Gustard DAC-X30 High Performance Audio DAC User Manual

Front Panel Introduction

The Gustard DAC-X30 features a user-friendly front panel with several key controls and a display:

• 1. Power Button: Switches the device between standby and active working states. The unit can remain in standby even when the rear power switch is on.
• 2. Display: Shows the current input channel, encoding format, and sampling rate. Specific items may change when entering the menu.
• 3. Volume Indicator: Displays the current volume level, ranging from -90dB to 00dB. The 'FIXED' setting indicates volume pass-through mode. This area also displays menu options when navigating settings.
• 4. '-' Button: Primarily used to decrease the volume. In menu interfaces, it serves to switch between options or adjust values.
• 5. Gear Button (Menu/Input): Short press cycles through input channels. A long press enters or exits the settings menu. In menus, a short press switches between menu items.
• 6. '+' Button: Primarily used to increase the volume. In menu interfaces, it serves to switch between options or adjust values.

The front panel also displays the input source (e.g., USB), DSD information (e.g., DSD 22.4M), and the output mode (e.g., FIXED).

Rear Panel Introduction

The rear panel provides all the necessary input and output connections:

• Inputs: Clock Input (10MHz IN), Coaxial Input, AES Input, USB Input, LAN Input.
• Outputs/Connections: Update Firmware port, 220V/110V Voltage Switching, Fuse.
• Audio Outputs: Line out XLR Right, Line out RCA Right, IIS Input (IIS-G), Optical Input, Trigger IN, SD Card reader, Line out RCA Left, Line out XLR Left.
• Power: Power supply input and Power switch.

Important Note: Ensure both voltage switches (220V/110V) are set to the same voltage before powering on to prevent damage to the internal transformer.

Display and Panel Operations

The DAC-X30 utilizes a large OLED display for real-time status and operational feedback.

Input Channel Selection

The DAC-X30 supports 7 input channels. From the main screen, pressing the small gear button cycles through the inputs in the following order: COAX, AES, OPT, USB, STREAMER, IIS(G), and IIS(M*).

Note:

• IIS(G) uses the GUSTARD format and cannot be adjusted. When playing DSD via IIS(G), a DSD FLAG signal is required from the source.
• IIS(M*) is an adjustable IIS port that can automatically detect PCM and DSD encoding, eliminating the need for a DSD FLAG signal.

Volume Adjustment

In the main screen state, the '+' and '-' buttons directly control the analog volume attenuation. The volume can be adjusted from 00dB down to -90dB.

When the volume is at 00dB, pressing the '+' button again engages the fixed output mode (pass-through), bypassing the volume control. The display will show 'FIXED'. To exit FIXED mode, press the '-' button, which first reduces the volume from FIXED, and then allows normal volume adjustment.

Settings Menu

To access the settings menu, long-press the small gear button from the main screen. Within the menu, the gear button cycles through adjustable items, while the '+' and '-' buttons adjust the selected option's value. Long-pressing the gear button again returns to the main screen.

The menu structure is organized as follows:

• 1. PCM FILTER: Adjusts the digital filter for PCM signals (VIVID, GENTLE, COMPOSITE).
• 2. DSD FILTER: Selects the bandwidth for DSD digital filters (47K, 50K, 60K, 70K).
• 3. NOS MODE: Enables or disables the No Oversampling Filter mode.
• 4. REF CLOCK: Selects the reference clock source (INTERNAL OCXO or EXTERNAL 10MHz).
• 5. IIS MODE: Configures the IIS input pinout mode (IIS(G) GUSTARD MODE, or IIS(M*) with MODE1, MODE2, MODE3, MODE4 options).
• 6. PHASE: Sets the output phase for RCA and XLR signals (NON-inverted or Inverted).
• 7. TRIGGER CH.: Selects the input channel to activate upon receiving a 12V linkage trigger signal. Options include LAST (previous input), COAX, AES, OPT, USB, STREAMER, IIS(G), and IIS.
• 8. TRIGGER VOL.: Sets the output volume when triggered by a 12V linkage signal. Options include LAST (previous volume), FIXED, -20dB, -30dB, and -40dB (attenuated volumes).
• 9. DISPLAY: Adjusts screen brightness settings (AUTO brightness reduction or AUTO OFF).

