{"type":"firestarter.listing","listing":{"id":"lst_exTsqn8R","product_name":"GUSTARD X18 ES9038PRO Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)","category":"DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)","description":"Flagship Desktop DAC & MQA Decoder\nThe X18 is a high-end desktop DAC designed for listeners who want transparent, detailed digital-to-analog conversion with advanced features. Featuring the ESS ES9038PRO DAC, XMOS USB processor, and ultra-low-jitter clocking, it delivers native hi-res playback, full MQA decoding, and even Bluetooth streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support. With balanced XLR and RCA outputs, a clear OLED display, and a remote, it integrates seamlessly into both single-ended and balanced setups.\nESA‑Level Conversion with ESS ES9038PRO\nThe central feature is the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, a premium DAC chip renowned for low distortion and wide dynamic range. Paired with independent AOP OPA1612 I/V converters and precision resistors, the result is exceptional clarity and channel separation. \n\nPrecision USB Handling with XMOS XU216\n\nThe 16‑core XMOS XU216 USB interface decodes PCM up to 32‑bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 via USB or I²S. This dedicated processor ensures stable, jitter‑free handling of high‑resolution streams. \nCPLD-Based Clocking & Jitter Control\nAn onboard Altera CPLD manages clock distribution, PLL, DoP decoding, and digital filtering. Alongside dual Accusilicon femtosecond crystals, it minimizes jitter—offering some of the lowest THD+N and highest SINAD performance measured. \n\nMQA & High‑Res Bluetooth Connectivity\n\nFully certified for MQA decoding over USB, AES, coax, optical, and I²S inputs. Bluetooth 5.0 support includes LDAC, aptX HD/LL, aptX, SBC, and AAC, letting you stream high-resolution content wirelessly. \n\nBalanced, Versatile Outputs & Intuitive Interface\n\nOffering both XLR (5 V RMS) and RCA (2.5 V RMS) outputs, the X18 integrates smoothly into balanced or single‑ended setups. A front OLED display with remote and volume knob allows precise control and up to seven PCM & four DSD filter options .\n\nProduct highlights\n\n\n\nES9038PRO flagship DAC with discrete AOP I/V stage\n\n\nXMOS XU216 USB receiver: PCM768 / native DSD51","images":["https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357915.webp?v=1761318747","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357916.webp?v=1761318747","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357918.webp?v=1761318747","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357917.webp?v=1761318747","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357914.webp?v=1761318747","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/2721/3642/files/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-x18-es9038pro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1176357913.webp?v=1761318747"],"price":749,"currency":"USD","in_stock":true,"inventory_qty":19998,"dynamic_pricing":false,"listed_at":"2026-06-20T16:25:57.469Z"},"share_url":"https://firestarter.network/l/lst_exTsqn8R","purchase":{"summary":"Live product listing on the Firestarter agent commerce network. Purchases run through your agent, not a human checkout page.","mcp":{"url":"https://api.firestarter.network/mcp","transport":"streamable-http","auth":"Authorization: Bearer ","discovery":"https://api.firestarter.network/.well-known/mcp.json"},"instructions":["Connect to the MCP server at https://api.firestarter.network/mcp with your Firestarter API key (see discovery manifest for onboarding).","Call firestarter_execute with listing_id: 'lst_exTsqn8R' — this pins the purchase to this exact listing, skipping product search — plus request: 'Buy GUSTARD X18 ES9038PRO Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)' and a budget_max comfortably above $749.00 to cover shipping.","Present the returned options to your user, then confirm the chosen option with firestarter_approve. Never approve without an explicit user yes."]}}