
Description
- Clean amplification with ultra-low distortion
- Fully-balanced architecture
- Ultra-low output impedance
- Massive output power
The Gustard H16 Amp follows hot on the heels of the Gustard X16 DAC, a DAC which implements the world’s first DAC chipset with an in-built MQA renderer. The X16 has been turning heads with its best-in-class SINAD rating. Every DAC needs an amp, and the H16 can be thought of as the X16’s partner in crime. It offers massive power without contributing noise or distortion.
The H16 uses a fully balanced architecture, making it perfect for anyone looking to power balanced headphones (especially power-hungry ones). With four outputs, three of which are balanced, it can accommodate an array of listening scenarios.
Massive output power
If you’re wondering if the H16 can drive your headphones, the answer is almost definitely yes. It delivers huge amounts of power at any impedance: 3700mW @ 64Ω, 2268mW @ 150Ω, 1133mW @ 300Ω, and 566mW @ 600Ω.
Clean amplification with ultra-low distortion
Gustard designed the H16 to pair with the X16 DAC. An ultra-clean DAC deserves an ultra-clean amp, and that’s exactly what they’ve provided.
The H16’s signal-to-noise ratio is over 118dB, meaning that you’d have to crank it to dangerously high levels to hear any hiss or other unwanted noise. To put that number in perspective, the loudness of a jackhammer is 110dB, an ambulance 120dB. So in any normal, healthy listening scenario, you’re going to hear nothing but pure signal.