Menu Functions

Detailed explanations for each menu option:

1. PCM FILTER (PCM Digital Filter Adjustment)

The DAC-X30 features a self-developed DSP PCM digital filter with three types:

• VIVID: Similar to a FAST roll-off filter, offering better ringing characteristics with minimal pre-ringing and fast post-ringing. It provides accurate details, soundstage, and sound restoration, recommended for most music styles.
• GENTLE: Similar to a SLOW roll-off filter, providing a softer listening experience.
• COMPOSITE: A hybrid digital filter offering a balance between VIVID and GENTLE, providing a good listening experience.

2. DSD FILTER (DSD Digital Filter Adjustment)

Offers four built-in bandwidth options for DSD signals: 47K, 50K, 60K, and 70K.

3. NOS MODE (No Oversampling Filter Mode)

When enabled, the PCM signal bypasses the oversampling filter and is sent directly to the ES9039SPRO chip, which also disables its internal PCM oversampling digital filter. A slight clicking sound may occur when switching between PCM and DSD formats with this mode enabled.

4. REF CLOCK (Reference Clock Selection)

Utilizes the GUSTARD-K2 low-noise clock synthesizer for ultra-low phase noise and femtosecond-level jitter performance. The reference clock can be set to:

• INTERNAL: Uses the built-in OCXO reference.
• EXT. 10Mhz: Selects an external 10MHz reference source.

It is recommended to connect to GUSTARD C16 or C18 reference clocks. When using the external clock, the display will show 'EXT' upon successful lock. If the external clock is lost or has a frequency deviation greater than +-150ppm, the display will show 'EXT ERR' and flash.

5. IIS MODE (IIS Pinout Mode Selection)

The DAC-X30 has two IIS inputs:

1. IIS(G): GUSTARD pinout, not adjustable. Requires a DSD FLAG signal from the source when playing DSD.
2. IIS(M*): Adjustable pinout mode, automatically detects PCM and DSD encoding.

The pinout for IIS(G) (GUSTARD MODE) is detailed, specifying connections for DATA/DSDL+, DATA/DSDL-, BCLK/DSDCLK+, BCLK/DSDCLK-, LRCK/DSDR+, LRCK/DSDR-, MCLK+, MCLK-, GND, and NC pins.

IIS(M*) offers four pinout modes: MODE1, MODE2, MODE3, and MODE4. MODE1 is compatible with GUSTARD front ends like U12, U16, U18, S16, S26 when they operate in GUSTARD output mode.

6. PHASE (Phase Setting)

This function offers two phase settings:

• NON-inverted: RCA output is normal phase; XLR balanced output is American standard polarity (1 ground, 2 hot, 3 cold).
• Inverted: RCA output is reverse phase; XLR balanced output is Japanese/European standard polarity (1 ground, 2 cold, 3 hot).

7. TRIGGER CH. (Linkage Trigger Start Channel Selection)

The DAC-X30 can be triggered by an external 12V linkage signal to turn on from standby. When active, it switches to the input channel set here via the 12V trigger signal. If the trigger signal drops to 0V, the unit returns to standby.

Notes on Trigger:

• The unit must be turned on via 12V trigger, not manually.
• After the trigger, the unit operates in the selected trigger channel.
• The input channel must not have been manually switched after the trigger.

Available channels for trigger selection include LAST (previous input), COAX, AES, OPT, USB, STREAMER, IIS(G), and IIS.

8. TRIGGER VOL. (Link Trigger Boot Volume Selection)

This setting determines the output volume when the DAC-X30 is triggered on from standby or when its volume is adjusted via a 12V linkage signal.

Options include LAST (volume used before standby), FIXED (full volume), -20dB, -30dB, and -40dB (attenuated volumes).

9. DISPLAY (Screen Brightness Settings)

Settings for screen brightness:

• AUTO: Automatically reduces brightness.
• AUTO OFF: Automatically turns off the screen.

To prevent OLED screen burn-in and ghosting, automatic brightness reduction or screen off is recommended.

Infrared Remote Control

The remote control provides access to various functions:

• 1. Standby: Switches between standby and working states.
• 2. Menu: Enters the settings menu.
• 3. Directional Pad (Pad with 4 direction keys):
  • On the main screen: Up/Down keys switch input channels.
  • In the menu: Up/Down keys select options; Left/Right keys change values.
• 4. Back: Returns to the main screen.
• 5. Vol-: Decreases the volume.
• 6. Vol+: Increases the volume.

