* Disclaimer: OveReview is reader-supported. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases
Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)

Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)

Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)
$ 499.99

Score By Feature

Based on 36 ratings
Value for money
9.32
Sound quality
9.31
Volume control
8.68

OveReview Final Score

How Our Score Is Calculated

Product Description

Technology is supported by the GUSTARD DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC. Use 2 ESS company's latest SABRE series dual-channel fever audio DA chip ES9068AS, this chip built-in Renderer hardware renderer function audio DA chip, can directly process SPDIF and I2S input first stage decoded digital audio signal, Reduce the external control signal interference when the DAC is working, so that you can get the best playback.
The USB processing module of the GUSTARD DAC-X16 uses the USB Audio dedicated chip XMOS XU216, which supports up to 384K, DSD512, and PCM768K.
Bluetooth version 5. 0 DAC: The GUSTARD DAC-X16 has a Bluetooth chip (CSR8675) that supports Bluetooth 5. LDAC, AAC, SBC, and APTX are some of the audio formats that 0 supports.
GUSTARD DAC-X16 uses a CPLD programmable logic chip to build digital integrated circuits with logic functions on their own, as well as clock management, 2nd PLL digital shaping, Dop demodulation, PCM/DSD depop Switch, and other proprietary technologies. Build a strong foundation for high-quality audio.
X16 Multiple Interfaces: The GUSTARD DAC-X16 is a fully balanced decoder with USB/I2S/COAX/OPT/BT/AES input and two output modes: single-ended RCA output and balanced XLR input. It's a fully balanced decoder in every way.

Questions & Answers

Is it possible to use this with Thx 789? Thank you very much. ?

Sure. For the best results, use a mixture of inputs.

Is there a remote control included with this Dac?

Yes. The following are included in the package: 1*DAC- X16; 1 x AC Cable 1 USB cable is included. 1*Remote Control; 2*Remote Control; 3*Remote Control; 1*Antenna for Bluetooth.

Is it capable of decoding dsd streaming via HDMI from a Sony Blu-ray player?

No, it doesn't work that way. If the file is DSD read from a hard drive, you can use the optical option, which in many Sony players will send a 178Khz Pcm signal. That sounds promising.

Selected User Reviews For Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)

What's new with you, DAC? What's going on here is the DAC
5/5

Specs are quite stunning. After having bad luck with the SMSL M400 and the Topping X30, I decided to go with the slightly more expensive Gustard X16 after reading Audio Science's glowing review. This DAC includes two ESS ES9068AS chips with built-in MQA bitstream hardware decoding. I believe internet spies were watching my purchase because I received an offer for a few months of Tidal HiFi with MQA implementation the next day. br>br>After listening to a few Tidal songs, my Gustard display displayed MQA in large letters. The sound is, however, the best part. br>br> I've previously used the DACs listed above (all under $300) as well as an Oppo H2 and my Marantz receiver DACs. br>br>I've been spoiled by the Gustard. The sound is incredibly detailed and natural. The Topping and SMSL were detailed, but there was a harsh edge to them that didn't make them enjoyable to listen to for long periods of time. br>br>In general- a keeper.

Harrison Rubio
Harrison Rubio
| May 05, 2021
Performance of the highest caliber
5/5

It's a performance that's on par with the best in the world. After installing the driver, it immediately recognized and matched the DSD PCM and MQA sampling rates of the source material from my Windows 10 laptop, and it played them flawlessly. This smoked my $2500 focal arche head amp, and it doesn't have any of the playback issues (I'm using foobar2000). Keep in mind that for ISO and DSD playback, you'll need to install the ASIO and SACD foobar components. This is a really cute little item. To make an informed purchase, read the Audio Science Review. It is at the top of the performance and SINAD charts. Cheers.

Blaire Keith
Blaire Keith
| Dec 23, 2021
Not intended for high-end audio, but suitable for small-scale systems
3/5

These small-scale (small-size) DACs with low-power supplies lack the scale, bass, and dynamics required for use in full-scale audio systems, regardless of whether they are used with or without a separate preamplifier. Despite the fact that the source, decoding, and all other technology are all excellent, the output stage and power supply are limiting factors. Aside from that, this is a very resolving DAC with a lot of features that is good for small scale systems (headphones), but it is not a replacement for a real DAC with a reliable power supply and proper output stage. Their x26pro appears to be one step in the right direction. All of these incredible specifications are based on low signal levels (such as dynamic range). In the room, you won't get anywhere near the stated dynamic range. Perhaps a flea-free environment. headphones with a lot of weight.

Jonah Matthews
Jonah Matthews
| Apr 13, 2021
This DAC is incredible
5/5

I would not hesitate to recommend this DAC to anyone because it is well built and produces a wonderful pure sound while remaining completely silent. It lives up to the reviews and is reasonably priced. The customer service is excellent, and the product is shipped quickly and safely. If I had one suggestion, it would be to improve the display and make it more readable from afar, as some of the other reviewers have suggested. It's not an issue if you keep the X16 close to you, but it's difficult to see what's on the screen if your stack is far away. The remote is easy to use, and the manual volume wheel provides accurate physical feedback. Runs quietly, Bluetooth works flawlessly, and there have been no problems with DSD playback to date.

Curtis Garrison
Curtis Garrison
| Nov 01, 2021
A fantastic digital audio converter
5/5

This is an excellent device for making music'sparkle. ' The X-ray machine is what I use. As a pre-teen, you should be 16 years old. amp. USB- balanced XLR-in from my laptop, then out to a pair of 300 watt monoblocks, then to an older set of Martin Logan electrostatics I've never heard imaging and soundstage like this before, thanks to the DAC. br>br>This is a game for the money. changer.

Aurora Costello
Aurora Costello
| May 25, 2021
For the price, it appears to be reasonable
5/5

I tested all of the inputs, including the I2S, with Dsd files, flacs, and other formats. Everything works perfectly, and the sound quality is excellent.

Raquel Frey
Raquel Frey
| Jan 14, 2021
DAC is amazing
5/5

DAC is amazing. The best value for money. With MQA, he's gone back to spending hours listening to music!.

Kenji Manning
Kenji Manning
| Jun 01, 2021
Nice Dac
5/5

It sounds fantastic.

Mikayla Wolfe
Mikayla Wolfe
| Oct 25, 2021

Related Products For Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA 384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)