This is a review and detailed measurements of the Gustard A18 Balanced Stereo DAC. It was kindly sent to me by shenzhenaudio. The A18 costs US $560.
The A18 is a bit distinctive in a very crowded market:
While I like the high-resolution display (nicer in person than in the above picture), I don't understand why the sample rate is highlighted in large letters rather than volume. On sample rate, I like to also see the bit depth. Maybe they can change the firmware in the future to fix these. Otherwise, the unit works and is easy to navigate.
I understand there is a newer version now with Toslink optical? If so, mine which was sent a couple of months ago doesn't have that:
Bluetooth is included as it has become standard in this price category.
Gustard A18 Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard via XLR Output terminals and USB input:
Distortion at -128 dB is well below threshold of audibility. Noise though is added enough to that to derate SINAD to below state of the art:
And zoomed:
So #12 in best of the best.
And here is RCA output performance:
Naturally there is more ground leakage reducing performance some.
Since the output is capable of going above nominal 2/4 volts, let's sweep and see how the performance varies:
Looks like best case performance is above nominal voltage so take advantage of that if your amp has low enough gain to allow it.
Dynamic range is excellent but again, shy of best of the best:
IMD test shows similar performance:
Here is our multitone:
And distortion vs frequency:
Linearity is perfect though:
Finally, a few filter types are provided:
Conclusions
Looks like the A18 aims at very high level of performance, stopping just shy of heroic efforts to squeeze down the last bit of noise and distortion. In return if my memory is serving me correctly, you save money compared to the ones that do go that extra inch. So you more choice of pricing and performance in the top bracket.
I am happy to recommend the Gustard A18 DAC.
-----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Enjoyed fantastic tasting apples and pears from our orchard with chocolate Fondue while watching a movie with my wife last night:
Could use some kind donations as always: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
The A18 is a bit distinctive in a very crowded market:
While I like the high-resolution display (nicer in person than in the above picture), I don't understand why the sample rate is highlighted in large letters rather than volume. On sample rate, I like to also see the bit depth. Maybe they can change the firmware in the future to fix these. Otherwise, the unit works and is easy to navigate.
I understand there is a newer version now with Toslink optical? If so, mine which was sent a couple of months ago doesn't have that:
Bluetooth is included as it has become standard in this price category.
Gustard A18 Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard via XLR Output terminals and USB input:
Distortion at -128 dB is well below threshold of audibility. Noise though is added enough to that to derate SINAD to below state of the art:
And zoomed:
So #12 in best of the best.
And here is RCA output performance:
Naturally there is more ground leakage reducing performance some.
Since the output is capable of going above nominal 2/4 volts, let's sweep and see how the performance varies:
Looks like best case performance is above nominal voltage so take advantage of that if your amp has low enough gain to allow it.
Dynamic range is excellent but again, shy of best of the best:
IMD test shows similar performance:
Here is our multitone:
And distortion vs frequency:
Linearity is perfect though:
Finally, a few filter types are provided:
Conclusions
Looks like the A18 aims at very high level of performance, stopping just shy of heroic efforts to squeeze down the last bit of noise and distortion. In return if my memory is serving me correctly, you save money compared to the ones that do go that extra inch. So you more choice of pricing and performance in the top bracket.
I am happy to recommend the Gustard A18 DAC.
-----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Enjoyed fantastic tasting apples and pears from our orchard with chocolate Fondue while watching a movie with my wife last night:
Could use some kind donations as always: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/