now hopefully. All DSD plays fine.

As mentioned here already disconnecting the power from the USB to the U16 increases SQ. I'm interested in the Singxer su-6 but it has a pretty hefty price.
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To be clear just for my understanding, Is the USB input of the U16 internally powered and does not need the +5VUSB feed on the USB cable coming from the PC or laptop.
 
Apr 17, 2019 at 6:36 AM Post #866 of 1,697
This depends on your voltage. If it's 230-240V 500mA should be fine. But if I was you I would go for 1A. Harder to brake 'without' reason.
I have 3A in my unit.
 
Apr 17, 2019 at 12:33 PM Post #867 of 1,697
Hi all, I just got my U16 yesterday and have gotten it set up. Currently I do not have an I2S capable DAC (Topping DX7s), so my connection is via S/PDIF. I am upsampling to DSD64 using HQPlayer=>Roon. I have noticed that on 48 kHz-based material I get stuttering and skips; 44.1 kHz-based and native DSD64 material plays without issue. Any ideas or suggestions on how to fix this issue?

Also, I plan to get either the Audio-GD R8 or R2R7 soon and upsample to DSD512. Has anyone had issues with either of those upsampling to DSD512?
 
Apr 17, 2019 at 2:30 PM Post #868 of 1,697
rafabro said:
This depends on your voltage. If it's 230-240V 500mA should be fine. But if I was you I would go for 1A. Harder to brake 'without' reason.
I have 3A in my unit.
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I'm in the US so its the 115v setting. So is the correct fuse the supreme slow and small? And you recommend 1 to 3 amp for 115v or a different version? Thanks.
 
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