The Gustard X26 III digital-to-analog converter (DAC) combines advanced audio components with a range of features designed to enhance audio fidelity and versatility. It uses a dual ES9039PRO chip setup from ESS Technology, allowing the left and right audio channels to remain separate, reducing mutual interference and supporting high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512.
To minimize jitter, the X26 III includes a femtosecond clock generator paired with an FPGA controller. This setup aligns the signal timing accurately, which can improve audio clarity, and enables digital filtering and frequency adjustments for detailed sound control.
The Hybrid Frequency Division System and multi-channel filtering help to manage distortion and noise, with analog filters and voltage stabilization keeping the audio signal clean, particularly at higher volumes. This supports dynamic range accuracy across a range of listening levels.
The device supports multiple audio formats, including PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding, covering various high-resolution standards. The USB interface, built on the XMOS XU216 chip, supports PCM768k and DSD512, integrating protocols like ASIO and DoP, which broadens its compatibility across audio systems.
The X26 III features Gustard’s GCLK-02 clock module, which is intended to maintain low jitter in digital signals, potentially enhancing output precision. For network connectivity, the DAC supports Roon, AirPlay, Spotify, and Tidal, along with DLNA and UPnP protocols, allowing integration with home networks for audio streaming and media server access.
The unit has a high-quality aluminum casing with a minimalist design that reduces electromagnetic interference, while the interchangeable Q-Lock Mini connector system offers flexibility with both standard 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm options. The power system includes dual toroidal transformers and isolated channels for digital and analog parts, aimed at minimizing interference and stabilizing power for high-resolution playback.
Overall, the Gustard X26 III DAC is equipped with multiple technologies and features aimed at achieving high-resolution audio playback and compatibility with a range of formats and streaming services.
Gustard X26 III stands out as the perfect choice for audiophiles who prioritize excellence and wish to maximize their audio experience. With its cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship, it ranks among the finest in its category, delivering sound that is not only realistic and detailed but also deeply emotive.
Technical characteristics of Gustard X26 III:
Digital input
- LAN Supported protocols: Roon, AirPlay, UPnP, NAA, Spotify (protocol configuration available on web page, online updates)
- LAN speed: 100/1000 Mbps
- 10M Clock (BNC): Input impedance 50 Ohm, 0 dBm – 20 dBm, CMOS square wave 0.2V-3.3V, sine wave 0.5V-3.3V
Analog output
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz / ±0.3dB
- Dynamic range: > 128 dB
- Signal to noise ratio: > 127 dB
- Channel Crosstalk: -132 dB @ 10 kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): ≤ 0.0001% @ 1 kHz
- Intermodulation Distortion (IMD): ≈ 0.001% @ -1 dBFS
- RCA output level: 2.5 Vrms (fixed volume)
- RCA output impedance: 100 Ohm
- XLR output level: 5.1 Vrms (fixed volume)
- XLR output impedance: 100 Ohm
- XLR Interface Definition: American Standard (1 ground, 2 hot, 3 cold)
Other parameters
- Power supply: AC115V/230V, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: < 25 W
- Dimensions: 330mm (W) x 260mm (D) x 65mm (H) (excluding protruding parts)
- Package size: 420mm x 360mm x 175mm
- Weight with packaging: 10 kg
- Voltage switching: 115V/220V (manual switch)
