GUSTARD DAC-X16 2 ES9068AS DAC Bluetooth 5.0 LDAC XMOS XU216 DSD512 768KHz IIS Balanced Full Decoder (Black)

The item was received promptly (inside 4 days) and well packaged/safely from China. There were no extra import duties/VAT to pay etc. so the seller took care of that.It is a heavy and well built piece of kit, it measures exceptionally according to AudioScienceReview. The screen very clear if a bit small. The quality of the supplied accessories (USB lead, power lead, etc.) was very good.I've connected a 20 year old Sony ES range Super Audio CD player via coaxial and a similar vintage Sony QS range DAB radio by optical. To be honest I didn't notice a significant improvement in sound compared to the respective internal DACs. However, I've also connected a laptop via USB for MQA HiRes streaming from Tidal and the quality through that is a massive step up on an A-B comparison with the corresponding CDs so I'm very happy with that. I've had no problems getting any of the inputs working including full MQA from the laptop. I've also easily connected my mobile phone over bluetooth - this streams fine although without MQA.In terms of sound I would say it is a very detailed, clear, neutral sound - I'd maybe be careful of partnering with very bright equipment.For reference I'm listening via a Sony QS amplifier and Elac Debut Reference bookshelf speakers with high quality QED interconnects throughout. I would suggest not scrimping on partnering equipment and the DAC is certainly up to being in to a high end system. I hope Gustard and their ilk make a similar unit with the streaming front end built in, that'd be perfect.