I got my Gustard U16 a few days ago. Having compared it to the SIngxer SU1 (Ghent Audio DC power modified), it is a little bit different in presentation. A bit more laid back for sure with less emphasis no the frequency extremes. At this stage of the game, I’d say that the 2 units both have great sound but they might appeal to different tastes or systems. It certainly sounds like jitter is very low on the Gustard.
On my PS Audio Directstream DAC this issue means that the de-emphasis EQ is applied. This EQ rolls off the higher audio frequencies. I can tell it’s enabled because this icon shows up on my DACs screen. The Singxer Su-1 I replaced with this U16 does not have this issue:
Hi,
I’ve got a directstream junior which I note has an an asterix with an “E” under it on the display. The manual gives to indication as to what that means but I’m guessing it might mean “emphasis”. The DSJ uses the same directstream processing so it will be experiencing the same issue no doubt.
I have noticed on a subjective level that the treble is not as forward when listening to the Gustard (versus my old Singxer SU1) so that all makes a bit more sense now!
I just sent an email to the Ebay vendor that I bought my Gustard off. Apart from the issue above, I am not getting random fade-outs and fade-ins on my music at random intervals, maybe 60 to 120 seconds apart. As you can imagine this is pretty intolerable as it is ruining my enjoyment of my music!
Needless to say I’ve tried altering the streaming from DSD to PCM, downgraded the sampling rate, changed latency etc etc but the fade in/ours remain. It’s a great sounding unit when it’s working but the fade in/outs are driving me nuts!
I guess the problem is, do I have a faulty unit or is this some issue with the Gustard design?
Gustard have no website that I can find. At least not in the name “Gustard”. So not being to find a support email of any sort I sent off a message to their Facebook page 3 days ago. Zero response from Gustard. Not good.
Good news. I got hold of the latest firmware for the Gustard U16. The pre-empasis seems to be be resolved. There seems to be more detail in the upper frequencies now.
https://download.shenzhenaudio.com/Gustard/GUSTARD%20U16%20USB%20Driver/GUSTARD%20U16%20Firmware%20upgrade/
Just a follow up. I have had the Gustard U6 for about 2 weeks now. I gave it a good long time to run-in (in case it needed it). I also tried it with a variety quality USB cables and HMDI cables (I2S) to my Direct Stream Junior. I also got hold of the latest firmware to address the pre-emphasis issue. I have to admit, I am not really liking what it’s doing in my system. It is very mid-range centric in its sound. Combine that with the BHK Preamp (tube, mosfet hybrid) and the “new” sound of the Snowmass firmware on my Direct Stream Junior DAC and it’s all too much. The SU1 / XMOS sound is more “V” shaped i.e. it subjectively sounded like it rises at the frequency extremes. That sound is harsh on the wrong system but in my setup it actually works better. So back to an XMOS solution for me!
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