Gustard N18 PRO

Gustard N18 PRO HiFi Network Audio Switch User Manual

Model: N18 PRO | Brand: Gustard

1. Inleiding

The Gustard N18 PRO is a high-performance network audio switch designed to enhance the quality of your audio streaming experience. It features advanced technologies such as photoelectric isolation, a dedicated audio power supply, and support for an external 10MHz clock to provide a clean and stable network signal for sensitive audio equipment.

2. Veiligheidsinligting

  • Ensure the device is connected to a power source with the correct voltage (115 Volt AC).
  • Moenie die toestel aan vog of uiterste temperature blootstel nie.
  • Moenie die toestel oopmaak nie casing. Verwys alle diens na gekwalifiseerde personeel.
  • Hou die toestel weg van sterk magnetiese velde.
  • Gebruik slegs die meegeleverde kragkabel of 'n geskikte plaasvervanger.

3. Produk verbyview

The Gustard N18 PRO is engineered with a focus on audio signal integrity. Key features include:

  • Verbinding: 5x RJ45 Ethernet ports (10/100/1000Base-T) and 1x SFP fiber connector (1000base-X, supports GPON/EPON protocols).
  • External Clock Support: BNC connector for an external 10MHz clock, improving sound clarity.
  • Audio-Grade Design: Features photoelectric separation, a built-in linear power supply with multi-stage filtering, and Nichicon filter capacitors for lower ripple and cleaner power.
  • Internal Architecture: Dual-machine design with internal series connection, multi-way power supply, and multi-stage voltage regulators to minimize interference.
Gustard N18 and N18 PRO stacked, highlighting key features
Figure 3.1: Gustard N18 and N18 PRO units with a list of core features including adaptive ethernet, dual device design, external 10MHz clock, built-in power supply, and multi-way power supply.
Internal components of the Gustard N18 PRO, showing power supply and capacitors
Figuur 3.2: Gedetailleerd view of the internal components, illustrating the multi-way power supply, multi-stage voltage regulators, and filter capacitors designed for clean power delivery.
SFP optical converter module installed in the Gustard N18 PRO
Figure 3.3: The pluggable SFP optical converter module, which provides photoelectric isolation to reduce network ripple.
Rear panel of Gustard N18 PRO showing the 10MHz clock input
Figure 3.4: The BNC connector for the external 10MHz clock input, which contributes to a cleaner and more analog sound.

4. Opstelling

4.1 Agterpaneelverbindings

Familiarize yourself with the rear panel connections before setting up the device.

Rear panel of Gustard N18 PRO with labels for each port
Figure 4.1: Rear panel of the N18 PRO, showing the Ethernet ports (LAN1-LAN5), SFP port, 10MHz clock input (Clock In), Clock selection switch, Voltage selection switch, AC power input, and Fuse.

4.2 Kragverbinding

  1. Verseker die Voltage seleksie die skakelaar op die agterpaneel is op die korrekte volume gesteltage for your region (e.g., 115V AC).
  2. Koppel die meegeleverde kragkabel aan die AC krag input on the rear panel and then to a suitable wall outlet.
  3. Druk die Kragskakelaar om die toestel aan te skakel.

4.3 Netwerkverbindings

The N18 PRO offers various network connectivity options:

  • RJ45 Ethernet Ports: Connect your network devices (e.g., router, NAS, PC, audio streamers) to the Ethernet-poorte (LAN1-LAN5) using standard Ethernet cables.
  • SFP Fiber Connector: For optical fiber connections, insert a compatible SFP module into the SFP-poort. This provides enhanced isolation from network noise.

4.4 External 10MHz Clock Connection

For optimal audio performance, an external 10MHz clock can be connected:

  1. Connect your external 10MHz clock source to the Clock in BNC connector on the rear panel.
  2. Gebruik die Klok keuse switch to select between internal (INT) and external (EXT) clock sources. For an external clock, set the switch to EXT.

