Gustard X30 DAC Review - The GOAT DAC of Today?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Design & Build
02:22 - Controls
03:11 - Under its Hood
06:46 - Sound Impressions
09:14 - Soundstage & Imaging
10:58 - Dynamics
13:30 - Resolution
15:56 - Bass
17:12 - Midrange
18:42 - Treble
20:32 - Comparisons
21:00 - My Conclusions

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[lisar]

I'd like to see you review the Holo Cyan 2. Affordable, reasonable size, and reviews I've seen so far are quite interesting! It's rare to see pure NOS dacs covered anywhere, and I would very much appreciate your opinion!

[cory]

Just got hold of this dac, the very best in my system to date. Amazing soundstaging and bass quality

[Immersive-rc]

Wow, Sandu! This is “sounding” 😃like an awesome DAC. You have become masterfully articulate in your covering of all the important bases of performance in your reviews. Your enthusiasm about the 30 is confidence inspiring.

[johnnyg]

I totally agree with you and you gave an accurate appraisal of the X30 DAC. I bought this DAC, I already own the X26pro and A26 from Gustard and they are very good. But this X30 DAC is on another level altogether. Well done for the review and thank you.

[RonaldHeal-jf]

I bought the X30 based on this review. It's worth the money. Good advice 👍

[victorvivaudou]

As always, a great review! I watched your YT vid first and then read the long form review. I really enjoyed the long written reviews. Keep doing them. If someone has a shorter attention span, they can watch the video. For OCD audiophiles, we want the in-depth analysis, details and nuance with comparisons. Keep up the good work!

[leylandjoseph]

I had a Pontus II, Terminator II and just bought this DAC. By far the best I have heard. What I noticed was better instrument separation and identification of instruments playing, a better accurate deep base and much clearer vocals. I am using an Eversolo A6 master with updated power supply, Vincent audio preamp mark 2, tonewinner 2 channel amplifier into Arendal sound 1723S towers and monolith 10 inch subwoofer for that extra punch!

[julienseydoux]

Thanks Sandu, the DAC man, for this review. I was waiting for it. Cheers from France, julien.

[richarddegannes]

Hi, Between Denafrips Pontus 15th and this Gustard X30 DAC, which in your opinion is the better? Thanks in advance.

[mitchellburns]

I’ve been waiting months for this review

[aceofspades]

Dang way to go gustard... you've got a hot product release this year after a couple solid products last year.

[Flavius]

Apparently Gustard reached the potential I always thought they would. Pleasant to know they never gave up the "no quality compromises attitude" that defined the company's core ethos. As a happy X26 Pro owner for some years I can only imagine how good this baby sounds, the next step concept this unit represents. Love the design also!👍

[keithjohnson]

As always, this was a great review Sando. If I was still single the Gustard X30 would already be on order, based on your praise. However it's size and cost make it out of range now. I'm currently considering the Holo Audio Cyan 2, will you be reviewing that DAC?

[zelareka]

How does it compare to the wandla? Which one do you prefer?

[sunilavinashsharma]

Hello Sandu,
I purchased the Gustard R26 on your recommendation and it was definity a jump up from the Topping D70s ( your prior recommendation). I am now using the Holo Red Streamer into the R26 and its a massive improvement to the point Cd playback is clearly inferior. Love this combo but now I am looking to upgrade with the X30 but I am waiting for your review on the R30 about to come out. Should I keep the Holo Red for the next DAC upgrade with either of the X30 or R30? Also, do you think its still hard to beat the R26 because I would keep it in a secondary system instead of selling it at a loss just to replace it with something inferior with that money if its still holding good ground in its class? Your DAC words are sacred Gospel :)

[therealdarcman]

Hi In your review you tested the X30 with I²S, I am just wondering if you tested it with the other inputs...like the USB in paticular. I have a A26, but would love to try an X30. I also have an Innuos Phoenix, thats why the USB question. Thanks for the awesome review.

[deadline]

Nicely Done.
Who makes those stunning tower speakers that look see through ?
Maybe you already did a review on them.
Thanks

[legomotorizedandled-sonpt]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a Gustard DAC (X30), and I noticed that the surface finish on the top panel is not completely even. Under certain lighting angles, there’s a noticeable dull or cloudy patch that doesn’t match the surrounding brushed aluminum surface. It looks like the anodizing or coating wasn’t applied uniformly, or possibly got rubbed during packaging or assembly.

I’ve tried cleaning it carefully with isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth, but the mark is still there — it seems to be within the finish itself, not just surface dirt.

[williams]

Thanks for the review ! How the X30 compares to the Musician Audio Taurus ?

[FelixSmith-bg]

Sandu, how does the Gustard X30 DAC compare to the Eversolo A8?