Gustard S26 Hi-Fi Network Audio Streamer

Ultra-Low Latency, Precision Clocking, and Audiophile-Grade Performance

The Gustard S26 is a cutting-edge network audio streamer designed for audiophiles seeking uncompromising sound quality, ultra-low latency, and seamless integration into high-end digital audio systems. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor and featuring a self-developed motherboard, the S26 delivers exceptional performance in digital signal processing, network streaming, and real-time audio playback.

High-Fidelity Music Playback with Ultra-Low Latency

At the core of the S26 is AUDIO OS, a custom operating system tailored for high-resolution audio. Combined with CelPlayer, Gustard’s proprietary playback app, and ultra-low latency audio processing technology, the S26 ensures pristine sound reproduction with minimal delay. Whether streaming DSD512 or PCM 768kHz files, the S26 maintains exceptional musicality and detail resolution.

Advanced Processing with AMD Ryzen 5 5600U

Built on Zen 3 architecture, the 6-core/12-thread Ryzen 5 5600U offers a base clock of 2.3GHz and a boost up to 4.2GHz. With a 10W TDP and passive cooling, it delivers silent, stable performance—ideal for demanding audio tasks such as real-time DSP, multi-user streaming, and high-resolution decoding.

Fanless Passive Cooling System

The S26 features a copper heat pipe-based passive cooling system, eliminating mechanical noise and electromagnetic interference. This ensures silent operation and long-term thermal stability, which is critical for uninterrupted high-fidelity playback.

High-Speed Storage and Expandability

Equipped with a 1TB NVMe SSD and DDR4 RAM, the S26 offers fast access to your music library. Expandable up to 4TB via PCIe 3.0, it provides ample space for even the most extensive high-resolution collections.

Audiophile-Grade Power Supply

The S26’s power system is built around a 120VA OFC copper transformer, dual rectifier bridges, and 40,800µF of high-quality capacitors. Independent low-dropout regulators (LDOs) power each subsystem, maintaining noise levels below 5µV RMS. This ensures a clean, stable power supply—essential for high-end audio performance.

Precision Clocking with GCLK-02

Digital audio demands perfect timing. The S26 uses Gustard’s GCLK-02 clock module with 1Hz-lock PLL technology, synchronizing all digital interfaces (PCIe, USB, Network) from a single low-noise clock source. For ultimate precision, it supports an external 10MHz clock via a 50Ω BNC input.

Broad Compatibility and Streaming Support

The S26 is compatible with Roon Core, UPnP servers, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, and QQ Music, making it a versatile hub for any digital audio setup. Whether streaming locally or from the cloud, the S26 integrates effortlessly.

Inputs and Outputs

• Inputs: USB-A 3.0, RJ45 Ethernet, 10MHz BNC Clock Input
• Outputs: USB-A Audio, HDMI I2S, HDMI I2S-G, AES/EBU (XLR), Optical (Toslink), Coaxial

Supported Formats:

• I2S: PCM 32bit/768kHz, Native DSD512
• AES/Coax/Optical: PCM 24bit/192kHz, DSD DoP256

Technical Specifications and Detailed Description

1. General Features
   • Device Type: Network audio streamer, integrated digital signal processor for excellent signal quality achieved through precise component design, radical reduction of jitter and power supply noise.
2. Processor and Performance
   • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600U (Zen 3 architecture)
   • Cores/Threads: 6 cores / 12 threads
   • Clock Speed: Base 2.3 GHz / Turbo Boost: 4.2 GHz
   • Tasks: Digital signal decoding, network data stream handling, real-time DSP operations
   • Performance Guarantee: Dynamic frequency scaling of the processor ensures smooth operation even under heavy load (e.g., DSD512 decoding, multi-user streaming)
3. Unique Passive Cooling System
   • Type: Passive heat pipe cooling, with copper heat pipes
   • Advantages:
     • Noise-free operation (no fan)
     • Elimination of mechanical vibrations and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
     • Temperature Management: Optimized heat conductivity of copper heat pipes ensures temperature stability of the processor and critical circuits
4. Storage System
   • Primary Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0 x4 interface)
   • Data Transfer Speed: Up to 3,500 MB/s read, 3,000 MB/s write
   • Expandability:
     • 1× M.2 PCIe 3.0 slot (NVMe support), up to 4TB
     • Note: For external SSD, PCIe bandwidth is shared with the network interface
   • RAM: DDR4 memory (size not specified), for low-latency data buffering
5. Power Supply and Noise Filtering
   • Transformer: 120VA OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) core, double-layer insulation
   • Rectification: Double bridge Schottky diodes (25A continuous current, 800V blocking voltage)
   • Capacitors: 40,800 µF total capacity (Nippon Chemi-Con or similar quality), low ESR value
   • Circuits:
     • Independent subsystems (processor, storage, clock generator) with separate LDO (Low Dropout) regulators
     • Output noise: <5 µV RMS (20Hz–20kHz band)
6. Clock Generation and Jitter Management
   • Internal Clock: Gustard GCLK-02 module
   • Technology: Phase-locked loop (PLL) with 1Hz resolution
   • Optional expandability using GUSTARD 10MHz external clock generator for ultimate precision

Technical Specifications:

• Built-in storage: SSD 1TB 1x M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (expandable up to 4TB)
• RAM memory: 8GB DDR4
• Inputs: 1x USB-A 3.0, 1x RJ45, 1x 10MHz external clock BNC connector
• Outputs: 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI I2S, 1x HDMI I2S-G, 1x AES/EBU (XLR socket), 1x Optical (Toslink), 1x Coax
• Supported sampling rates: I2S: PCM 32bit 768kHz / Native DSD512, AES / Coaxial / Optical: PCM 24bit 192kHz / DSD DoP256
• Supported protocols and services: Roon Core, UPnP server, AirPlay, Spotify connect, QQ Music
• General data:
  • Input voltage: 115-230V
  • Weight: 5.5kg
  • Dimensions: 330 x 260 x 65mm
  • Available colors: Black
  • Package contents: Gustard S26, power cable, warranty card