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Showing 1 of 21 conversations about:
Gustard X16 MQA DAC
The4thaggie
80
Jul 26, 2021
I bought this to be a second SMSL M500 type experience but with I2S. M500 had been my long-term favorite DAC for well over a tear. I was slightly disappointed in the sense of it being an "improvement" but it is definitely a solid and great sounding DAC. I still think the SMSL M500 is more resolving but not enough to discourage someone from the X16. The ASR measurements don't exactly translate into what my ears were telling me. I generally pair saber DACs with warmer amps to find a nice balance. Usually warmer class A or full bore OTL tubes.
I use it in my office at work now that I have a Gungnir MB in my main rack. Paired to the Rebel amp it does fairly well. I'm rather picky with my Verite Closed and TH909s. Rebel had lost face with me when I got the SA-1 but it seems to pair really well with this DAC. I dug out the Rebel because my 789 makes music utterly soulless on anything that isn't an AKM DAC.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in this DAC. I've had it for several months and it's been solid. It adds the convenience of bluetooth and the addition of IS2 so you can hook something up like a Pi2AES or alternative DDC. I also just run it off USB on a Macbook Pro now and it's silent.
deadmeat
11
Oct 21, 2021
The4thaggieHi, is it possible, to create a tv setup with this dac ? Hdmi -> x16 -> pair of active monitors ?
slugman
69
Dec 5, 2021
deadmeatBy itself no, you cannot connect HDMI directly to the I2S input on the X16.
However, it looks like it is possible with the help of an HDMI to I2s converter https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/digital-interface-hdmi-mhl-to-i2s-coaxial-optical-p-13419.html (also available on aliexpress/ebay). FYI I2S pinout is not standardized across manufacturers so some experimentation with the jumpers will likely be involved in getting this to work with the X16.
FYI your mileage may vary depending on your application. I read some reports of success from psuadio forum users, however some reviewers on aliexpress reported lack of success. Per the EP92A3E specs, decoder is capable of 8 channel IIS/DSD output though which is intriguing.
EDIT: forgot to answer the active monitor part. You'll want a preamp (or amp with preamp function i.e. A90).
(Edited)
deadmeat
11
Dec 5, 2021
slugmanThank you very much. Though I've already refused idea of monitors as a TV speakers. Your detailed and informative reply is highly appreceated. This is very rare case in our days. Thanks again for your reply and good luck.
P.S. Just curiosity, if monitors have built-in amplifier, they still need a pre-amp outside ?
slugman
69
Dec 7, 2021
deadmeatYeah man no problem. In regards to needing a pre-amp, connecting your dac directly to your powered monitors would work it just may not drive them fully. It really depends on your amplifiers input sensitivity (or in your case the amp on your studio monitors). Having a headphone amp with pre-amp function would solve this problem, but it may be overkill for your use case. Read the following ASR post for more info https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dac-as-preamp.14258/
Also, forgive my previous post. I've been doing way too much reading on I2s and was focused on that. The simplest way to get HDMI audio to your dac is to use an HDMI audio extractor. I actually have the following adapter and can confirm--it works great! I use it to get PCM audio directly from my Nintendo Switch into my DAC via SPIDF. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B07BHYXVTY
deadmeat
11
Dec 8, 2021
slugmanCan I make an advice ? There is a third option considering HDMI. Speakers with built-in HDMI port. As an example Magnat Monitor Reference 2A. Though HDMI extractor is also an option.
slugman
69
Dec 9, 2021
deadmeatNice. I had no idea that monitors implemented this functionality. As long as your tv has HDMI ARC, this would certainly be an option. First time I heard of this on a monitor. Seems like a pretty decent price for monitors too, I'm going to have to find some reviews.
deadmeat
11
Dec 9, 2021
slugmanI can be worng. It seems to me these are not monitors. In the meaning that not for studio use but for home use. Despite of it's naming )))))))))
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