Gustard a18 vs topping d90

[beerandmusic]

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?

[beerandmusic]

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

[beerandmusic]

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 )

[beerandmusic]

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...

 

[beerandmusic]

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. 

[beerandmusic]

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?

[beerandmusic]

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.

[beerandmusic]

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.