beerandmusic Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 Which has better measurements? Which has better usb noise isolation ? Which has better power supply? Do either do hardware upsampling or rely on player to upsample? how do the 2 compare in subjective listening? Anything out there in same price range that should be on the shortlist? Link to comment
Popular Post giordy60 Posted May 28, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted May 28, 2020 the a-18 is not yet on the market ...... it is difficult at the moment to make a comparison .... davide256, 4est and johndoe21ro 1 2 sistema: Server HDPlex (i7-6700-WS2016) HQPlayer con Ramdisk + HQPDcontrol > Macmini (roon core+Qobuz) o HQPlayer Client + Qobuz > HDPlex NAA (celeron G1840T-WS2016) NAD con Ramdisk, o miniPC Fitlet con immagine di Miska > Denafrips Ares2 , SPLvolume2 > Monitor KH+sub Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted May 28, 2020 Author Share Posted May 28, 2020 1 hour ago, giordy60 said: the a-18 is not yet on the market ...... it is difficult at the moment to make a comparison .... Ok thanks..i saw it here, and just went back and looked and just noticed "presale"... looks like a great price though for it's feature set (including balanced, linear power supply, femto clocks, and other components used). https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/gustard-dac-a18-ak4499-balanced-dac-lme49860-6-decoder-with-remote-control Link to comment
giordy60 Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 oh yes ...... interesting product at a very good price next month it should be marketed. sistema: Server HDPlex (i7-6700-WS2016) HQPlayer con Ramdisk + HQPDcontrol > Macmini (roon core+Qobuz) o HQPlayer Client + Qobuz > HDPlex NAA (celeron G1840T-WS2016) NAD con Ramdisk, o miniPC Fitlet con immagine di Miska > Denafrips Ares2 , SPLvolume2 > Monitor KH+sub Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 17, 2020 Author Share Posted June 17, 2020 I just bought the gustard a18 It's the lowest price DAC that supports DSD with an LPS that measures "well". Sports the new ak4499 chips In all likelihood, i won't hear an appreciable difference, and will prefer streaming via my marantz (yawn)....but i need a new toy. AND IT'S ON SALE !! I love sales. $505 (bought at apos.audio and had them match shenzenaudio https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/gustard-dac-a18-ak4499-balanced-dac-lme49860-6-decoder-with-remote-control ) Link to comment
Popular Post OldBigEars Posted June 17, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 17, 2020 Just sent my D90 back. Fantastic measurements, DSD 256 and all.. I just wasn't loving with my music any more. YMMV - let us know how it goes. johndoe21ro and motberg 1 1 Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 18, 2020 Author Share Posted June 18, 2020 9 hours ago, OldBigEars said: Just sent my D90 back. Fantastic measurements, DSD 256 and all.. I just wasn't loving with my music any more. YMMV - let us know how it goes. i would think so, comparing $700 topping d90 dac to your $2500 dac...that hegel looks nice... i don't think my $500 gustard a18 dac will compare much to your $2500 dac either....but there is always the other side of the fence that believes all dacs that measure well will sound the same....who knows... Link to comment
Popular Post OldBigEars Posted June 18, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 18, 2020 11 hours ago, beerandmusic said: i would think so, comparing $700 topping d90 dac to your $2500 dac...that hegel looks nice... i don't think my $500 gustard a18 dac will compare much to your $2500 dac either....but there is always the other side of the fence that believes all dacs that measure well will sound the same....who knows... Well that's the theory I was interested in testing for myself.... good quality 7 year old technology vs a strong representative of the latest low-cost/high-measurement wave. It was an interesting experience that I might write about some time. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the D90 was impressive (simply put) in the detail and lateral breadth of its sound stage. I heard things in my music I'd never heard before. Normally you might think this would mean it's game, set and match - test over, money saved, extra features, thank you. But after a while I found that I couldn't relax and enjoy the sound from the D90. For want of a better description, it lacked the effortless power of the Hegel, and almost sounded strained by comparison. Certainly it's a lightweight thing by comparison - almost reminds me of an old bedside clock radio, in terms of its physical presence. After 4 weeks, I decided it wasn't a fit for my system and musical preferences. opus101, motberg, johndoe21ro and 1 other 1 3 Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 I must add that Apos Audio have been very classy about returning the D90 - no issues whatsoever. Highly recommended if you want to give this DAC a try. 4est 1 Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 7 hours ago, OldBigEars said: I must add that Apos Audio have been very classy about returning the D90 - no issues whatsoever. Highly recommended if you want to give this DAC a try. i got the gustard a18 from them (Apos audio). I am surprised they let you return it after 4 weeks? I understand the gustard a18 is heavier and feels more solid than the d90. Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 10 hours ago, beerandmusic said: i got the gustard a18 from them (Apos audio). I am surprised they let you return it after 4 weeks? I understand the gustard a18 is heavier and feels more solid than the d90. The reviews will be flying in soon - hope it's good Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 20, 2020 Author Share Posted June 20, 2020 On 6/19/2020 at 10:09 AM, OldBigEars said: The reviews will be flying in soon - hope it's good do you happen to know if the remote allowed you to power off the unit with long-hold, or no way to turn off with remote? Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 6 hours ago, beerandmusic said: do you happen to know if the remote allowed you to power off the unit with long-hold, or no way to turn off with remote? Hmm, can't remember as I tend to leave my DAC's on 24/7. It seemed to go into sleep mode when not used, I think. Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
w1000i Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 On 6/17/2020 at 8:41 PM, OldBigEars said: Just sent my D90 back. Fantastic measurements, DSD 256 and all.. I just wasn't loving with my music any more. YMMV - let us know how it goes. If you want to love your music more try changing the speaker not the DAC. Rexp, opus101 and johndoe21ro 3 Link to comment
johndoe21ro Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 6 hours ago, w1000i said: If you want to love your music more try changing the speaker not the DAC. I think he has made the right choice! So, Kudos to OldBigEars! ☺️ Triangle Magellan Concerto 2 < AQ Everest < Vitus Audio SS-010 Mk2 < AQ Dragon High Current < AQ WEL XLR < Chord Qutest DAC w UpTone JS-2 & AQ Dragon Source < AQ Diamond USB < Innuos Phoenix USB w AQ Dragon Source < Aurender N100H & AQ Dragon Source < NetGear GS105GE Switch w UpTone LPS1.2 < Supra CAT8 Ethernet < Gryphon PowerZone w AQ NRG-Wild < Stillpoints UltraSS, Ansuz Darkz D-TC & D2, Omicron Harmonic Stabilizer, Gold Evolution SE & Classic < Furutech FT-SWS (R) < Synergistic Research Orange Quantum Fuse < Solid Tech Hybrid < GigaWatt G-16A 2P Circuit Breaker Link to comment
Popular Post OldBigEars Posted June 21, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2020 Just to conclude my DAC experimentation process.....I received a new Chord Qutest yesterday. I already love this DAC. I've only used it through the standard USB so far, but it's absolutely outstanding. Incisive filter with 1V output is ideal for me. Take everything that was 'missing' with the Topping - and add it back in, with refinement, weight and musically. Whereas with the D90 I was listening to music in a constant state of agitation, fast-forwarding my way through favorite pieces of music, the opposite is already evident with the Qutest - straight out of the box. It's funny - before this experiment started I imagined that the D90 would have similar sound characteristics to the Qutest, but would magically save me a handy $1000. In reality, their sound qualities are remarkably different. That $1000 is the difference between immensely enjoying my music, and being frustrated by it. Obviously all these comments relate to my DACs' blend with my other equipment, my room and my music selection. Your experience could be different. Exocer, davide256, 4est and 3 others 1 4 1 Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 46 minutes ago, johndoe21ro said: I think he has made the right choice! So, Kudos to OldBigEars! ☺️ Thank you johndoe, my Kudos Super 20's have never sounded so good. They are loving the Qutest. Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
soundbloke Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 On 6/18/2020 at 7:30 PM, OldBigEars said: I must add that Apos Audio have been very classy about returning the D90 - no issues whatsoever. Highly recommended if you want to give this DAC a try. Similar experience here - Apos had of their own accord upgraded the shipping to DHL Express on the purchase (took only a few days to get to where I am on the East Coast even w/customs & COVID!). Then graciously accepted return of the D90 past the 30 days when I had informed them that to my ears & personal listening preferences, although it was a really great sounding DAC esp in its price class (the expansive soundstage & detail retrieval thru my D90 + Arya + Wywires cabling rivalled my HD800 which is quite a feat, but sans the sibilance & bass deficiencies) ...however didn't quite live up to my (admittedly inflated) expectations as a long term investment when matched to my present system... Apos had even paid for the return shipping Maintained great communications with this first time customer throughout the whole process - found their sales & support team to be always courteous, helpful & responsive without ever resorting to aggressive or pushy sales tactics. Well done all around! motberg 1 Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 1 hour ago, soundbloke said: Similar experience here - Apos had of their own accord upgraded the shipping to DHL Express on the purchase (took only a few days to get to where I am on the East Coast even w/customs & COVID!). Then graciously accepted return of the D90 past the 30 days when I had informed them that to my ears & personal listening preferences, although it was a really great sounding DAC esp in its price class (the expansive soundstage & detail retrieval thru my D90 + Arya + Wywires cabling rivalled my HD800 which is quite a feat, but sans the sibilance & bass deficiencies) ...however didn't quite live up to my (admittedly inflated) expectations as a long term investment when matched to my present system... Apos had even paid for the return shipping Maintained great communications with this first time customer throughout the whole process - found their sales & support team to be always courteous, helpful & responsive without ever resorting to aggressive or pushy sales tactics. Well done all around! Agree 100%. Their speed of service is remarkable. And of course they sell a variety of brands worth considering. Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 22, 2020 Author Share Posted June 22, 2020 On 6/21/2020 at 6:49 AM, OldBigEars said: Just to conclude my DAC experimentation process..... how did the qutest compare with your hegel dac? I thought about trying "chord magic" after Davide talks up his mojo so much, but then ran into someone else that had the mojo and said it sounds the same as any other dac he has owned, and has had pretty much same experience as me, hoping for an appreciable upgrade from a dac and never getting one. Qutetst was going to be my last hope...curious if i will hear any real appreciable difference. motberg 1 Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 For a long time, I've been curious about the extent to which DAC's really affect the sound quality of an audio system. I was not expecting much of a difference between my older-tech Hegel HD25 and the relatively new Chord. But the Hegel, in my opinion, pretty much brushed away the new Topping - even though it was less detailed. It was just more enjoyable. However the Qutest is a revelation. After the first 30 seconds I was grinning like a cat - within 2 minutes I knew the Chord was in my system to stay. It has even more information than the Topping BUT it unpacks and organizes the layers beautifully. No digital hash or harsh, irritating high frequencies - at least not in my system. Enough hyperbole. you get the picture. I love what it's doing. My Kudos Super 20's are known to be resolving speakers - they don't mix comfortably with brash sources. With the Qutest they are singing sweetly. Connections....with the Hegel I discovered that coax (via Schiit Eitr) was a nice improvement over its USB. I will explore this combination soon with the Chord but, as mentioned, even the stock USB sounds terrific. Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted June 24, 2020 Author Share Posted June 24, 2020 Well I got my Gustard A18 and it sounds as good or better than any DAC I have heard, and I am pleased. Most notably is depth and detail especially with native DSD256. motberg 1 Link to comment
motberg Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 2 hours ago, beerandmusic said: Well I got my Gustard A18 and it sounds as good or better than any DAC I have heard, and I am pleased. Most notably is depth and detail especially with native DSD256. Are you using the USB input ? (I had the Gustard A20H and that was much more alive and enjoyable than a Topping D70 in the same system.. so not surprised by your preliminary A18 comments.. congratulations! ) Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 17 hours ago, beerandmusic said: Well I got my Gustard A18 and it sounds as good or better than any DAC I have heard, and I am pleased. Most notably is depth and detail especially with native DSD256. Good to hear - enjoy it ! Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
bogi Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 Nice comparison of A18 and D90 ... https://www.audio “science” review/forum/index.php?threads/gustard-a18.13254/post-562062 but the author mistakenly wrote it on ASR forum. So the following comments are as expected ... i7 11850H + RTX A2000 Win11 HQPlayer ► Topping HS02 ► 2x iFi iSilencer ► SMSL D300 ► DIY headamp DHA1 ► HiFiMan HE-500 Link to comment
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