[MilitaryHifi]

GUSTARD X26III Dual ES9039SPRO DAC, Network Streamer

Gustard released their new X26III, with the newest ESS chips ES9039SPRO.
Creating this thread, because I had no idea this was on the horizon. Had my eye out for a new DAC. Had my eyes set on a gustard X series. I don't own any chip base dacs.

I purchased a X26, then found a deal on a X30. Then this released today. DOH.

Now everyone will know this exist, and not be like me. I definitely wouldn't of purchased the X26 a week ago knowing this was coming out.

Price $1599.

https://aoshida-audio.com/products/gustard-x26iii

 

[MartinWT]

So, about the variable analogue outputs. Does anyone know if they will drive a power amplifier like the X26 Pro does?
That's what I'm looking for and why the X30 is not my solution.

 

[MartinWT]

There is variable volume confirmed, and the RCA output impedance is 100 ohms. I'm taking that as a sign of active outputs and not a passive volume control.

I just need confirmation before I push the button on this one.

 

[piaseczek]

Does anyone know if they will drive a power amplifier like the X26 Pro does?

Volume control in both models is the same - digital, built-in sabre chip.
It should drive power amplifiers exactly the same.

 

[MartinWT]

I've placed an order for one.
Will let you know how it performs compared with my X26 Pro.

 

[MartinWT]

One of the things that will be interesting to discover is how good the internal streamer sounds. Since it is BubbleUPnP compliant, I will be able to compare it directly with my Signature Rendu Deluxe streamer and U18, also Bubble compliant. While I don't expect the internal streamer to win out, the idea of simplifying my system by eliminating external streamer and DDC does appeal. In any case, it's good to have options and a failover.

Secondly, it will be interesting to listen to it with the new internal clock compared with my AfterDark Emperor Triple Crown external clock. Even if the AD sounds better, it should benefit from the improved synthesiser circuit.

 

[Riccardom81]

I'm also curious to know how it goes. I have an x26pro and I'm very happy with it. Paired with LHY UIP USB audio isolator. I see from the photos of the new one that there are no heat sinks above the ESS chips like on the x26pro, maybe it no longer works in class A? I think not. This can also be understood from the technical specifications, the energy consumption is now around 25 watts, compared to the 60 watts of the x26pro model. Is this really an upgrade? We'll see..... greetings to everyone.

 

[MartinWT]

I'm also curious to know how it goes. I have an x26pro and I'm very happy with it. Paired with LHY UIP USB audio isolator. I see from the photos of the new one that there are no heat sinks above the ESS chips like on the x26pro, maybe it no longer works in class A? I think not. This can also be understood from the technical specifications, the energy consumption is now around 25 watts, compared to the 60 watts of the x26pro model. Is this really an upgrade? We'll see..... greetings to everyone.

Different ESS chips - this uses the ES9039 Pro and they have achieved lower power consumption (the ESS data sheet claims "Lower power consumption than previous Gen". Depending on hardware mode used, this is down to around 50mA current per chip. It's in line with CPU architecture, with each generation based on smaller production dies for lower power consumption. Gustard still claims discrete Class A analogue outputs.

Users of the X30 have claimed higher sound quality, albeit with 4 ES9039 Pro chips. We shall see.

 

[Riccardom81]

even the old 9038 on other DACs didn't heat up like on the x26pro. I had read that it was the way it works on the x26pro which was particular in voltage or current... I don't remember which of the two. The fact is that the x26pro heats up a lot.---anyway, yes, we'll see....maybe then they'll bring out an X26III pro and here we go again....

 

[MartinWT]

Agreed, my X26 Pro is the hottest running component in my system. I believe it runs the 9038 in high power mode to overcome the "IMD hump" design 'feature' of that chipset.

 

[sendler2112]

Mine is scheduled to arrive Monday, 11/ 11.

 

[MartinWT]

Mine is on status "Ready to ship", so not yet despatched.

 

[MartinWT]

Mine is on status "Ready to ship", so not yet despatched.

...and just as I wrote that, I now have a Fedex shipping status. They first said DHL, but I'm glad it's Fedex as they're fast and reliable.

 

[MartinWT]

Mine's due next Wed 13/11.

 

[zikarus]

Does somebody know if it already uses the newer 316 XMOS USB chip (or still the 216 as in the other X26 models)?