Gustard
Gustard X26III Dual ES9039SPRO DAC, Network Streamer
Best high-end DAC for audiophiles seeking uncompromising digital sound quality.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Gustard X26III, a premium DAC and network streamer. It boasts dual ES9039SPRO flagship DAC chips, dedicating one to each channel for exceptional separation and clarity. Independent power supplies and grounding ensure a pristine signal path. Enjoy high-resolution playback up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, with full MQA decoding and a built-in DSP digital filter for enhanced noise reduction. The integrated network streamer offers versatile connectivity for all your digital audio needs.
$1599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
83
/ 489
#83 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
DAC Chipset
9039
/ Dual ESSPRO
Who it's for
- Purists prioritizing precise timing and an expansive, jitter-free soundstage
- Audiophiles demanding uncompromising sonic clarity and channel separation
- Listeners seeking a streamlined, all-in-one high-resolution streaming solution
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited shelf space or poor ventilation setups
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range pricing
- Users who prioritize seamless, feature-rich software and app integration
Performance breakdown
Signal Fidelity
Dual flagship chips deliver industry-leading clarity and near-zero distortion.
Resolution Support
Handles massive PCM and DSD files with effortless technical precision.
Clock Stability
FPGA management ensures jitter-free timing for a rock-solid soundstage.
Streaming Versatility
Integrated network capabilities simplify high-end digital playback for modern setups.
Channel Separation
Dedicated DAC chips per channel provide an incredibly wide, immersive image.
Noise Floor
Independent power architecture keeps the background silent and the music vivid.
Key Specs
DAC Chipset
Dual ES9039SPRO
USB Interface
XMOS XU216
Maximum PCM Sample Rate
768 kHz
Maximum DSD Support
DSD512
Supported Bit Depths
16, 24, 32-bit
Connectivity
Network
Synchronization Sources
Local clock source, External 10MHz clock signal
Color Options
Silver or Black
Features
- Dual flagship ES9039SPRO DACs for superior channel separation
- Integrated network streamer for versatile digital audio playback
- Supports high-resolution PCM 768kHz and DSD512
- Full MQA decoding capability for studio-quality sound
- DSP digital filter for advanced noise reduction
- Independent power supplies and grounding for pristine audio
- FPGA clock management for stable, precise timing
- Flexible clock synchronization options
What customers say
The Gustard X26III earns exceptional praise for its reference grade sonic performance. Listeners consistently report surgical detail and an inky black background, showcasing extremely low noise and high resolution. The dual ES9039SPRO chips deliver a vast, three dimensional soundstage with precise imaging and effortless dynamics. Reviewers appreciate the neutral yet highly musical presentation, noting the absence of harshness often associated with older designs. Furthermore, the robust physical build quality reinforces the premium feel, justifying the investment. This DAC offers performance that genuinely competes with much more expensive units, establishing it as a standout choice for top tier digital audio conversion.
Know before you buy
By dedicating one flagship chip to each audio channel, the X26III achieves superior channel separation and a wider soundstage. This configuration minimizes crosstalk, resulting in cleaner, more precise audio reproduction.
Yes, the X26III supports flexible clock synchronization. You can use the internal high-precision FPGA clock management or connect an external 10MHz clock signal for even greater timing accuracy.
Yes, it features full MQA decoding capabilities, allowing you to unfold and play back MQA-encoded files at their intended studio-quality resolution.
The unit supports high-resolution audio up to 768kHz for PCM files and up to DSD512 for DSD files, ensuring compatibility with virtually all high-fidelity digital formats.
The built-in network streamer allows you to integrate the DAC directly into your home network for versatile digital playback. This eliminates the need for a separate streaming bridge, simplifying your signal chain.
The X26III utilizes independent power supplies and grounding for each section of the circuitry. This design choice isolates sensitive audio components from electrical noise, resulting in a lower noise floor and a more pristine signal path.
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$1599