Gustard X20U?

Randy Myers said:
Hopefully within the next couple days. I was doing quite a bit of research recently on the various DAC chip sets. From several sources it sounds like the Sabre ES9018 is considered one of the best. It is what is use in both the W4S models and the Gustard, and interesting enough it is what is used in my portable player the Ayres Pono.

I also noted that several companies, such as McIntosh are now using their slightly lower version, the ES9016. However from my readings the 9018 is newer and considered better and according to what I read the most detailed accurate available.

I just thought it was interesting that W4S is using this chip and it appears as if the Pono is the only portable player with this chip!
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Definitely interested in reading all about your experience. I really like the ST-500 amp I have from them, so I know what you mean about wanting to give them a try.
 
One thing that may delay a review is that I am well aware of breakin periods for Wyred 4 Sound equipment.

My pre-amp definitely took a considerable time to really come into it's own. The manual talks about 200 hours and how the pre-amp may sound overly bright and a tad harsh. This will smooth out and have the unit settle in after about 100 hours and continue to improve until about 200 hours. My experience definitely shows that this is very true with their equipment.

The reason I bring this up is that with the DAC they also mention to allow for a 200 hour breakin period for the unit to really settle in.

" “Break-in”/ Warming Up Period
Your new DAC will deliver outstanding performance right out of the box. However, you should
plan on improvements as it reaches its normal operating temperature and once all of the components
have a chance to “settle in”. Our experience has shown that the DAC has reached its’ potential after the
initial 200 hours. One will find that the initial 100 hours, the unit will start to shed the initial slight
“brightness” and somewhat harsh transitions (as some will say). During the second 100 hours, your DAC
will start to become more fluid, and smoother overall. Additional time is where the lesser of a change happens,
and you will come to enjoy your new product for years to come. After the initial break in period, your unit will
be ready to perform when powered on."
 
The good news is that you can run the DAC 24/7 so you'll hit 200 hours in a little over a week.
 
Don't you have to actually have a signal going through it? That is what i was told with the pre-amp. Granted I can turn off the amp and let it roll putting JRiver in repeat mode...
 
You need a signal, but the rest of the system can be off or running another input.
 
Randy I say you hook it up right away and listen through the break in. This is what I do and it can make for some interesting listening sessions.
 
Ahhhh... the brand new out of the box W4S brightness. Actually not so much as the pre-amp was, but definitely some of the harshness. Not at all unexpected and definitely warned about in the manual. The pre-amp started to really smooth out and loose the brightness at about 30-40 hours. I suspect the same from the DAC.

Looks like a really well built unit. As all Wyred 4 Sound, impeccable quality of construction! Appears to be really well made.

I actually have a signal pumping through it now while I continue to work for the rest of the day.
 
I don't do no stinking pictures..... :D ok... maybe in a little bit... still actually working and all :)....
 
Randy

Just put the CD player on repeat at night and when you are gone and let it cook. I never heard the harshness from either the DAC or the Preamp as I prefer the be the second owner whenever possible for obvious financial reasons. With the Aqua that is one the way, it is fully broken in and I still will have over 55 months on the warranty which is more than a lifetime in "DAC life." Randy you might if you have a chance ask EJ when he thinks they might start utilizing the new ESS 9038PRO chip that was announced recently.
 
Thanks Jack, I had not hear about the new chip. I spoke with EJ for a bit today. That guys definitely knows his stuff. Obviously he was making the point that there are huge difference in the way that the chip is implemented, which I would very much agree with. Will have to try and remember to ask him about the new chip. I do know they are working on a new higher line of equipment that recently won best of show. Maybe a new DAC for that series? I saw a couple mock ups at the office. Nice looking stuff, can't wait to see some production units.

I can definitely say I don't know if I have ever seen equipment built more solid than W4S. Even though it pains me to say (being from Binghamton and all) but I would say that EJ and crew build equipment as well, if not even better than McIntosh. Obviously time will tell it it holds up over decades like Mc does.
 
Was supposed to have it today, but Fedex didn't show up at sellers business as scheduled so it looks like Saturday. Even though it is "broken in" I will let it cook a couple of days before I judge. Will use both AES and BNC inputs. Should be interesting against the LM with it's NOS Mullard and Raytheon tubes. Hopefully CD will give some more thoughts on the one he has been testing the last couple of weeks. I was going to wait up and buy a La Scala but my dealer, also CD's, encouraged me to try the La Voce and to buy the one another of his customers was selling who decided to stick with vinyl for now and bought a new VPI. Then I need to thin the herd some.
 
Randy

I think ESS has just announced the specs for the chip so far and it is not available for purchase yet. I suspect the first time we see it may be in a DAC from Resonessence Labs which is the sister company from ESS run by another brother.
 
Jack I think you will be right. I am sure Resonessence will want to be first to market with the 9038. One reason I will never drop big money on a DAC is the technology is moving at such a fast pace.


Jack said:
Randy

I think ESS has just announced the specs for the chip so far and it is not available for purchase yet. I suspect the first time we see it may be in a DAC from Resonessence Labs which is the sister company from ESS run by another brother.
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I don't consider W4S dropping big money, but I agree. I could never (even if I could afford it which I can't) buy one of those mega buck ones.
 
Randy when I say big money on a DAC I was talking about those that hit 5 digits. My Gustard makes me happy and I am still smiling when I listen so life is good. :celebrate008_2:
 
After about 4-5 hours on it I can already see it smoothing out a bit. I am thinking this is because it is fully warmed up. The manual definitely indicates that while breaking in it needs to get up to temperature. After break in it does not sound like this is as important. Because of how the DAC and Pre-Amp work I will probably just leave them on.
 
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