I can confirm, the H16 is also amazing. Very smooth and powerful, but not noisy. The remotes are actually in the package for every single part of the stack (Amp, DAC, Streamer) and can function with all of the devices
My X-16 arrived nearly two weeks ago and after nearly 60 hours of break-in and a learning curve to discover the devices proper settings and integration with my other equipment I must admit that this really is a sweet sounding device. Some reviews have pointed out lack of mid and deep bass which I have yet to experience. The mid bass has texture that you feel as well as hear and the low bass digs deep and has plenty of slam. At idle my system is as quiet as a tomb, which leads to a soundstage that has both width and depth. The MQA full unfold changes the character of the sound considerably but I am not sure that I would classify that it is improved over FLAC, just different. While I would not characterize the sound of the X-16 as a great leap forward from the single chip Sabre DAC internal to my Cocktail Audio server/streamer, it is certainly a noticeable improvement.
@@PortaFi You are welcome. There is something I neglected to add. I'm connecting to my streamer via USB. I upgraded the included USB cable with a $40 aftermarket cable of a well known brand and it made a whopping difference. I never before believed that USB cables could really make a difference but I was certainly WRONG!
I have Gustard x16 dac and fil audio Streamer. I connected the streamer to the dac with a USB cable. I also connected the Dac to my Klipsh the fives active speakers with an rca cable. When I turn on music from the Streamer app, there is no sound. The screen on the dac shows “dsd 24.5mhz” and does not change at all. There is no signal from the Streamer to the dac. What could be the reason? Does the USB not work? Is USB 2.0 depowered to carry a signal? Do I need to update my Gustard x16 dac?
Came here as I'm in a look for a new AKM chip based DAC, which are rare. Using AKM now in my surround receiver and I like it for its neutral, natural sound.
don t buy the x16 then, i have a A90 amp and the x16 and i don t really like it. My old modi 2 sound better. Maybe not as precise or clear, but it sound natural and the soundstage is huge. it wouldn t bother me if the soundstage was the same but since i lost soundstage with the x16 it feels like a downgrade to me. x16 use ess chip and the modi 2 use akm. I think i will be only satisfied if i buy a chord qutest but i will wait and try to appreciate the x16 for now.
I have this for few months. This is a analytical DAC with detailed high end. You will hear more at the treble. Bass quality is lesser for my liking. Good 3D soundstage with some MQA tracks. Great value for the money. If your system is lean warm sounding, this may be a good match.
Try using a higher quality USB cable than what was provided and be sure it it made from copper and not silver plated. I didn't go crazy and spent only $30 on a Pangea but it made a world of difference on bringing out mid and low bass.
X16 is slightly more focused on microcontrast and builds a bit bigger stage. but I won't call that a big advantage, as amp and headphones will play much bigger role in the setup
Text version of the review: porta.fi/gustard-x16-dac-review-the-child-of-modern-technology/
I can confirm, the H16 is also amazing. Very smooth and powerful, but not noisy.
The remotes are actually in the package for every single part of the stack (Amp, DAC, Streamer) and can function with all of the devices
thank you for a feedback! basically, buyer of H16 will get a spare remote :)
Gustard releasing some outstanding products in its lineup. Thanks for your review of this awesome DAC.
My pleasure!
My X-16 arrived nearly two weeks ago and after nearly 60 hours of break-in and a learning curve to discover the devices proper settings and integration with my other equipment I must admit that this really is a sweet sounding device. Some reviews have pointed out lack of mid and deep bass which I have yet to experience. The mid bass has texture that you feel as well as hear and the low bass digs deep and has plenty of slam. At idle my system is as quiet as a tomb, which leads to a soundstage that has both width and depth. The MQA full unfold changes the character of the sound considerably but I am not sure that I would classify that it is improved over FLAC, just different. While I would not characterize the sound of the X-16 as a great leap forward from the single chip Sabre DAC internal to my Cocktail Audio server/streamer, it is certainly a noticeable improvement.
thank you for sharing
@@PortaFi You are welcome. There is something I neglected to add. I'm connecting to my streamer via USB. I upgraded the included USB cable with a $40 aftermarket cable of a well known brand and it made a whopping difference. I never before believed that USB cables could really make a difference but I was certainly WRONG!
@@jerryr3652 cables name
@@sensaut6529 Pangea
Does the gustard x18 make an instantly recognizable audio difference compared to the Gustard x16?
thanks you.
Unfortunately I didn't test X18
Excelente DAC...
Me agrada su calidad
I have Gustard x16 dac and fil audio Streamer. I connected the streamer to the dac with a USB cable. I also connected the Dac to my Klipsh the fives active speakers with an rca cable. When I turn on music from the Streamer app, there is no sound. The screen on the dac shows “dsd 24.5mhz” and does not change at all. There is no signal from the Streamer to the dac. What could be the reason? Does the USB not work? Is USB 2.0 depowered to carry a signal? Do I need to update my Gustard x16 dac?
sorry, unfortunately I didn't test them together, so I can't say anything useful. maybe you can ask this on head-fi.org as they have a huge audience
I have Klipsch the fives speakers. How do I connect this dac to my speaker for the best sound?
Connect them to the line out. In this case X16 will work as a pure DAC, and speakers will use their own amplifier
Came here as I'm in a look for a new AKM chip based DAC, which are rare. Using AKM now in my surround receiver and I like it for its neutral, natural sound.
as AKM's factory burnt, in near future their chips will be rare guests in new products
don t buy the x16 then, i have a A90 amp and the x16 and i don t really like it. My old modi 2 sound better. Maybe not as precise or clear, but it sound natural and the soundstage is huge. it wouldn t bother me if the soundstage was the same but since i lost soundstage with the x16 it feels like a downgrade to me. x16 use ess chip and the modi 2 use akm. I think i will be only satisfied if i buy a chord qutest but i will wait and try to appreciate the x16 for now.
I have this for few months. This is a analytical DAC with detailed high end. You will hear more at the treble. Bass quality is lesser for my liking. Good 3D soundstage with some MQA tracks. Great value for the money. If your system is lean warm sounding, this may be a good match.
Thanks for sharing!
Try using a higher quality USB cable than what was provided and be sure it it made from copper and not silver plated. I didn't go crazy and spent only $30 on a Pangea but it made a world of difference on bringing out mid and low bass.
Another great review,,just leaving feedback as i hear it helps with the TH-cam algorithm..
Thanks for that!
Great! Thanks for your time
My pleasure!
Between this and smsl do200 which is better? Thanks
X16 is slightly more focused on microcontrast and builds a bit bigger stage. but I won't call that a big advantage, as amp and headphones will play much bigger role in the setup
A little to much chit chat- maybe be more precise / sharp ...
Thank you for suggestion, but it's basically a way I like to do that. It's just a hobby for me, so I'm doing that in a "freestyle" form