Gustard Audalytic DR80n

Discrete R-2R streamer DAC with CelWare network bridge

• Proprietary discrete R-2R conversion with 26-bit (complementary) resolution and a separate native 1-bit DSD path
• CelWare network bridge with LAN and microSD slot for Roon Bridge, AirPlay, UPnP, HQPlayer NAA, Qobuz Connect, and TME Connect
• USB up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD1024
• I2S input with PCM up to 32-bit/1536 kHz and native DSD2048
• Analog volume control with true bypass; XLR and RCA can be used simultaneously
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX HD, and other codecs
• CK-01 femto-clock, FPGA logic, and internal low-noise power supply
• Anodized aluminum housing in black or silver

Two conversion paths for PCM and DSD

The Audalytic DR80n is a desktop DAC based on a proprietary 26-bit discrete R-2R converter with a complementary configuration. For PCM signals, the module employs a network of precision resistors whose precise calibration supports the accuracy of the conversion. Custom-programmed FPGA logic handles clock management and digital signal processing. Three digital filters and a selectable NOS mode offer additional options for customizing playback.

DSD recordings follow a separate path. When DSD Direct mode is activated, the bitstream goes directly to a 1-bit switch array decoder, completely bypassing PCM conversion. Native DSD up to DSD1024 is supported via USB, and up to DSD2048 via a compatible I2S source.

USB Interface Developed in Collaboration with Amanero

Both models in the series use a USB audio interface developed by Gustard in collaboration with the Italian manufacturer Amanero. Its ARM Cortex-M7 processor handles the demands of high data rates and processes PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, native DSD up to DSD1024, and DoP up to DSD512.

Digital Inputs

USB-B, coaxial, optical, I2S, and Bluetooth are available for computers, portable players, and wireless sources. The coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz as well as DSD64 via DoP. The I2S input extends PCM support to 32-bit/1536 kHz and offers four selectable pin configurations to adapt it to compatible sources. The HDMI-style jack transmits I2S audio exclusively. HDMI audio/video and ARC/eARC are not supported.

Wireless playback is handled by a Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset with Bluetooth 5.1. Supported codecs include LDAC (24-bit, 44.1 to 96 kHz), AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, and aptX HD.

Network Playback on the DR80n

The DR80n expands on the DR80 by adding a CelWare network bridge—developed in collaboration with Cel Audio—as well as a LAN port and a microSD slot. The platform supports Roon Bridge, AirPlay, UPnP, HQPlayer NAA, Qobuz Connect, and TME Connect. For network playback, the same maximum PCM, native DSD, and DoP rates apply as for USB playback.

Dedicated playback hardware runs CelWare 5.x. Its optimized Linux kernel uses hardware-prioritized scheduling for the audio path. Unneeded bridge protocols can be disabled via dr80.local in a Windows or Mac browser or through the Bridge app for Android and iOS.

Analog Volume Control and Simultaneous Outputs

An analog volume control IC allows for level adjustment when connecting to downstream amplifiers. For systems that already have their own volume control, a true bypass mode is available. At a fixed volume, the balanced XLR outputs deliver 4 V rms and the unbalanced RCA outputs deliver 2 V rms. Both output types can be operated simultaneously, allowing two downstream devices to be connected. The output impedance is 100 Ω for each.

The published measurement values indicate a dynamic range of over 114 dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of over 115 dB, and a THD+N of no more than 0.003% at 1 kHz.

Clock, Power Supply, and Operation

A CK-01 femto-clock module provides the DAC’s time base. Segmented filtering and multiple regulated power rails minimize interference between circuit sections. Both models feature an internal low-noise power supply as well as an external DC input for 12 to 15 V, which requires a power supply capable of delivering at least 2 A.

Controls and settings are accessed via touch controls on the front panel or via an IR remote control. The LCD features adjustable brightness and a sleep mode. The housing is made of anodized aluminum and is available in black or silver.

Technical Specifications

Model: Audalytic DR80n (with CelWare network bridge, LAN, and microSD slot)

Conversion: Discrete R-2R, 26-bit complementary; native 1-bit DSD

Digital Inputs: USB-B, coaxial, optical, I2S, Bluetooth, LAN

Network Playback: Roon Bridge, AirPlay, UPnP, HQPlayer NAA, Qobuz Connect, TME Connect

Network Connections: LAN, microSD slot

Network PCM, native DSD, and DoP: same as USB

USB and streamer PCM: 16 to 32-bit, 44.1 to 768 kHz

USB and streamer native DSD: DSD64 to DSD1024

USB and streamer DoP: DSD64 to DSD512

Coaxial and optical PCM: 16 to 24-bit, 44.1 to 192 kHz

Coaxial and optical DoP: DSD64

I2S PCM: 16 to 32-bit, 44.1 to 1536 kHz

I2S native DSD: DSD64 to DSD2048

I2S compatibility: four selectable pin configurations; HDMI-style connector for compatible I2S sources only

Bluetooth: Version 5.1, Qualcomm QCC5125

Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD

LDAC: 24-bit, 44.1 to 96 kHz

USB Host operating systems: Windows 7/8/10/11 (32- and 64-bit), macOS, iOS, Linux

Analog outputs: Stereo XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced), simultaneous operation possible

Fixed output levels: XLR 4 V rms, RCA 2 V rms

Output impedance: XLR 100 Ω, RCA 100 Ω

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.2 dB in OS mode

Dynamic range: over 114 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: over 115 dB

Channel separation: less than –134 dB at 1 kHz

THD+N: 0.003% maximum at 1 kHz

IMD: approx. 0.009% at 0 dBFS

Mains voltage: 100/240 V, 50/60 Hz

External DC power supply: 12 to 15 V, at least 2 A

Power consumption: less than 12 W

Dimensions excluding protrusions (W × D × H): 300 × 230 × 58 mm

Additional height due to feet: 10 mm

Net weight: 2.8 kg

Packaging dimensions: 360 × 290 × 130 mm

Shipping weight: 4 kg

Colors: Black, Silver

Package contents

Audalytic DR80n DAC