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.
Model No: H16
Inputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced)
Outputs: 4-pin XLR (balanced), 3.5mm (balanced), 4.4mm (balanced), 6.35mm (unbalanced)
Output Power:
3700mW @ 64Ω
2268mW @ 150Ω
1133mW @ 300Ω
566mW @ 600Ω
6.35mm unbalanced output impedance: 0.1Ω
Balanced port (4.4, 3.5, 4-pin XLR) output impedance: 0.2Ω
Frequency response range: 20,000 - 80,000Hz
SNR (headphone output): >118dB
SNR (pre-amp output): 120dB
Channel crosstalk (headphone out): -118dB
Channel crosstalk (pre-amp out): -120dB
THD+N (headphone out): <0.0005%
THD+N (pre-amp out): <0.0004%
AC Power supply: AC 115V/230V 50/60Hz
Power consumption: <20W
Dimensions: 8.6 x 1.9 x 6.6” (220 x 50 x 170mm)
Weight: 5.5lbs (2.5Kg)
Warranty Period: 2 Year
In The Box
1U GUSTARD H16 Headphone Amplifier
1U Remote Control
Warranty Period: 2 Year from the date of Invoice
Covered: Manufacturing Defects Only
Warranty Form: https://www.theaudiostore.in/pages/warranty-claim-form
Gustard is a company dedicated to research and development, aiming to offer high-performance audio desktop-grade DAC and amplifiers at affordable prices. Their products are ideal for music lovers who seek quality audio.
It's not often you come across products which may not be hyped, but surprises you with class-leading performance, and competes with products which are 3x its price. Gustard H16 is one such item, which can be considered to be a great headphone amplifier irrespective of the price bracket. This has a unique presentation, as it does not push the sound frequencies too much. At the same time, its neither mellow or dark, and is fairly neutral, just portraying the tonality of the DAC feeding this. Although not bass heavy, this provides a good and clean bass impact depending on the DAC. H16 sounds magical when driven from Ifi XDSD Gryphon variable (balanced) line out (through 4.4 to dual xlr cable). The vocals sound sweet and textured and there is great synergy with something like Hifiman Arya in this set-up. Other great benefits are - perfect channel matching through its relay controlled digital volume, useability with iems (recommended with 30 ohms or higher), remote control for convenience and so on. All in all this is a highly recommended buy. Thanks a lot for Pritam from TAS for providing a very competitive pricing for brand new authentic products.
Got the Gustard H16 a few days back. Have to thank pritam for personally handing over the amp. As of now, burn in of the amp is in progress as around 50 hours minimum burn in is recommended for it. The amp packs quite a bit of power and sounds very clean and open so far.
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.
Model No: H16
Inputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced)
Outputs: 4-pin XLR (balanced), 3.5mm (balanced), 4.4mm (balanced), 6.35mm (unbalanced)
Output Power:
3700mW @ 64Ω
2268mW @ 150Ω
1133mW @ 300Ω
566mW @ 600Ω
6.35mm unbalanced output impedance: 0.1Ω
Balanced port (4.4, 3.5, 4-pin XLR) output impedance: 0.2Ω
Frequency response range: 20,000 - 80,000Hz
SNR (headphone output): >118dB
SNR (pre-amp output): 120dB
Channel crosstalk (headphone out): -118dB
Channel crosstalk (pre-amp out): -120dB
THD+N (headphone out): <0.0005%
THD+N (pre-amp out): <0.0004%
AC Power supply: AC 115V/230V 50/60Hz
Power consumption: <20W
Dimensions: 8.6 x 1.9 x 6.6” (220 x 50 x 170mm)
Weight: 5.5lbs (2.5Kg)
Warranty Period: 2 Year
In The Box
1U GUSTARD H16 Headphone Amplifier
1U Remote Control
Warranty Period: 2 Year from the date of Invoice
Covered: Manufacturing Defects Only
Warranty Form: https://www.theaudiostore.in/pages/warranty-claim-form
Gustard is a company dedicated to research and development, aiming to offer high-performance audio desktop-grade DAC and amplifiers at affordable prices. Their products are ideal for music lovers who seek quality audio.
It's not often you come across products which may not be hyped, but surprises you with class-leading performance, and competes with products which are 3x its price. Gustard H16 is one such item, which can be considered to be a great headphone amplifier irrespective of the price bracket. This has a unique presentation, as it does not push the sound frequencies too much. At the same time, its neither mellow or dark, and is fairly neutral, just portraying the tonality of the DAC feeding this. Although not bass heavy, this provides a good and clean bass impact depending on the DAC. H16 sounds magical when driven from Ifi XDSD Gryphon variable (balanced) line out (through 4.4 to dual xlr cable). The vocals sound sweet and textured and there is great synergy with something like Hifiman Arya in this set-up. Other great benefits are - perfect channel matching through its relay controlled digital volume, useability with iems (recommended with 30 ohms or higher), remote control for convenience and so on. All in all this is a highly recommended buy. Thanks a lot for Pritam from TAS for providing a very competitive pricing for brand new authentic products.
Got the Gustard H16 a few days back. Have to thank pritam for personally handing over the amp. As of now, burn in of the amp is in progress as around 50 hours minimum burn in is recommended for it. The amp packs quite a bit of power and sounds very clean and open so far.
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from 4685 reviewsSparkling music, enhance volume and gives extra wide sound instrument but some time later connection gone if audio is not play
The CD player works as advertised. The single ended headphone jack has decent output, able to drive IEMs at a loud volume level. The coaxial output also works with a 3.5mm male to coaxial cable hooked to a pre-amp. Sound signature is unolocured in the territory of neutral to slightly bright neutral and corresponds well with recording and mastering of records. Worth the money imo.
