Gustard X16 MQA DAC

[shwnwllms]

I ended up having a listen to a friend's X16 a few days ago. The sound quality out of this DAC hits well above it's price point. I currently own an SMSL M300 MK2 (AKM 4497 DAC chip used). I ended up doing a direct comparison between my M300 MK2 and his X16. It is interesting that the X16 does not have any of the usual SABRE glare in the mid treble present. The unit is very detailed, clean, and airy, but without any of the usual piercing harshness or brightness present. I was surprised, as I expected to hear the usual 7-9kHz brightness that is almost always present in SABRE based units. Comparing the X16 with my M300 MK2, it was obvious that the Gustard is a full step up in sound quality. Bass tightness, vocal accuracy, soundstage, imaging, layering, transparency, detail retrieval, and treble extension were all superior on the X16. This Gustard DAC has a very quick and clean response across the entire frequency range that I did not expect to her at it's price level. It is also extremely neutral in it's sound signature, which I really like. The M300 MK2 is also known for being quite neutral. With having a one hour or so listen to the X16, it sounds like the perfect upgrade from my current DAC. Has anyone here done a direct comparison between the SMSL SU-9 and the X16 ? I have never heard the SU-9. Both of these units are around the same price point, so I am quite interested if anyone has heard both in action.

Great impressions. This has been my experience with it as well. It punches well above its weight class (and none of the dreaded Sabre glare). I haven’t listened to the SMSL SU-9 but the X16 is better on paper esp when you factor in the USB implementation and linear power supply. If you listen to MQA it also gives full decoding on the ES9068AS chip. Most importantly if you liked the sound of the X16 I wouldn’t hesitate. There’s not much that can touch it in that price point tbh. The SU-9 did have reports of a harmonic distortion issue (not sure if that was sorted out of not). The early reports of the X16 DSD issues shouldn’t be an issue on the current production units.

 

[393699]

I ended up buying an X16 this evening. I will have it in the mail in a few days. This puppy is too good to not upgrade to one.

 

[Archerious]

I ended up buying an X16 this evening. I will have it in the mail in a few days. This puppy is too good to not upgrade to one.

You'll like it, has a really nice detailed sound.

 

[iFi audio]

The difference is there. And it's not that hard really to hear. I have what I considering two 'reference dacs' that I use to compare new contenders with. At the moment those two reference are the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition and the Pentaconn/MQA version of the iFi iDSD Pro. With tubes now from RCA circa mid 1960s.

With the same headphones, you will hear the differences immediately. And at first, even though you 'thought' you just heard the best DAC sound ever, the other makes you think the same thing. And this exercise will go back and forth until the actual differences in what you you hear start becoming apparent and even better, definable.

I agree. Although differences between components can get a bit exaggerated, I'd say that those between DACs are often rather clear and meaningful.

 

[393699]

My new X16 ended up showing up in the mail. I have been listening to it for the last few hours. I have not been this impressed with a piece of audio equipment in a long time. I am just blown away by how good this DAC sounds for the price. The soundstage width and depth, the transparency, the imaging, the instrument layering and definition, the quick and tight nature of the bass, the presentation of vocals, and the treble detail and resolution on this DAC are just disgustingly good for the price. Vocals sound very realistic. There is none of the usual SABRE glare present in the treble. There is no boomy nature to the bass at all, and no mid bass bloat to speak of. Cymbals and snare drums sound completely correct !!!!!! This is a ****in huge one for me. I always listen to make sure that cymbals and snares are properly represented by equipment. I can not find a single fault with the sound quality of this unit. This puppy is an awesome upgrade from my SMSL M300 MK2. More people need to get this X16 DAC. I can't imagine anyone not being impressed with the sound quality of this DAC. For people who are wanting to get a transparent, completely neutral, and realistic sounding DAC, I highly recommend it.

 

[Archerious]

My new X16 ended up showing up in the mail. I have been listening to it for the last few hours. I have not been this impressed with a piece of audio equipment in a long time. I am just blown away by how good this DAC sounds for the price. The soundstage width and depth, the transparency, the imaging, the instrument layering and definition, the quick and tight nature of the bass, the presentation of vocals, and the treble detail and resolution on this DAC are just disgustingly good for the price. Vocals sound very realistic. There is none of the usual SABRE glare present in the treble. There is no boomy nature to the bass at all, and no mid bass bloat to speak of. Cymbals and snare drums sound completely correct !!!!!! This is a ****in huge one for me. I always listen to make sure that cymbals and snares are properly represented by equipment. I can not find a single fault with the sound quality of this unit. This puppy is an awesome upgrade from my SMSL M300 MK2. More people need to get this X16 DAC. I can't imagine anyone not being impressed with the sound quality of this DAC. For people who are wanting to get a transparent, completely neutral, and realistic sounding DAC, I highly recommend it.

Glad you like it. This matched how I felt during my time with it.

 

[393699]

The sound quality is just outstanding. There is so much space between the instruments. Micro details are popping up all over the place in music. This is the first SABRE unit I have heard as well that has zero of the usual mid treble harshness that they are all known for. This is the most neutral and natural sounding DAC I have owned thus far. Gustard has done an awesome job.

 

[393699]

After listening to the X16 for about 7 hours, I am still blown away. The amount of detail that this DAC offers for the 500 US price point is just excellent.

 

[gdwallasign]

Can anyone compare this to the geshelli j2?

 

[cirodts]

The sound of the hifiman sundara with topping A90 + gustard x16 is a bit harsh and tiring, if I turn down the volume dac to -14 the sound softens a lot, why?

 

[393699]

I probably have 25 hours or so of use on my X16 by now. This is an awesome sounding piece of audio equipment. I honestly see no need for most people to spend 1500 dollars on a DAC when the X16 costs 500 US and sounds this good. This unit is truly an audiophile DAC, but with an upper midrange price point.

 

[393699]

The sound of the hifiman sundara with topping A90 + gustard x16 is a bit harsh and tiring, if I turn down the volume dac to -14 the sound softens a lot, why?

The X16 is not bright sounding at all. It is rather neutral in sound signature. The Sundara is known for being a tad bright at 9kHz. It sounds like pairing it with a flat sounding DAC is exposing the peak of the headphone further, which you don't enjoy.

 

[cirodts]

The X16 is not bright sounding at all. It is rather neutral in sound signature. The Sundara is known for being a tad bright at 9kHz. It sounds like pairing it with a flat sounding DAC is exposing the peak of the headphone further, which you don't enjoy.

if I connect the sundara in balanced I have the medium-high a little in evidence, if instead I connect the sundara in unbalanced it is much better.

 

[Shay820]

if i need dac only for 2 channel stereo system
ls50 meta and power connected to bluesound 2I
what will better to me
topping d70 s
gGustard X16
mqa is not deal breaker for me
thanks

 

[393699]

I have not heard the D70S, so can't comment on it, sorry.