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Post by julesd68 on Jul 28, 2024 21:52:55 GMT
I didn't want to mess up John's Aurender thread so thought I would start a separate thread on the X30. Here's an interesting if not very detailed review, don't know if this is the one Damien was referring to. In a nutshell it suggests the X30 has a serious streaming section and doesn't respond to an external clock like the R26. Could be s good "all in one" solution for some. There are some A/B comparisons here. audiophileshop.com.au/blogs/news/review-gustard-x30-dac-streamerGustard X30 Vs. Gustard R26 Sound Quality: The X30 delivers a smoother, more refined sound compared to the R26. While the R26 is an excellent DAC, the X30 takes it a step further with its detailed and natural presentation. The tonal balance of the X30 is impeccable, making it a joy to listen to for extended periods. Streaming Capabilities: The X30’s streaming section is particularly impressive. In blind A/B tests comparing direct LAN streaming to I2S input from our Soundaware D300 Reference, the differences were indistinguishable. The R26, while competent, does not quite match the seamless integration and performance of the X30 in this area. External Clock Integration: When testing with an external clock, the X30 showed minor improvements, but not as significant as the R26. This indicates that the X30’s internal clock is already highly optimized, reducing the need for an external clock to achieve peak performance. |
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Post by John on Jul 29, 2024 4:55:15 GMT
Thanks Jules
I have seriously been thinking about Damien suggestion.
What I loved about Martin system when I last heard it was how realistic it was. I have always dismissed the sabre based chips up to that point. Hearing the EOS only confirmed that the sabre is indeed a good chip.
I have kind of dismissed the X30 mostly I thought its streaming side would not be so good.
I need to do a lot of thinking the X30 with the N18 switch would only be adding one box and is not a deal breaker for me.
I wish the review talked a bit more about the difference between the X30 without a clock compared to the R26 with a clock, as liked the R26 with a clock.
To be honest this is more in the budget I was hoping to spend.
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Tobias
Rank: Quartet
Posts: 320
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Post by Tobias on Aug 5, 2024 8:45:19 GMT
Thanks for this mini review.
I noticed one of the first YT reviews are now out also, which basically seem to come to similar conclusions:
He even claims it holds its own against the Chord Dave, which i found interesting.
I have sort of a complicated question now when trying to understand which DAC to buy.
As of today I am very happy with my digital noise floor, going out from my streamer (See my signature). I now understand the logic and how extremely important it is to clean up that signal into the DAC and i will probably do even more on that end, since it is very rewarding.
Now to my question: Gustard is often said to have a good ethernet input/sound. But i must admit that I am a bit skeptical to how much you can lower that noise floor when "everything" is cramped into one box? As good as it is (I understand that it is amazing for the money) but do you think it will reach its noise floor limits earlier than some more "focused" DAC´s, that doesn´t do streaming, if really focusing hard on the noise aspects (from both ethernet and mains point of view)?
I understand that this might be a hard question to answer but any sort of view from anyone that is into this, and has tried things in this area, would be very welcome.
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Post by John on Aug 5, 2024 9:09:15 GMT
I did try the built in R26 streamer functions but at the time it didn't do what I wanted (this was when the R26 was first released). I think it got better but never tried again.
From it's design it lacks the separate ps for the streamer and built in lan isolation.
I think as a DAC you would have a really good DAC and with the odd tweak would be pretty amazing.
I know this doesn't help so hopefully someone else with more knowledge around the streamer can help.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 7, 2024 12:09:01 GMT
I've been reading the SoundNews review of the X30 and its technology is very interesting. What I really appreciate is Gustard further upping the game from the X26 Pro, in my view a true giant killer. I had despaired that they were going to continue down the R26 (R2R) or A26 (AKM) route, but they are sticking with the ESS chipset, which is great news for me as I would not be prepared to lose the attributes that the ESS does so well, particularly dynamics and bass*. Those others are just not for me. This time the ES9039 Pro in quad format are used, quite some circuit topology. They retain the K-2 clock synthesiser (good) and now include an OCXO clock (good). They also retain their own digital filters, which are better than the stock ESS ones. Dual transformers, separating the analogue from digital power, are also retained. Looking at the photos, it's massive and makes the X26 Pro look diminutive. Well, I don't exactly need a new DAC (the X26 Pro continues to sound outstanding), but the X30 simply must be on my shopping list for the future. soundnews.net/reviews/sources/dacs/gustard-x30-dac-review-the-quintessential-delta-sigma-dac/* EDIT: I should have added soundstage, which is also superb. I believe most X26 Pro owners have left their digital filter set the Vivid, which is Linear Phase, with a highly etched sound and not well developed soundstage. They should really try the Gentle setting, a silly name for Minimum Phase filter. This resolves a far wider and deeper soundstage and really allows the X26 Pro to punch even while it sets the music in a huge acoustic space. |
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Post by John on Aug 7, 2024 13:18:04 GMT
I think you have done a lot of work to get the X26 Pro to get to the level you are now. However the X30 seems like the logical step forward for you.
