GUSTARD DAC-R30
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Gustard R30 is a DAC, streamer, and preamplifier based on an R2R ladder resistor network to provide high-precision digital-to-analog conversion. It supports PCM up to 32-bit 1536kHz and DSD up to DSD1024 for faithful and detailed reproduction. The extensive connectivity options make it possible to integrate it into a wide range of audio setups. Based on CelWare 3.x software, it supports Roon Bridge, AirPlay, HQPlayer NAA, UPnP, mConnect, Bubble UPnP, Spotify, and QQMusic.
At the heart of the R30 is a discrete 27-bit R2R architecture, where the signal is processed by a ladder resistor network instead of a conventional conversion chip. This approach enables fully analog conversion without complex digital interpolation. Unlike delta-sigma DACs, which use noisy modulation and massive oversampling, R2R works directly on the signal's native resolution.
The R30 implements 1-bit analog decoding, designed to handle the DSD stream cleanly in hardware without prior conversion to PCM. This preserves the integrity of the DSD signal and avoids distortion and artifacts associated with intermediate conversions. The device therefore supports native DSD1024. This is accompanied by a specially optimized low-pass filter, which complements the conversion stage by ensuring a smooth and controlled frequency response.
The R30 contains a newly developed digital filter that can upsample the signal while effectively reducing the associated noise. This processing phase also eliminates aliasing distortion, which can be present in the bandwidth and is inherent to the conversion process. The result is that the signal retains its integrity with a cleaner and more well-defined reproduction across the entire audible spectrum.
The timing section is handled by a temperature-stabilized OCXO clock, which provides high precision and optimal stability during temperature variations.
OCXO clock is paired with a GCLK-02 clock module, a high-performance clock frequency synthesizer that uses advanced PLL (Phase Locked Loop) technology to ensure stability and accuracy in the produced signal. The module's design makes it possible to use either a local clock source (in this case, the OCXO) or an external 10MHz clock signal, providing a flexible and high-quality clock solution.
The R30 can also be synchronized with an external clock via its 50 Ω BNC input, which is compatible with either a square CMOS signal (0.2–3.3 V) or a sine wave (0.5–3.3 V).
The R30 contains a proprietary Gustard FPGA, which is responsible for signal reconstruction and advanced digital signal processing. It handles the distribution and processing of the clock signal, PLL shaping, DoP demodulation, as well as the reduction of switching noise in PCM and DSD signals. This integration enables precise control of every step and ensures stable and optimized conversion.
In addition to the DAC function, the R30 can be used as an analog preamplifier. The volume control is based directly on its R2R network, enabling lossless attenuation control. A bypass mode is available to disable the preamplifier section as needed. Thanks to this design, the R30 can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, simplifying integration into a high-fidelity audio system.
Based on an audio-optimized Linux kernel, the R30's CelWare 3.x software supports various protocols such as Roon Bridge, AirPlay, HQPlayer NAA, UPnP, Spotify, and more. Users can enable or disable these features via a browser by simply entering the address //x30.local.
The Gustard R30 is equipped with an XMOS XU216 USB interface, which supports signals up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 for superior audio transmission.
The R30 has two separate transformers to power the digital and analog sections independently, eliminating any mutual interference. Each channel is also equipped with dedicated filter capacitors, ensuring stable voltage and noise-free operation.
Specifications
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30 day return policy
At Head Audio, we know how important it is that you can try and test the products in your own living room. That's why you can return the goods to us for up to 30 days after purchase if you regret your purchase.
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