Cen.Grand GLD1.0 and GLS1.0 Digital Network Players

The new Cen.Grand GLD1.0 and GLS1.0 are PCIe-based and, according to the manufacturer, “set a new standard for digital network players.”

The new Cen.Grand GLD1.0 and GLS1.0 represent an equally new generation of digital players with PCIe transmission and a unique POW interface. According to the manufacturer, “Cen.Grand has set a new benchmark in digital audio transmission with the introduction of the GLD1.0 and GLS1.0. These high-end streamers radically differ from conventional solutions by completely moving away from the standard asynchronous USB protocols. Instead, they employ ultra-fast PCIe synchronous transmission, ensuring 100% data integrity — crucial for the most transparent and natural music reproduction.”

PCIe Instead of USB

While virtually all digital streamers rely on USB, Cen.Grand has opted for PCIe — “a data bus until recently reserved for high-speed internal PC components like powerful graphics cards. Unlike USB, which communicates with the CPU through layers of software (drivers, buffers, operating systems), PCIe offers direct ‘lanes’ to the processor. This results in faster, synchronously timed data transmission with minimal latency and no jitter.

The result? An audibly quieter, more transparent, and natural sound, closer to the live experience than ever before.”

Unique POW Interface (Parting Of the Ways)

Cen.Grand claims to introduce a revolutionary signal transfer approach with the POW interface: “In this configuration, the clock signal and audio data are physically separated and sent via a 50-ohm BNC cable (clock) and optical cable (data), respectively. As a result, both signals remain entirely undisturbed. At the DAC end, they are recombined into a jitter-free I2S stream. This system performs optimally when paired with Cen.Grand’s own DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe and Super Clock DACs.”

‘Flexibility Thanks to Windows Platform’

Another notable choice is the operating system. “Unlike closed systems, the GLD/GLS runs on a streamlined version of Windows 10/11 LTSC. This gives users full freedom in choosing their playback software. JRiver is preinstalled, but Roon, Qobuz, Tidal, or any other ASIO-compatible player can easily be added. The GLD series therefore functions as a highly flexible ‘digital turntable’ with all the freedom of a fully-fledged PC — without the drawbacks of a typical computer environment.”, writes the company in their announcement.

GLD vs. GLS: Modular or All-in-One

The Cen.Grand GLD1.0 is a digital transport solution for those who already own a high-end DAC. The GLS1.0 combines the digital platform with a built-in DAC and provides analog outputs. Both models offer a wide range of connections including SPDIF, AES/EBU, I2S, and POW.

‘For Listeners Seeking the Ultimate Musical Experience’

What truly sets this new generation of players apart, according to Cen.Grand, is how they sound: “By eliminating jitter and data distortion at the root, a uniquely natural and fluid soundstage is created. Music gains calmness, detail, and depth — not through trickery, but because the player fully steps out of the way. You’re not hearing the machine, you’re hearing the recording.”

The devices are now available through Dutch YN Audio — the exclusive distributor for the Benelux. The GLD1.0 Deluxe will soon be available via a select group of dealers. More information and demonstrations are available on request.