The Ideon EOS is the best Sabre based DAC I heard (fluidity, timbre, with every note having purpose and clout). But at a premium price.
To be honest I think Gustard have a clear route towards model range. Sabre,R2R and AKM. I imagine two more DACs in this range over the next year or so.
I no longer have a infrastructure (Sabre, R2R and AKM) bias, instead I see it as about good implementation.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 7, 2024 14:12:43 GMT
Oh no, this is a showstopper for me:
Why on Earth did Gustard give up the perfectly transparent ESS 32-bit digital volume control for a stupid passive relay setup? His description of its lack of control of the drivers is exactly what every passive I've ever heard does. My X26 Pro's grunty output drives my power amp with grip and control.
Damn, looks like I'll be looking elsewhere when the time comes.
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Post by nicholas on Aug 7, 2024 14:38:12 GMT
Subtract the passive preamp, OCXO clock and streamer then sell what remains for ~$1500 and I'm all aboard.
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 7, 2024 15:58:48 GMT
Agreed.
Well spotted Martin. I would never want to go back to using some kind of pre if at all possible.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 7, 2024 16:10:14 GMT
Subtract the passive preamp, OCXO clock and streamer then sell what remains for ~$1500 and I'm all aboard. Agreed! |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 1, 2024 20:57:03 GMT
This review describes the circuit well. I just wish it didn't have that passive output volume.
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Post by Markedly on Oct 4, 2024 8:40:49 GMT
As the happy owner of an R26 I'm watching this with interest. I've never heard the X26 Pro, but do cherish the tonality and musicality of my R26 - and it was a significant improvement over its predecessor, a Denafrips Pontus 12th.
My current setup is an R26 with an AfterDark King clock feeding its 10MHz input. Adding this clock added a HUGE uplift to the sound quality (despite having had to remove the clock from the upstream Uptone EtherRegen) so much so that I'm wondering to what extent the X30's DAC is little more than an X26 Pro with an added semi-decent internal OCXO. I would certainly expect my certified King (-140dB at 10Hz) to be better than the X30's internal - which, now I think of it, could vary significantly in quality between X30 instances. I'd be very interested to hear if anyone has compared an X26 Pro with a high quality clock attached, to the X30 (with and without external clock).
Mark
(As a side note, I might also add that plugging my Gustard directly into my QSA Red mains wall plate, rather than my Isotek mains bar, lifted the sound quality almost as much as adding the clock - highly recommended)
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Post by John on Oct 4, 2024 8:52:17 GMT
It sounds like you have a good setup and would get just marginal gains with the upgrade you suggest. Why not get the Sonroe power supply instead. I was amazed the difference it made to Martin T ckock
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Post by Markedly on Oct 4, 2024 8:59:22 GMT
Thanks for the suggestion. However, I already have a Plixir Elite LPS with their statement power cable, plus a decent semi-rigid coax from Cybershaft for the 10MHz signal.
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Post by MartinT on Oct 4, 2024 9:03:11 GMT
Why not get the Sonroe power supply instead. I was amazed the difference it made to Martin T ckock Just a correction: they are Uptone JS-2 power supplies . |
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Post by MikeMusic on Nov 5, 2024 14:51:21 GMT
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Post by nicholas on Nov 5, 2024 19:56:16 GMT
Reviewers seem to agree that the X30 is a special DAC. My experience with one for the last several weeks bears this out.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Nov 5, 2024 19:59:42 GMT
So what's your view Nick, compared to your last device?
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Post by nicholas on Nov 5, 2024 20:31:39 GMT
Well, Damien, my last three DACs have been all Gustard's starting with the X26Pro, R26 then X30. The X26 Pro did everything particularly well in my main system and remains in the system in my office. I enjoyed my brief experience with the R26 but it is roosting in the cupboard for now having finished in third place.
My experience with the X30 is consistent with all of the glowing reviews. It leaves me with a feeling of how can it get much better?
The X30 is clearly a testament to the evolution of the Gustard brand as they begin to take on high end performance... and at a price that is within reach.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Nov 5, 2024 21:57:26 GMT
Many thanks Nick, it's always good to hear other TAS members opinions. The X30 certainly picking up some good reviews.
l love my R26, but had to do many mods, and in truth, transformed it. Still l love that side of the hobby, l guess l'm waiting on the R30... then l'll do all the mods again 🤣
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