Gustard
Gustard X18
Last updated August 12, 2026
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A desktop DAC with the flagship ES9038Pro chip, dual low-jitter clocks, and both wired and Bluetooth inputs.
Official product pageOverview
The X18 is built around an ESS ES9038Pro DAC chip with an embedded Altera Max V CPLD for clock management, 8 independent I/V converters using OPA1612 op-amps, and dual Accusilicon A5318-B clocks for low jitter. Inputs include USB (XMOS XU216), optical, coaxial, AES, I2S via HDMI, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD/LDAC, with both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Pros
- ES9038Pro flagship DAC chip with 8 independent I/V converters (OPA1612 op-amps)
- Dual Accusilicon A5318-B clocks for low jitter
- Comprehensive I/O: USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S via HDMI, plus Bluetooth 5.0 (LDAC/aptX HD)
- Both RCA and XLR balanced outputs
Cons
- $749 is the most expensive DAC in this batch
- 7-10 working day pre-order processing, non-cancellable and non-refundable
- No headphone output listed — pair with a separate amp for headphones
Specifications
- DAC Chip
- ESS ES9038Pro
- USB Interface
- XMOS XU216
- CPLD
- Altera Max V
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-20kHz ±0.08dB
- Output Levels
- RCA 2.5Vrms / XLR 5Vrms @ 0dBFS
- PCM Support
- Up to 32-bit/768kHz via USB/I2S
- DSD Support
- Up to DSD512 (native, USB/I2S)
- Bluetooth Codecs
- AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC
- Inputs
- Bluetooth 5.0, USB-B, Optical, Coaxial, AES, I2S/HDMI
- Outputs
- RCA (single-ended), XLR (balanced)
FAQs
What DAC chip does the X18 use?
An ESS ES9038Pro chip, with 8 independent I/V converters using OPA1612 op-amps.
Does it support wireless input?
Yes — Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, and LDAC codec support.
How long is the pre-order wait?
Linsoul lists a 7-10 working day processing time, and pre-orders are non-cancellable and non-refundable.
