1. Product Overview
The Gustard S16 is a high-fidelity network digital player designed for exceptional sound quality. It features a dual-system design with a G-Pipeline audio playback system based on a special FPGA architecture and a G-Android depth system for control and interconnection. The S16 supports a wide range of audio formats and offers versatile connectivity options.

Key Features:
- G-Pipeline audio playback system with FPGA architecture for pure sound.
- G-Android depth system for intuitive operation, control, and interconnection.
- Femtosecond K2 synthesizer with support for external 10M constant temperature clock.
- 4-inch high-definition touch screen with fine resolution and minimal touch delay.
- 50W high-quality audio special ring transformer.
- Supports PCM up to 768KHz and DSD up to DSD512.
- Dedicated Android APP for control (iOS not supported).
- Supports DLNA push, NetEase cloud, and QQ Music.
- Supports NAS reading (for non-high code files), U disk, and SD card (PCM768K, DSD512).
- Coaxial, AES, and Optical fiber outputs support DoP.
- IIS (HDMI format) supports DSD source code output and multi-line sequence adjustment.

2. Setup Guide
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the S16 unit and all accessories from the packaging. Inspect for any signs of damage. Keep the original packaging for future transport or service needs.
2.2 Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel of the S16 provides various input and output interfaces for connecting to your audio system.

- Optical Fiber Output (Opt): Connect to a DAC or amplifier with an optical input.
- AES Output: Connect to a DAC or amplifier with an AES/EBU input.
- Coaxial Output (COAX Output): Connect to a DAC or amplifier with a coaxial input.
- IIS-H Output: Connect to a compatible DAC using an HDMI cable for IIS signal transmission.
- Clock Output (WCK): For synchronization with other audio devices.
- Clock Input (10M CLK Input): Connect an external 10M constant temperature clock for enhanced timing precision.
- USB Input (USB/LAN): Connect USB storage devices (e.g., U disk, external hard drive). Note: External hard drives may require an external power supply.
- Network Cable Input (USB/LAN): Connect an Ethernet cable for network access (NAS, UPNP/DLNA, APP control).
- Power Input: Connect the power cable.
- Fuse: Replace if necessary (refer to specifications for type).
- Bluetooth Antenna: For APP connection via Bluetooth.
- 220V/110V Voltage Switching: Ensure the correct voltage is selected for your region before powering on.
- Power Switch: To turn the unit on/off.
2.3 Power Connection
- Verify the 220V/110V voltage switch on the rear panel is set to match your local power supply.
- Connect the provided power cable to the Power Input on the S16 and then to a wall outlet.
2.4 Network and Storage Setup
- LAN Connection: Connect an Ethernet cable to the Network Cable Input for network streaming and control via the dedicated APP.
- Bluetooth Connection: Ensure the Bluetooth antenna is attached. Bluetooth is primarily used for APP control.
- SD Card: Insert an SD card (up to 512GB tested, theoretical 2TB) into the SD slot. Supported formats: FAT32/exFAT/NTFS.
- USB Storage: Connect USB drives (U disk, mobile hard disk) to the USB inputs. Mobile hard disks may require an external power supply.
2.5 External Clock Connection
For optimal performance, the S16 can be connected to an external 10M constant temperature clock. Connect the external clock to the '10M CLK Input' on the rear panel.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Power On/Off
Flip the Power Switch on the rear panel to turn the S16 on or off.
3.2 User Interface
The S16 features a 4-inch HD touch screen for direct control and navigation. The touch operation is designed for minimal delay.
3.3 APP Control
A dedicated APP is available for Android devices to control the S16. This APP allows for comprehensive management of playback, settings, and file browsing. Connect via LAN or Bluetooth.

