number 6
Reviewed in Japan on February 22, 2025
North Star DesignのSupremoを使っていたのですが、メーカーサイトがなくなってドライバがダウンロードできなくなったため、買い換える対象を探していました。秋葉原のお店を回っても現物が存在せず試聴できなかったので、YouTubeで比較して決定しました。購入後も同様ですが結論としてはSupremoの買い替え先としてはこのDAC以外にはありえない。Supremoでは高域が荒れる現象があったのですが、それが一切無くなっているので、ロックなどの荒っぽい曲でも安心して聴くことができるようになりました。Supremoの荒れる感じはそれはそれで好きだったのですが、実は苦痛にも感じていて疲れる要因になっていた。それに気が付きませんでした。ここまで音の内容が解析的に聴ける場合、聴こえすぎて苦しくなることが多いのですが、なぜかまったく苦しい要素がないです。逆にあまりにも音の表現が安定しているため、意図的に丸めているのではないかという疑念が発生します。このため、もっと突っ込んで聴く必要が出てきてしまい、ケーブルを注文しています。ロックとか激しい曲にはメチャクチャに向いていると思います。同時に多数の音が入っている複雑な曲を聴くと発見がある。曲全体の見通しがよくなるので、構成がわかるようになります。オーディオの音が好きで DSDを聴く人、特にロックを聴く人は今自由にできるお金があったら全員購入したほうがいいくらいの価値はある。というかたぶんこの価格帯だと他に選択の余地がない気がする。なぜか115Vに昇圧すると動作しません。100Vに対応済みなのかも?
Sean Wan
Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2025
Love it very much, great sound stage, and very musical
Firestarter
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
I use the streamer and dac parts; not the preamp. Signal goes to primaluna preamp, denefrips thallo power amp, then revel f228be speakers. Sound quality and sound stage are a huge improvements over previous cambridge audio cxn v2 and denafrips pontus ii 12th-1. I am very happy.I had to get roon server set up on my synology nas to be able to stream qobuz content. There are other roon server options, but using my existing synology was the cheapest for me to do it. You need to have some level of network competence to make this work.It took some trial and error with roon setting and x30 setting to get the great sound. It was worth it.Also, tidal connect does not work with x30. Roon server works great.Aoshida audio sent the x30 very fast. I was surprised ar the speed. They also sent me qn english language user manual and roon bridge set up guide.
jody armour
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
I upgraded from the Gustard X-26 (which was already very good) to the Gustard X-30 and the difference is remarkable—sound stage, detail, clarity, it’s all there!Very pleased
Dunring
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2025
My Google photos library has over 15,000 photos of audio equipment I've bought over the years (average 10 per item). Had a chance to own much of what's on the market. The first impression on this as a DAC was I wish all DACs could sound like this, and also they finally outdid the X26Pro. It's expensive, but the instrument separation and sound stage is that "holography" that people talk about, but few ever get a chance to hear. The streamer portion is fine, just like the other streamers I have. Those four 9039Pro chips all working together is the star of the show though.Stuff I have like the Burson Conductor 3 compete with the X26Pro, but this X30 is in a different class on it's own. It's huge and expensive, but doesn't generate as much heat as the X26Pro since the 9039Pro chips are more efficient on power than previous versions. If you get one, get a USB optical cable at the same time. The silent noise floor from an optical cable is noticeable on this, and easy to run a long length if needed (I use 15ft and 33ft).
GWhizz
Reviewed in Australia on April 19, 2025
It's a very good DAC. Ideally, your set-up should be above $20K AUD, to flush out the improvement over other DACs in the sub-$2k category. Strength is that you'll get a +1 to 2 db in the mid-range and highs.....leading to a more forward sounding presentation. It will clean up the sound signature across the board, including tighter and more controlled bass notes. Because the DAC can play music very cleanly, you'll be seeking hi-res files to listen. It plays older or poorly recorded tracks at similar levels to sub-$2k dacs. I found the $2k dacs, eg. Gustard A26 and R2R, to be more relaxing because slightly lessor details, still very clean but less details. I honestly Gustard has pushed the boundaries as far possible in Dac manufacturing ....anymore, the DAC will be fatiguing and analytical.Hope this helps in your search.Lastly, yes, this amp will scale with your system and budget. therefore future proof your DAC component.
Chevyt1963
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
This is the fourth DAC I’ve owned and the most expensive. With that said, it’s also the most musical. If sound clarity, 3D stereo imaging, and concert like liveliness are important to you while listening to your digital content, consider purchasing this DAC.When I first played the unit I thought I purchased a dud, but like the other reviewer stated it required a little burn-in time. I played music through the DAC for about 8 hours the first day and left the unit on until the next morning and did the same thing. On third day, late in the evening the DAC began to open up and the music just stretched out before me. At last, my stereo began sending beautiful music to my speakers. Each day after that has brought joy to my ears. I’m hearing my CD collection (by the way, most of which I’ve owned since the late 80s) like it’s the first time. Keep in mind, bad recordings are still bad, but they have a wider soundstage and articulation. However, great recordings will make you smile. There is a presence a realism that exists that is almost tangible.To stream music I am using the Apple air play that is in the DAC to stream Qobuz via WiFi and my Apple device. The sound quality is still limited by the quality of the recording but is still very musical. In the near future I would like to add a music streamer and CD transport through I2S.This leads me to my only concern with the DAC—I2S compatibility. At the moment there is no industry standard for this format so each manufacturer that uses I2S is kinda doing their own thing. So, finding a component that offers what you want and also syncs with your device may not be easily done. Gustard offers their I2S standard plus four others that can be used to couple your DAC with other manufacturers’ digital devices. At the moment I have not found a compatible match. So why use I2S? I believe I2S will allow me to use my DAC to its fullest potential. That’s why I spent so much to get this DAC I want to hear my music through its four Chips and OCXO clock and this can only be done through I2S and USB. However, I2S is my preferred method. So the search continues.Over all I am fully impressed with this DAC and I am happy to own it. I Hope this review helps you in your great sound journey.I paired this DAC with my Parasound JC5 amp, PrimaLuna EVO 400 pre, Panasonic UBP 9000, and Martin Logan Source speakers.
Roberto G.
Reviewed in Italy on November 30, 2024
Ottima qualità audio. Usato solo come (non come pre). Involucro e funzioni essenziali.
Gene K.
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
One of the best DACs I have ever owned. First class build and sound. Buy one. Woo-Hoo! (That’s the sound Prairie Dogs make when they’re excited. According to 23 and Me, I’m 1% Prairie Dog!)
Meow
Reviewed in Canada on October 26, 2024
Really nice dac, there’s nothing negative that comes to mind… really great resolution, separation is just as amazing, and it feels super stable regardless of what you shoot at it. Amazing for music, great for movies, and games are super immersive.I’m mostly using hd800s and I can no longer complain about them feeling too sharp, without EQ.Doubt i would ever upgrade past this.