4.5 Konnektiwiteitsopsies

The N18 PRO can be integrated into various network audio setups. Below are examples of common configurations:

Diagram showing connectivity option 1 with N18 and N18 PRO
Figure 4.2: Connectivity Option 1 (Recommended) - Utilizing both N18 and N18 PRO units for enhanced network isolation and port expansion. The router connects to the N18, which then connects to the N18 PRO, distributing signals to various audio devices.
Diagram showing connectivity option 5 with N18 PRO only
Figure 4.3: Connectivity Option 5 - Using only the N18 PRO. The router connects directly to the N18 PRO, which then connects to your audio devices, NAS, and PC.

5. Bedryfsinstruksies

5.1 Basiese werking

  1. After connecting all necessary cables and power, turn on the N18 PRO using the power switch on the rear panel.
  2. The device will automatically establish network connections. No further configuration is typically required for basic network switching.

5.2 Network Signal Flow

The N18 PRO acts as an intelligent network switch, optimizing the data flow for connected audio devices. Its internal design minimizes noise and interference, providing a cleaner digital signal to your streamers, DACs, and other network-enabled audio components.

5.3 External Clock Usage

If an external 10MHz clock is connected and selected via the rear panel switch, the N18 PRO will synchronize its internal timing with the external clock. This can lead to improved precision in data transmission and a more refined audio output from connected devices.

6. Onderhoud

  • Skoonmaak: Gebruik 'n sagte, droë lap om die buitekant van die toestel skoon te maak. Moenie vloeibare skoonmaakmiddels of aërosols gebruik nie.
  • Ventilasie: Ensure adequate ventilation around the device. Do not block any ventilation openings.
  • Omgewing: Operate the device in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Kabelbestuur: Kontroleer gereeld alle kabelverbindings om te verseker dat hulle stewig en vry van skade is.

7. Probleemoplossing

7.1 Geen krag

  • Check if the power cable is securely connected to both the device and the wall outlet.
  • Verifieer dat die kragskakelaar op die agterpaneel in die 'AAN'-posisie is.
  • Inspect the fuse on the rear panel. If blown, replace it with a fuse of the same type and rating.
  • Verseker die voltage selection switch matches your local power supply.

7.2 Geen netwerkverbinding nie

  • Check all Ethernet or SFP cable connections between the N18 PRO and your network devices/router.
  • Ensure your router and connected devices are powered on and functioning correctly.
  • If using the SFP port, verify that the SFP module is correctly inserted and compatible.
  • Try restarting the N18 PRO and your connected network devices.

7.3 Swak klankgehalte

  • Ensure all audio components connected to the network are properly configured.
  • If using an external clock, verify it is connected correctly and the Klok keuse switch is set to EXT.
  • Check for any external interference sources near the N18 PRO or audio cables.

8. Spesifikasies

The following table details the technical specifications of the Gustard N18 PRO HiFi Network Audio Switch:

KenmerkSpesifikasie
ModelnommerN18 PRO
Ethernet-poorte5x RJ45 (10/100/1000Base-T adaptive)
SFP-poort1x SFP (1000Base-X, supports GPON/EPON protocols)
Eksterne klokinvoer10MHz BNC connector (input impedance 50 Ohm, 0dBm-20dBm)
AC krag115V/230V 50/60Hz (selectable)
Kragverbruik<10W
Afmetings (B x D x H)220mm x 170mm x 50mm (excluding protruding parts)
Gewig (met pakket)2.5 kg
SertifiseringsCE, FCC
Montage tipeVrye staande
Gustard N18 PRO dimensions diagram
Figure 8.1: Dimensions of the Gustard N18 PRO unit (220mm width, 170mm depth, 50mm height).

9. Waarborg en Ondersteuning

Gustard products are designed for reliability and performance. During the coverage period and under normal use, quality issues will be addressed with replacement or repair services, covering related costs. For technical assistance or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. The seller, Auinshifiman (FINE MUSIC), also provides support for inquiries regarding audio equipment.

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