Gustard X20U?

A

ACHiPo

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Can anyone comment on their experience with the Gustard X20 DAC? There's a bit of very positive buzz on other forums for this <$1k DAC, but nothing in the established press. Comments like, "it replaced my Auralic Vega and Yggydrasil" and "not quite as good as my $5k Mytek Manhattan, but very close and fantastic for the money" got my attention. I'm looking for others experiences with it.
 
You probably will not find much established press on the X20. Maybe someone will do a formal review with the buzz going around.Head Fi is where I heard about it first and it has lived up to every penny of its cost. YMMV
 
I might suggest researching the Wyred 4 Sound DAC... they just put one on sale for under $1k, added DSD capability also. Their equipment is getting rave reviews, their DAC just got 2016 Editors Choice Award from The Absolute Sound (I received the mag yesterday). Their equipment is hand made in the US (I have been to their factory and can personally attest to this). The DAC is also backed with a full 5 year warranty. Dollar for dollar W4S can compete with any equipment on the market, and usually compares to units many times their price.
 
Randy Myers said:
I might suggest researching the Wyred 4 Sound DAC... they just put one on sale for under $1k, added DSD capability also. Their equipment is getting rave reviews, their DAC just got 2016 Editors Choice Award from The Absolute Sound (I received the mag yesterday). Their equipment is hand made in the US (I have been to their factory and can personally attest to this). The DAC is also backed with a full 5 year warranty. Dollar for dollar W4S can compete with any equipment on the market, and usually compares to units many times their price.
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Randy,
i'll check out W4S out again. The last time I looked at their DAC i dismissed it, but. I can't remember why. I have their ST-500 amp and it's pretty good.

AC
 
Jap,
Interesting. I PM'd Ric to ask about his experience with the G20 after he posted that he received one. I never got a response.
 
AC

What kind of budget do you have and what sort of "sound profile" are you looking for? Their are a multitude of DAC's on the market that have backing and service at all price ranges. The only "China Direct" brand I would be comfortable with is Audio-GD.
 
Jack said:
AC

What kind of budget do you have and what sort of "sound profile" are you looking for? Their are a multitude of DAC's on the market that have backing and service at all price ranges. The only "China Direct" brand I would be comfortable with is Audio-GD.
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Jack,
I'm pretty happy with the sound I'm getting from my Oppo 105, but I like my turntable better. If I could find a DSD DAC that delivered hi-rez on par with my turntable for ~$2k I'd be happy. The Lampi supposedly can do it, but at >>$2k. Auralic and Exogal are supposed to be close, and used they're around $2k. The Gustard supposedly bests the Auralic for $900.

i'm getting a demo of a DAC DAC tomorrow, which is a start. The Gustard folks don't come back from holiday until 2/15, so I've got a week.

AC
 
nc42acc said:
I have an almost new Auralic Vega and Schiit Yggdrisal I can make you a great deal on.
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Marty,
On the one hand that's very tempting. On the other, it's quite an endorsement of the Gustard.;)
 
Randy Myers said:
I might suggest researching the Wyred 4 Sound DAC... they just put one on sale for under $1k, added DSD capability also. Their equipment is getting rave reviews, their DAC just got 2016 Editors Choice Award from The Absolute Sound (I received the mag yesterday). Their equipment is hand made in the US (I have been to their factory and can personally attest to this). The DAC is also backed with a full 5 year warranty. Dollar for dollar W4S can compete with any equipment on the market, and usually compares to units many times their price.
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Which W4S DAC won the Editor's Choice--I think they make 3? How do you like the Teac?
 
The Teac seems pretty good. I don't have much to compare it against though :).... I definitely like it better than what was built into the McIntosh. I really prefer DSD!

I believe Wyred 4 Sound offer two DAC, DAC-1 and DAC-2, however they offer various upgrades that can be added at time of purchase or at a later date.

The DAC-2 was listed in the Editor's Choice Awards (I just looked it up in the magazine that arrived a couple days ago). W4S also has a special going on the DAC-1, adding the DSD option for only $999. I have been reading through their website and I cannot honestly determine what the big difference between the 1 and 2 are. I might have to give Tony a call and ask him to explain the differences :)....

I have been thinking about trying the W4S because I really like the products that I have gotten from them. I also really like the company and how they operate. Their equipment is built very well!
 
Randy Myers said:
The Teac seems pretty good. I don't have much to compare it against though :).... I definitely like it better than what was built into the McIntosh. I really prefer DSD!

I believe Wyred 4 Sound offer two DAC, DAC-1 and DAC-2, however they offer various upgrades that can be added at time of purchase or at a later date.

The DAC-2 was listed in the Editor's Choice Awards (I just looked it up in the magazine that arrived a couple days ago). W4S also has a special going on the DAC-1, adding the DSD option for only $999. I have been reading through their website and I cannot honestly determine what the big difference between the 1 and 2 are. I might have to give Tony a call and ask him to explain the differences :)....

I have been thinking about trying the W4S because I really like the products that I have gotten from them. I also really like the company and how they operate. Their equipment is built very well!
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The one I saw was an "SE" for~$1800?
 
nc42acc said:
I tried the Teac UD-503 last week. I sent it back yesterday.
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Interesting. I've heard good things about the 501, and the 503 is supposed to be even better, although no one compared it to the Vega.
 
ACHiPo said:
The one I saw was an "SE" for~$1800?
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The SE is one of the options on the DAC-2. It is now called the DAC-2 DSDse. I think that may be what you re referring to. The basic DAC-2 is $1499, with the DSD option is $1599, the se option $2549.

The DAC-1 LE (Limited Edition) is on special including DSD for $999 or $1124 with the Femto Grade Clock.

This is straight from their website.

I am thinking about the DAC-1 LE with the Femto clock, however I am not sure if I need this upgrade sine I have their Recovery unit?
 
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