3.4 Audio Playback
The S16 supports various playback modes:
- Local Storage: Play files directly from an inserted SD card or connected USB storage device.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): Access music files stored on your network via Samba. Note: NAS reading does not support high-code files.
- UPNP/DLNA: Stream audio from compatible devices on your network.
- Streaming Services: Supports DLNA push, NetEase cloud, and QQ Music.
3.5 IIS Multi-line Sequence Adjustment
The IIS output (HDMI format) offers adjustable multi-line sequences with four built-in options, allowing for compatibility with various external DACs and devices.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning
To maintain the appearance and performance of your S16, regularly wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the finish. Ensure the unit is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
4.2 Storage
When not in use for extended periods, store the S16 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If possible, use the original packaging for protection.
5. Troubleshooting
- No Sound Output: Check all cable connections (power, audio outputs). Ensure the correct input is selected on your connected DAC/amplifier. Verify the S16 is powered on and playing audio.
- Files Not Playing: Ensure the audio format is supported (refer to Specifications). Check if the storage device (SD card, USB drive) is properly formatted (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS). If using NAS, ensure the files are not 'high-code' as these are not supported.
- External Hard Drive Not Detected: If using a mobile hard disk, ensure it has an external power supply connected, as the S16's USB ports may not provide sufficient power for all drives.
- APP Connection Issues: Ensure both the S16 and your Android device are connected to the same network (for LAN control) or that Bluetooth is enabled and paired.
- DTS DST Format Not Supported: The S16 does not support DTS DST audio formats. Attempting to play these files will result in no sound or an error message.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | S16 |
| Dimensions (Machine) | Width 220mm * Height 80mm (including machine leg height 90mm) * Depth 200mm (excluding protruding parts) |
| Weight (Gross) | 3.3 KG |
| Display | 4-inch HD Touch Screen |
| Power Supply | 50W High Quality Audio Special Ring Transformer, 220V/110V switchable |
| Digital Core | G-Pipeline (FPGA), G-Android (Multi-core CPU) |
| Clock System | Femtosecond K2 Synthesizer, supports external 10M constant temperature clock |
| Supported APP | Dedicated Android APP (iOS not supported) |
| Supported Audio Formats: | |
| WAV | Stereo 44.1KHz-768KHz, 16bit-32bit |
| APE | Stereo 44.1KHz-192KHz, 16Bit-24Bit |
| FLAC | Stereo 44.1KHz-384KHz, 16Bit-24Bit |
| AIFF | Stereo 44.1KHz-768KHz, 16bit-32bit |
| ALAC | Stereo 44.1KHz-192KHz, 16Bit-24Bit |
| AAC | Stereo LC/LD/HE/HEv2 profile |
| MP3 | Stereo 320Kbps, CBR and VBR |
| WMA | Supports WMA9, WMA10 Pro, and WMA Lossless |
| CUE | Supports automatic rail splitting (WAV, APE, FLAC), Unicode, UTF-8, ANSI encoding |
| DSD | Supports DFF, DSF, and SACD ISO (non-compression), DSD64-DSD512 |
| Input Interfaces: | |
| SD Card | Max theoretical 2TB, tested 512GB. Supports FAT32/exFAT/NTFS. |
| USB | 3x USB ports. Supports USB1.0, USB2.0, compatible with USB3.0. Theoretical support 4TB (external HDD may require external power). |
| LAN | 100Mbps full duplex. Supports network NAS (Samba), UPNP/DLNA, and APP connection. |
| Bluetooth | Supports APP connection only. |
| Output Interfaces: | |
| IIS (HDMI format) | PCM44.1KHz-768KHz, 16Bit-32Bit / DSD64-DSD512 |
| AES/Coaxial | PCM44.1KHz-384KHz, 16Bit-24Bit / DSD64-DSD128 (DoP mode) |
| Optical Fiber | PCM44.1KHz-192KHz, 16Bit-24Bit / DSD64 (DoP mode) |

7. User Tips
- Seamless Control: The optimized G-Android system and touch control make the S16 very simple and smooth to operate, even if you are new to networked digital media players.
- App Convenience: Utilize the dedicated Android app for comprehensive remote control and easy navigation of your music library. Remember, the app is currently only available for Android devices.
- External Clock for Precision: For the most accurate and stable sound, consider connecting an external 10M constant temperature clock to leverage the S16's high-precision low-shake synthesis technology.
- DAC Compatibility: The S16 offers various output options (IIS, AES, Coaxial, Optical) and adjustable IIS multi-line sequences to ensure broad compatibility with different DACs. If you have a specific DAC like a Rockna Wavelight, experiment with the IIS settings to find the optimal configuration.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact your authorized Gustard dealer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.





