RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – SILVER – INCLUDES ORIGINAL BOX/PACKING, REMOTE, POWER CABLE, BLUETOOTH ANTENNA
Flagship Desktop DAC & MQA Decoder
The X18 is a high-end desktop DAC designed for listeners who want transparent, detailed digital-to-analog conversion with advanced features. Featuring the ESS ES9038PRO DAC, XMOS USB processor, and ultra-low-jitter clocking, it delivers native hi-res playback, full MQA decoding, and even Bluetooth streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support. With balanced XLR and RCA outputs, a clear OLED display, and a remote, it integrates seamlessly into both single-ended and balanced setups.
ESA‑Level Conversion with ESS ES9038PRO
The central feature is the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, a premium DAC chip renowned for low distortion and wide dynamic range. Paired with independent AOP OPA1612 I/V converters and precision resistors, the result is exceptional clarity and channel separation.
Precision USB Handling with XMOS XU216
The 16‑core XMOS XU216 USB interface decodes PCM up to 32‑bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 via USB or I²S. This dedicated processor ensures stable, jitter‑free handling of high‑resolution streams.
CPLD-Based Clocking & Jitter Control
An onboard Altera CPLD manages clock distribution, PLL, DoP decoding, and digital filtering. Alongside dual Accusilicon femtosecond crystals, it minimizes jitter—offering some of the lowest THD+N and highest SINAD performance measured.
MQA & High‑Res Bluetooth Connectivity
Fully certified for MQA decoding over USB, AES, coax, optical, and I²S inputs. Bluetooth 5.0 support includes LDAC, aptX HD/LL, aptX, SBC, and AAC, letting you stream high-resolution content wirelessly.
Balanced, Versatile Outputs & Intuitive Interface
Offering both XLR (5 V RMS) and RCA (2.5 V RMS) outputs, the X18 integrates smoothly into balanced or single‑ended setups. A front OLED display with remote and volume knob allows precise control and up to seven PCM & four DSD filter options .
Product highlights
• ES9038PRO flagship DAC with discrete AOP I/V stage
• XMOS XU216 USB receiver: PCM768 / native DSD512
• Altera CPLD + dual Accusilicon clocks for ultra‑low jitter
• Full MQA decoding via multiple digital inputs
• Bluetooth 5.0: LDAC, aptX HD/LL, aptX, AAC, SBC
• I²S input via HDMI, USB-B, AES, coax, optical
• Analog outputs: XLR (5 V RMS), RCA (2.5 V RMS)
• Manageable via OLED, remote, or front volume knob
• Multiple PCM & DSD digital filters, NOS mode
• Voltage selectable 115/230 VAC; AC inlet
Specs
• Digital Inputs: USB‑B, I²S‑HDMI, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0
• Sampling Rates: PCM up to 32‑bit/768 kHz; DSD512 native; MQA
• DAC Chip: ESS ES9038PRO
• USB Processor: XMOS XU216, 16‑core
• Clocking: Dual Accusilicon A5318-B femto clocks, Altera CPLD
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR 5 V; SE RCA 2.5 V
• Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD/LL, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Digital Filters: 7× PCM, 4× DSD; NOS mode
• Display & Control: OLED screen, front knob, remote
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.08 dB
• Power: 115/230 VAC switchable
• Dimensions: 220 × 170 × 50 mm
• Weight: 2.5 kg w/ packaging
This is a buyer’s market for used Gustard X18 DACs, and the US$530 asking price is a strong deal, sitting exactly at the median and 25th percentile of recent comparable USD listings. Given that the X18’s original retail was US$749 and typical used listings now hover around US$530, you’re getting high-end performance for roughly 70% of new cost without haggling.
The Gustard X18 is well-regarded for its transparent, detailed sound driven by the ES9038PRO chip, plus a rare NOS mode that many enthusiasts prize for its natural timing. It handles PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512, includes Bluetooth 5.0, and offers robust digital inputs (USB-B, I²S, AES/EBU, coax, optical). At this price, even with unknown condition, it’s a compelling buy if it’s functional—especially if it includes the original power and USB cables, which are standard. No major failure points are known for this model, making it a safe entry into high-performance desktop DACs.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Gustard is a Chinese hi-fi brand headquartered in Shenzhen, a hub for technology innovation, where it specializes in research and development of digital audio components. Emerging from Shenzhen Geshide Dianzi Electronics, the company has carved a niche without a prominent founding year or notable individual founder highlighted in public records, focusing instead on engineering-driven designs since its inception in the digital audio boom.
The brand excels in DACs (digital-to-analog converters) and headphone amplifiers, offering models like the delta-sigma X30, A26, and A18 series alongside R2R ladder designs such as the R26 and R30. These incorporate premium chips like ESS ES9039SPRO in quad-mono setups and AKM AK4499EX, supporting high-resolution audio, streaming, and clock synchronization for precise playback. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, or cables, Gustard emphasizes measurable transparency in frequency response, crosstalk, THD+N, and SNR.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end contender, Gustard delivers rational, science-backed performance that rivals pricier competitors, appealing to discerning buyers seeking value in transparent sound. Reviews praise its spectacular results and R2R appeal for audiophiles, though some note room for pricing refinement against delta-sigma peers. It holds strong favor among enthusiasts for accessible excellence from China.
See all Gustard listings on RADAR.
