GUSTARD A26
DAC 2x AK4499EX XMOS XU216 LAN UPnP Roon 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA Black
Gustard unveils with the A26 a high-end DAC, as powerful as versatile. It is based on a high quality architecture, using in particular a dual AK4499EX DAC associated with a AK4191 modulator and a USB XMOS XU216 interface allowing a faithful and rich sound reproduction. It also supports high-resolution audio streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA from its USB, I2S and LAN inputs.
AK4499EX dual DAC
With its two AKM AK4499EX DAC chips and AK4191 digital modulator, the Gustard A26 provides high performance decoding for rich, detailed and accurate sound reproduction. In addition, each channel has its own power supply, which considerably reduces interference that could alter the audio signal.
Streamer / Renderer
The Gustard A26 integrates a network layer with its RJ45 Ethernet input and support for UPnP, Roon Bridge and HQPlayer NAA protocols. It can therefore be used as a streamer and allows you to access your files stored on your network, on a computer or a NAS for example.
K2 Clock
In order to provide an accurate clock signal, the A26 features the ultra-low noise K2 module. This ensures that the DAC is able to achieve a very low jitter level for the most transparent sound possible.
The A26 also provides a 10M BNC input allowing it to be used in conjunction with an external clock generator.
XMOS XU216
The USB input of the Gustard A26 is associated with an XMOS XU216 interface. This allows it to support high resolution audio streams, up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512. It also supports MQA files.
I/V conversion
The Gustard A26 features an I/V conversion stage using multiple OPAs and transistors. This provides a precise and powerful output.
LPF
An LPF using discrete components was specifically designed to accompany the AK4499EX DACs. This was then carefully optimized to provide the best possible sonic performance.
A customized power supply stage
The A26's power supply stage includes two toroidal transformers to provide independent power supply to the analog and digital circuits. It also uses voltage regulators and filter capacitors, ensuring a clean and stable signal.
MQA
The Gustard A26 can decode and play MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files. These ensure a sound quality as close as possible to the original studio recording.
Pinout I2S
SPECIFICATIONS
| Product type | DAC |
| Inputs | 1* Optical Toslink 1* AES/EBU 1* Coaxial 1* I2S (HDMI) 1* USB-B 1* RJ45 Ethernet 1* BNC clock input (50Ω) |
| Outputs | 1* Single-ended stereo RCA 1* Balanced stereo XLR |
| DAC chips | 2* AKM AK4499EX |
| Digital modulator | AK4191 |
| USB interface | XMOS XU216 |
| Supported sampling rates | USB / I2S / LAN: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512, DSD DoP up to DSD256, MQA AES / Optique / Coaxial: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD64 |
| Network protocols | UPnP Roon Bridge HQPlayer NAA |
| Frequency response | 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB |
| Dynamic range | > 127dB |
| SNR | > 126dB |
| Crosstalk | -139dB @ 1kHz |
| THD+N | ≤ 0.0001% @ 1kHz |
| IMD | ≈ 0.001% @ -1dBFS |
| Output level | RCA : 2.5Vrms (fixed volume) 100Ω XLR : 5Vrms (fixed volume) 100Ω |
| GENERAL | |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage (switchable) | 115V/230V AC 50Hz/60Hz |
| Consumption | < 30W |
| Dimensions (L*P*H) | 330*260*65mm |
| Housing material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |