Digital done right
The Gustard U26 isn’t a DAC or an amp. It’s the digital bridge that ties your whole audio system together. Designed in collaboration with Amanero Technologies, it transforms USB input into ultra-precise digital output for your DAC through IIS, AES, or coaxial connections. With native DSD2048 and PCM 1.536MHz support, a temperature-controlled OCXO clock system, and independent power regulation, it delivers clean, stable, and timing-perfect data for the rest of your chain to shine.
A powerful foundation
The U26 runs on a built-in linear power supply with an audio-grade toroidal transformer. Two independent power supplies separately handle USB and digital circuits, ensuring the cleanest signal path and consistent performance over long listening sessions.
Filtering built for audiophiles
The main filter capacitors deliver a total capacity of 80,000µF. That means robust, stable current delivery no matter how demanding your DAC or amplifier might be. Gustard’s discrete power design pairs metal-cased transistors with TO-3 heat-sink housings, maintaining cool operation even when the night slips away from you.
Dual rectifier bridges
The U26 uses dual rectifier bridges with metal heat sinks rated for 800V DC reverse voltage and 25A current. Forward voltage drop is a mere 1.1V at 12.5A, with a surge current capacity of 400A. In short: efficient conversion, low heat, and dependable long-term performance.
OCXO and K2 clock system
At its core, a temperature-controlled OCXO crystal oscillator and K2 ultra-low-noise PLL clock generate dual clock signals—98.3040MHz and 90.3168MHz—with ±0.1ppm stability. These clocks suppress jitter at the source, keeping your DAC’s conversion process free from timing errors. The result is sharper transient response, improved imaging, and a blacker noise floor.
CPLD digital signal shaping
A custom programmable logic device re-shapes IIS signals after isolation to remove any residual jitter. Think of it as signal reconstruction at the digital level. Your DAC receives a pristine, phase-accurate feed that unlocks its full potential.
Isolation that matters
Inside the U26, a 200Mbps isolation chip physically separates the USB input from the processing circuitry. This keeps PC-borne electrical noise out of the audio path. Combined with the Amanero interface and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 core, it ensures low-latency, real-time transfer of high-sample-rate audio data.
Amanero technology, tuned for control
Gustard worked directly with Amanero in Italy to customize the USB interface, implementing flexible driver parameters for latency and buffer adjustment. Fine-tune clock phase, data alignment, or packet latency through the ASIO control panel to match your playback chain and preferred software.
A chassis with purpose
The full aluminum alloy housing isn’t just for looks—it shields against EMI and provides structural integrity. Inside, the layout keeps the transformer, digital processing, and clock sections electrically and physically isolated. On your desk, it blends into any minimalist hi-fi stack.
Full-format PCM and DSD support
The U26 handles PCM up to 32-bit/1.536MHz and DSD up to DSD2048. Whether you’re listening to standard 44.1kHz CD rips or ultra-high-res masters, it passes bit-perfect data to your DAC with clocking stability that keeps music grounded and lifelike.
Connection flexibility
With multiple outputs—optical, AES, coaxial, BNC, and dual IIS (one configurable)—the U26 integrates easily with DACs, amplifiers, and powered speakers. A 10MHz clock input lets you connect an external reference clock for even tighter synchronization.
Product highlights
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Amanero-based USB digital interface with ARM Cortex-M7 processor
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Native DSD64–DSD2048 and PCM 44.1kHz–1.536MHz (32-bit)
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Dual IIS-H outputs (one configurable pin assignment)
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AES, coaxial, and optical digital outputs
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OCXO temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (±0.1ppm)
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K2 ultra-low-noise PLL clock synthesis
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200Mbps full-isolation chip between USB and digital circuits
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CPLD digital signal shaping
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Discrete power supply design with dual rectifier bridges
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Audio-grade toroidal transformer with dual independent power rails
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80,000µF total filter capacitance
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Custom Amanero ASIO driver with adjustable buffer and latency
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Full aluminum alloy chassis for EMI shielding
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10MHz external clock input
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Low-noise LDO regulators for USB, digital, and clock sections
Specs
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Digital Inputs:
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Digital Outputs:
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Coaxial: 75Ω, 500mV P-P @ 75Ω load, PCM 24-bit/44.1–384kHz, DoP64–128
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AES (XLR): 110Ω, 2.1V P-P @ 110Ω load, PCM 24-bit/44.1–384kHz, DoP64–128
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Optical (TOSLINK): PCM 24-bit/44.1–192kHz, DoP64
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IIS (LVDS): PCM 32-bit/44.1–1536kHz, DSD 2.82–90.3MHz (DSD64–DSD2048)
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Clock System: Dual OCXO + K2 PLL clocks, ±0.1ppm accuracy
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Isolation: 200Mbps full isolation chip
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Power Supply: Dual linear supplies with toroidal transformer
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Power Consumption: <15W
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Dimensions: 13in × 10.2in × 2.6in (330mm × 260mm × 65mm)
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Weight: 10.6lbs (4.8kg)
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Packaging Weight: 13.9lbs (6.3kg)
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AC Input: 115V / 230V, 50/60Hz
What’s included