If my current HiBy R6 III (Gen 3, ESS) is compared to driving a BMW, the R6Pro MAX is a Rolls Royce.
It is easy, smooth, and suave. It doesn’t make a big deal of representing a soundstage that’s exactly studio-like. Natural, not heavy on any particular frequency (do not expect heart thumping bass) and extremely coherent. It’s like you’re sitting in front of the artists themselves, in a studio, with a performance made just for you alone. Each frequency - the lows, mids, highs and everything else in between - are effortlessly detailed and precise.
All IEMs I have tried with it, i.e. the 64 Audio Volür, Symphonium Meteor, Penon Quattro and Kiwi Ears Quintet are driven best at Low or Middle Gain, with me personally finding that High Gain makes it all muddy. I am yet to try it with my HiFiMan Ananda Planar headphones, and will update this review as the journey with this masterpiece of a device continues. Rarely do I find myself being fondly attached to any device so quickly. It may be safe to say the R6Pro MAX does have something special. Only time will tell.
Lastly, the design is phenomenal and classy. The weight of the unit is evenly balanced and not top-heavy, making it very easy to handle in spite of its 500 gramme weight.
My only gripe, because I just HAVE to find one is that the case provided is quite impractical as the device tends to slide out from the top opening, and it interferes with the UI gestures. On the flip side, the quality of the case is top-notch making the device feel extremely premium with its carbon fiber-like finish.
Kudos to HiBy. Clearly a lot of effort and thought has been put into introducing something like this. We may be looking at a potential market game-changer.
(All IEMs have been tested with the OE 2DualCPS Silver Upgrade Cable)
Superb Audio quality, Enhance the sound separation for my moondrop chu 2. i enjoyed a lot. Built quality also so good. Best Budget DAC recommended.
Bought the KZ Castor Pro from Audiostore, and I must say, I am extremely happy with my purchase. At first, I was a bit hesitant to order from them, but they completely surprised me with their service.
The delivery was super fast—much quicker than I expected! I couldn't believe how quickly the IEMs reached me, which made the entire shopping experience even more satisfying.
The product AUDIOCULAR D07 is a phenomenal DAC & Amp. It is suitable for all kinds of wired earphones. The output impedance of this DAC is sufficient for inexpensive as well as Expensive earphones. Overall I satisfied very much with this product. Thank you.
I really liked Moondrop Chu II DSP, which was my first IEM. I felt like I needed some more bass. This is perfect. Sounds exactly same as Chu II and with more bass. Shipping and delivery was also very fast. Got it delivered in 3 days. Good delivery and good product.
Sharp & Crystal clear audio🤩
For the price you can't get better value when comparing with TOTL iem's from other manufacturers, regardless of driver technology and implementation. The bone conduction driver works, which is always a plus.
Enough BASS, Treble not harsh. Smooth cable. Also, actually I've Tangzu Warner in my opinion, but i selected this. Satisfied with this IEM. Delivery was fast! Thank you TAS!!!!!
I was searching for mid forward, vocal centric IEM. Looking at options like oracle, mega5est etc. Mr. Pritam was kind enough to attend my numerous calls and indepth discussion and finally suggested me to penon voltage. Hefty price tag and becuz of my already good collection, I was not tempted for any iem if not drastically different sound signature. Again my man Friday Pritamji allowed me audition of his personal set of penon voltage.
Penon voltage is honestly outstanding and justify every penny.
Midst are lush and superb. Treble is outstanding. Male and female vocals are life like. Technically top notch. Base is full and extends deep and thumping. Best part is timber. Jazz, vocals and classical sounds so natural, it seems intimate and soulful. I had u12t, campfire Solaris og, now I have a 64audio volur, but voltage has etched a unique image in my soul. It's sounds like a headphone rather than an iem. Penon audio has an ace up their sleeves.
D32 is way better than expected. Sound imaging & separation is very good. Nice thumpy bass, crystal clear mids. Overall very value for money stuff. All bluetooth codec available. Supports aux in from DAP for hires audio. Fantastic overall.
For quite a long duration, I was looking for an budget IEM with a size that would perfectly sink within ear lobe and will not exert any pressure while being a couch potato , on one side. Atlast this is where the search ended.
Aurora is even a bit smaller in size than Sennheiser IE100 Pros, which were my only go to solution at late nights. I already referred to various other reviews about the sound signature of this tiny one, and was quite confident about the other end of the bargain any way. I will not be hence touch the audio signature stuff , since there are plenty detailed reviews on the youtube and many other forums already. It is the ergonomics which is mostly untouched area of any in ear type monitors, that was more profound for me in this case, for long duration of usage. Also liked the quality of the case supplied with , the whole package is absolutely incredible !
This iem fits like a glove, it is so well tuned. The sound profile changes based on what you plug it into.
I was searching for an IEM that fits comfortably for soo long and then I came acrosss this review by Acros. I immediately jumped on it as soon as he said it was light, because so many reviewers talk about how an IEM looks and sound signature and more but never about its weight and fit. He did a comparison with few similarly priced IEMS. This one when compared to Moondrop Aria which I have sounds awesome but it is a pain when wearing it for more that 30 mins. This one I have worn for 3 hours straight and nothing. Perfect for my needs.
I drive it with Fiio BTR3K specifically for the sound profile it offers, on the other ones it sounds too neutral. Thank you Audio Store for stocking this IEM.
Excellent delivery experience, it was a gift wrap.
My first time ordering from the audio store, really impressed.
And the device is marvelous.