Note on Remote Usage:

• Ensure clear line-of-sight and avoid obstacles for proper operation.
• If the remote is not used for over a month, remove the battery. Clean the battery compartment if leaks occur. The remote may not function optimally with other devices.

To enter DAC control mode, long-press the DAC key for 3-5 seconds.

Operation Introduction of Streamer

After connecting the DAC-X30's RJ45 port to your local area network (LAN):

1. Select the 'Streamer' channel on the DAC-X30 and wait for the system to boot up (approximately one minute, indicated by the display showing DSD 24.5MHz).
2. Access the settings page of the X30 bridge by entering http://X30.local in a web browser on a PC, MAC, tablet, or iPhone connected to the same network.

The web interface allows you to manage streaming protocols, disabling unused ones to optimize playback performance. Online upgrades for the Streamer function are also performed via this web page. Alternatively, these operations can be managed through a dedicated Streamer APP once it is launched.

Product Specifications

Digital Input Support Formats:

• COAX/AES/OPT: PCM 16-24bit/44.1-192kHz; DOP64
• USB: PCM 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz; DSD DOP64-DOP256; NATIVE DSD: DSD64-DSD512
• STREAMER: PCM 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz; DSD DOP64-DOP256; NATIVE DSD: DSD64-DSD512 (Streamer protocol can be enabled/disabled and upgraded online).
• IIS(G): PCM 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz; DSD DOP64-DOP256; NATIVE DSD: DSD64-DSD512
• IIS(MODE1-MODE4): PCM 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz; DSD DOP64-DOP256; NATIVE DSD: DSD64-DSD512 (Supports automatic PCM/DSD encoding detection).

USB Input OS Support:

• WIN7-WIN11 (32-64bit), UP, Mac OSX, iOS, Linux, Android OTG.

10MHz BNC Input:

• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Level: 0dBm-20dBm
• CMOS voltage: Square wave: 0.2V-3.3V; Sine wave: 0.5-3.3V

Trigger:

• IN: 12V Typ.
• OUT: 12V Typ.

Analog Output:

• Frequency response: 20-20kHz /+-0.2dB (@VIVID setting)
• Dynamic Range: > 130dB (20K BW Awt.)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 129dB (20K BW Awt.)
• Crosstalk: -139dB @ 10kHz
• THD+N: < 0.0002% @ 1kHz
• IMD: ≈ 0.001% @ -1dBfs
• RCA level: 2.5Vrms (VOLUME FIXED)
• RCA output Impedance: 100Ω
• XLR level: 5.1Vrms (VOLUME FIXED)
• XLR output Impedance: 100Ω
• XLR definition: US standard (1 ground, 2 hot, 3 cold) @Non-Inverted Phase setting

Others:

• Power Supply: AC 115V/230V 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: < 43W
• Size: L430mm * W300mm * H80mm (With machine feet 92mm)
• Packing size: L530mm * W400mm * H180mm
• Weight: 10Kg (with package)

Product Warranty

Purchasers of Gustard's HIFI products are entitled to a 2-year free warranty and lifetime maintenance.

The manufacturer covers freight costs from mainland China. Freight and taxes for overseas shipments are subject to negotiation between the user and the dealer.

Free Warranty Service

The Gustard DAC-X30 is covered under the free warranty period if the product is used normally and fails due to component quality or manufacturing defects.

Beyond the Warranty Service

Warranty service is not provided under the following circumstances:

• The product's purchase date exceeds the predetermined warranty period.
• Model, barcodes, or purchase date do not match the product or warranty card.
• Unauthorized modifications to the circuit, components, or self-repairs without Gustard technician permission.
• Damage caused by irresistible natural forces.
• Damage resulting from use outside permitted environmental conditions.
• Damage due to incorrect use or improper storage, including but not limited to: excessive voltage, physical impact, water/oil/liquid ingress, excessive dust, product oxidation, or corrosion.
• Damage occurring beyond the warranty period, such as individual component damage, appearance damage due to human factors, or firmware modifications rendering the unit inoperable by unauthorized users. In such cases, Gustard may offer reasonable maintenance services (excluding major component or circuit board damage), but the user will be responsible for freight and material costs.