Gustard DAC DAC-A22 Symmetrical 2x AK4499 32Bit / 784kHz / DSD512 XMOS Bluetooth 5.0 MQA Black

Double DAC chip AK4499EQ

Gustard Audio DAC A22 makes use of two AL4499EQ DAC chip. This reference component is among today's best digital to analog conversion solution.

The audio stream is divided into two channels (right and left) which are both fed independantly to each DAC chip.

The device has its own discrete Intensity / Voltage converter. This converter has been specially developed for this specific application and comes with its own adder circuit. This ensures that the DAC chips are working under optimum operating condition for superior audio precision.

The DAC-A22 is also capable of decoding and reading MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files. These allow you to enjoy sound reproduction that is as close as possible to the original studio recording.

Built for excellence

Under its sleek CNC-machined aluminum housing, Gustard DAC A-22 makes uses of first class components with rigorous integration.

The digital circuit is controlled by CPLD (programmable logic chip). This type of electronic controller provides a very fine control of clock cycles, phase locked loop, demodulation of DOP (DSD over PCM) signals, digital switch suppression, and digital filters.

Even after the DAC stage, each channel from the stereo signal goes through its own dedicated circuit. Thus, L & R signals each have their own voltage stabilization and several filtering stages. This ensure a crystal-clear channels separation with no audible interference.

Double toroidal transformers

The DAC A22 embarks not less than two high stability toroidal transformers for its power supply. This configuration allows to power separately the digital and analog circuits, which significantly reduces unwanted noise in sensitive audio circuits.

In addition, each power supply units have been carefully divided and isolated from one another to avoid the spreading of I/V fluctuations while effectively preventing the captation of interferences.

XMOS USB XU208

USB connectivity works through a XMOS XU208 module, a reference particularly appreciated in the world of digital audio.

The latter supports PCM audio streams up to 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512. This make the DAC-A22 a great choice for playing high-resolution files. In addition, this module supports as well I2S signals to take advantage of this excellent technology for digital audio stream.

This module incorporates two clocks Accusilicon AS318-B, a crystal oscillator model extremely low phase noise (- than 90dBc has 10Hz) typically found in professional recording equipment as well as electronic circuits very advanced audiophiles .

Clean analog circuit

The analog circuit in Gustard A22 is mainly composed of independent sub-circuit made of discrete components. for example it has a fully discrete analog low pass filter working in Class A. This type of construction is particularly interesting in the for a CPLD-driven high quality DAC in that it allows to operate optimally (and without compromise regaring performance) several circuits that do not share the same specifications.

Balanced & Unbalanced connectivity

DAC A-22 has a USB & HDMI-IIS digital input (PCM768K DSD512 driven XMOS U208 module), a SPDIF Coaxial input (PCM384K / DOP128), a SPDIF Optical input (PCM192K / DOP64) and an AES / EBU input (PCM192K / DOP64).

For it analog output, the DAC offers a balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) stereo connectors.

Specifications
Product type	DAC
Digital inputs	I2S (HDMI) USB Coaxial S/PDIF Optical S/PDIF AES/EBU Bluetooth 5.0
Analog outputs	Stereo XLR (balanced) Stereo RCA (single-ended)
DAC Chip	2x AK4499EQ
Sampling rate	I2S, USB : PCM 44.1 - 768kHz 16-32bit /DSD64-512 Coaxial : PCM 44.1 - 384kHz 16-24bit /DoP64-512 Optical, AES/EBU : PCM 44.1 - 192kHz 16-24bit / DoP64 MQA Files support
Clocks	AS318-B (Accusilicon)
USB Interface	XMOS XU208
Frequency response	20Hz - 20kHz ±0.08dB
Line output	RCA : 3Vrms @ 0dBFS XLR : 6Vrms @ 0dBFS
XLR Pinout	1 : GND 2 : + 3 : -
Volume control

Specifications

Product type

DAC

Digital inputs

I2S (HDMI)
USB
Coaxial S/PDIF
Optical S/PDIF
AES/EBU
Bluetooth 5.0

Analog outputs

Stereo XLR (balanced)
Stereo RCA (single-ended)

DAC Chip

2x AK4499EQ

Sampling rate

I2S, USB : PCM 44.1 - 768kHz 16-32bit /DSD64-512
Coaxial : PCM 44.1 - 384kHz 16-24bit /DoP64-512
Optical, AES/EBU : PCM 44.1 - 192kHz 16-24bit / DoP64
MQA Files support

Clocks

AS318-B (Accusilicon)

USB Interface

XMOS XU208

Frequency response

20Hz - 20kHz ±0.08dB

Line output

RCA : 3Vrms @ 0dBFS
XLR : 6Vrms @ 0dBFS

XLR Pinout

1 : GND
2 : +
3 : -

Volume control

General
Dimensions	328 x 260 x 76mm
Weight	5380g
Color	Black
Package	1x Gustard DAC-A22 1x Power cable 1x USB-A to USB-B cable 1.8m 1x Remote control (requires 2 x AAA 1.5V batteries sold separately for operation) 1x Antenna

General

Dimensions

328 x 260 x 76mm

Weight

5380g

Color

Black

Package

1x Gustard DAC-A22
1x Power cable
1x USB-A to USB-B cable 1.8m
1x Remote control (requires 2 x AAA 1.5V batteries sold separately for operation)
1x Antenna

Input	USB
Input	Optical
Input	AES/EBU
Input	SPDIF
Input	I2S via HDMI
Output	XLR
Output	RCA
DAC / ADC Chip	AK4499
Max sampling rate	DSD512
Max sampling rate	768kHz
Color	Black
Networking	No
Remote Control	Yes

Musical Dac
The A22 is an excellent DAC . Its foremost quality is its musicality. This is not surprising with dual AK4499EQ DAC chips and dual mono based design . The AK4499 DAC chip is widely recognised as one of the best currently available . I mainly listen to cds and prior to purchasing the A22 I used Electrocompaniet EMC1 UP ( up sampling CD player ) . I now use the EMC1 as a transport with the A22 DAC . In A/B comparison incorporating the A22 provides noticeable sonic improvements . The A22 sounds best with AES interconnect . Highly recommended at the price .

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This review has been posted for Gustard DAC DAC-A22 Symmetrical 2x AK4499 32Bit / 784kHz / DSD512 XMOS Bluetooth 5.0 MQA Black

Gustard a22 after 2 weeks usage.
The DAC delivers very smooth and easy understandable voices. My ears just ask for more even after several hours listening. It has everything i hoped for, deep bass, smooth midrange and extended smooth treble. I use it with my Bluesound Node, high end amplifier and speakeers.

(0)

This review has been posted for Gustard DAC DAC-A22 Symmetrical 2x AK4499 32Bit / 784kHz / DSD512 XMOS Bluetooth 5.0 MQA Black