{"product_id":"gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac","title":"GUSTARD X18 ES9038PRO Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlagship Desktop DAC \u0026amp; MQA Decoder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe X18 is a high-end desktop DAC designed for listeners who want transparent, detailed digital-to-analog conversion with advanced features. Featuring the ESS ES9038PRO DAC, XMOS USB processor, and ultra-low-jitter clocking, it delivers native hi-res playback, full MQA decoding, and even Bluetooth streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support. With balanced XLR and RCA outputs, a clear OLED display, and a remote, it integrates seamlessly into both single-ended and balanced setups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eESA‑Level Conversion with ESS ES9038PRO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe central feature is the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, a premium DAC chip renowned for low distortion and wide dynamic range. Paired with independent AOP OPA1612 I\/V converters and precision resistors, the result is exceptional clarity and channel separation. \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003ePrecision USB Handling with XMOS XU216\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe 16‑core XMOS XU216 USB interface decodes PCM up to 32‑bit\/768 kHz and native DSD512 via USB or I²S. This dedicated processor ensures stable, jitter‑free handling of high‑resolution streams. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPLD-Based Clocking \u0026amp; Jitter Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAn onboard Altera CPLD manages clock distribution, PLL, DoP decoding, and digital filtering. Alongside dual Accusilicon femtosecond crystals, it minimizes jitter—offering some of the lowest THD+N and highest SINAD performance measured. \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eMQA \u0026amp; High‑Res Bluetooth Connectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFully certified for MQA decoding over USB, AES, coax, optical, and I²S inputs. Bluetooth 5.0 support includes LDAC, aptX HD\/LL, aptX, SBC, and AAC, letting you stream high-resolution content wirelessly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eBalanced, Versatile Outputs \u0026amp; Intuitive Interface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOffering both XLR (5 V RMS) and RCA (2.5 V RMS) outputs, the X18 integrates smoothly into balanced or single‑ended setups. A front OLED display with remote and volume knob allows precise control and up to seven PCM \u0026amp; four DSD filter options .\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eProduct highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eES9038PRO flagship DAC with discrete AOP I\/V stage\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eXMOS XU216 USB receiver: PCM768 \/ native DSD512\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAltera CPLD + dual Accusilicon clocks for ultra‑low jitter\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFull MQA decoding via multiple digital inputs\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBluetooth 5.0: LDAC, aptX HD\/LL, aptX, AAC, SBC\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI²S input via HDMI, USB-B, AES, coax, optical\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnalog outputs: XLR (5 V RMS), RCA (2.5 V RMS)\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eManageable via OLED, remote, or front volume knob\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMultiple PCM \u0026amp; DSD digital filters, NOS mode\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVoltage selectable 115\/230 VAC; AC inlet\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDigital Inputs: USB‑B, I²S‑HDMI, AES\/EBU, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSampling Rates: PCM up to 32‑bit\/768 kHz; DSD512 native; MQA\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDAC Chip: ESS ES9038PRO\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUSB Processor: XMOS XU216, 16‑core\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClocking: Dual Accusilicon A5318-B femto clocks, Altera CPLD\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnalog Outputs: Balanced XLR 5 V; SE RCA 2.5 V\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD\/LL, aptX, AAC, SBC\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDigital Filters: 7× PCM, 4× DSD; NOS mode\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDisplay \u0026amp; Control: OLED screen, front knob, remote\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.08 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePower: 115\/230 VAC switchable\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensions: 220 × 170 × 50 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight: 2.5 kg w\/ packaging \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGustard X18 DAC unit\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIEC power cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUSB‑B cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIR remote control\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBluetooth antenna\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUser manual \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatured reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xDvFGCbo7-E?si=6W2d22nQ0Xx69OQI\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"As transparent and detailed as some of the best DACs I've ever heard.\" -SoundNews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gustard","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":46866219794607,"sku":"APS-1075-1","price":749.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":46866219827375,"sku":"APS-1075-2","price":749.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/6415\/2239\/files\/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357915_fa72f23b-2733-4bfc-9388-bf40e8fe173e.webp?v=1777716346","url":"https:\/\/freshized.com\/products\/gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac","provider":"Freshized","version":"1.0","type":"link"}