The GLD1.0 Deluxe Model is an audio player (digital turntable) based on the X64 system, using Windows as the operating system. It employs high-speed interfaces to transmit audio data and features advanced digital processing and transmission technology. Because the data of audio files are outputted 100% intact, its performance reaches the ideal state for a digital player, earning it the title of a “ceiling” level player. The GLD1.0 will pioneer a new trend in digital playback products.

 

 

The key advantage of the GLD1.0 digital player is that it outputs 100% complete data.

 

 

The reasons for selecting Intel’s CPU and X64 architecture are as follows:

 

1 , It has powerful computational capabilities, especially in floating-point calculations, allowing it to smoothly process high-bitrate audio data.

 

2 , It offers strong networking capabilities and a rich software ecosystem, which other architectures cannot match.

 

3 , It provides users with more control and autonomy over their usage.

 

Due to these advantages, the GLD1.0 uses this architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

             The Design Intent of the GLD1.0

 

 

The design intent of the GLD1.0 is to eliminate the USB audio protocol, which is widely used in the Hi-Fi audio field and adopted by many digital players, in favor of the high-speed PCIe transmission protocol with a robust error-checking mechanism. This change ensures that audio data is transmitted without errors or loss, preventing damage to sound quality. The USB audio protocol allows for errors or modifications in the data during transmission to maintain continuity, which is a major reason why digital players using USB audio protocol often fail to achieve perfect sound quality. In contrast, PCIe is a protocol that does not allow any data errors, ensuring the integrity of the data.

 

During the pure digital processing of audio data, when the playback software reads the data, no errors occur. Whether the system is Windows, Linux, or Android, all file systems have mature and stable error-checking mechanisms to ensure the correctness of the data. These error-checking mechanisms are primarily managed by the hard disk controller (ECC, CRC) and the file system (metadata and data block checks), ensuring data integrity. For critical or sensitive files, applications often add extra hash checks (such as MD5, SHA-256) to guarantee security and correctness.

 

Under normal usage conditions, the error rate of modern hard drives is very low:

 

Consumer-grade hard drives: Approximately 1 error per 12.5TB

Enterprise-grade hard drives: Approximately 1 error per 125TB

Modern SSDs: Approximately 1 error per 1.25PB

 

 

 

Modern computer operating systems are highly stable and reliable, with the probability of hard drive read errors being so low that it is almost negligible. They can read data from storage almost perfectly. So why doesn’t this perfect data result in perfect sound quality? The reason lies in the fact that most audio players use the USB audio protocol for data output. During transmission, data is lost, leading to degraded sound quality. Therefore, the transmission process must be optimized.

 

In the file data reading and storage phase, since it does not involve clock synchronization, the hardware design during this phase has little impact on data accuracy. Improving hardware, such as enhancing power circuits or using high-precision clocks, does not help ensure data integrity. To fundamentally address the issue, the root cause of the sound quality degradation must be identified.

 

Since the probability of errors in reading file data from the file system is extremely low, the only possibility is that the issue occurs during data transmission. Many digital players use the USB audio protocol in their internal data transmission process, and since the USB audio protocol allows data errors, the problem lies here.

 

Therefore, the transmission method must be optimized. The USB audio protocol must be abandoned in favor of a transmission protocol that does not allow errors. GLD1.0, therefore, chose PCIe.

 

 

Replacing the USB audio protocol with PCIe for transmission and working in synchronous mode is a highly challenging task. To achieve this design, the GLD system incorporates a complex clock and data system, as well as a unique POW data clock transmission protocol. This architecture has been granted a national invention patent of China. After several years of relentless effort, GLD1.0 successfully realized this design goal.
 

 

 

(  GLD 1.0 Standard Model  Block Diagram )
 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         Hardware and Software Components

 

 

The main control system hardware of the GLD1.0 uses an Intel NUC module, model BKCM11EBC4W, with a 12th-generation Celeron 6305 CPU. The specifications are as follows:

 

Processor:    Intel Celeron 6305 (Dual-core, 1.8 GHz)

Memory:    4 GB LPDDR4x 3733 MHz
Network:  Integrated Intel WiFi 6 AX201, supporting 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.1
 Built-in Storage:  500 GB SSD

 

 

( GLD1.0 Main Control System Output/Input Interfaces )

 

 

 

The main control system of the GLD1.0 has the following output interfaces:

4 USB ports,

1 Type-C port,

1 Gigabit Ethernet port,

1 external HDMI video output port.

 

 

The external video output can connect to a TV or monitor. The HDMI port and the panel display (the internal display) cannot show content simultaneously. A small switch next to the HDMI port allows you to toggle between LOCAL (the internal display) and EXTERNAL (the external display device). RESET is the reset button.

 

Digital Processing System

 

The digital processing system is connected to the main control system via a PCIe interface, using the PCIe protocol to transmit audio data from the main control side to the digital processing side. This system consists of seven subsystems:  receiver, isolator, data processing module, clock module, POW transmission module, SPDIF module, and power supply.  It is equipped with firmware using complex algorithms that allow PCIe to operate in synchronous mode, processing data and clocks at high quality and outputting them accordingly.

 

 

POW Transmission Module

 

A key highlight of the GLD1.0 is the POW transmission module. POW stands for “Parting of the Ways,” a term which means “going separate ways.” This is the protocol used by the GLD1.0 to output processed audio data. It is a proprietary protocol developed by Cen.grand,  and is currently only used on their digital players and DACs.  As the name suggests, “parting of the ways” means that the clock and data are transmitted separately. Audio data is transmitted via optical fiber, while the clock is transmitted using coaxial cables with BNC connectors. The POW receiving module at the DAC end receives the data and clock, then recombines them into an I2S signal to send to the DAC.

 

 

( GLD1.0 Digital Audio Output Interfaces , include both the POW interface and the SPDIF interface )

 

 

The POW transmission protocol is a pioneering model in the Hi-Fi audio field. It allows high-quality transmission of both data and clocks. Due to the use of telecom-grade invisible light transmitters and receivers in the optical fiber transmission, its bandwidth reaches the G-level and transmission distance extends to kilometers, making it ideal for short-range transmission of M-level audio data with ease. The POW design of the GLD1.0 can transmit 8-channel high-bitrate data, and it could potentially be used in multi-channel DSD playback devices in the future.

 

 

 

GLD1.0 HDMI-I2S Interface

 

The GLD1.0 is equipped with an HDMI-I2S interface. While HDMI is not a standard audio interface, many audio devices have recently used it to transmit I2S data. To meet market demand, the GLD1.0 includes this interface, with pin definitions matching those commonly found on audio products in Europe and the U.S. The pin definitions are as follows:

 

 

Operating System

 

The operating system used is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel). The advantage of using Windows is its broad adaptability, powerful network capabilities, and the increased autonomy it offers users. Since its operation is identical to a regular PC, users face no obstacles when using it. IoT Enterprise is the enterprise version of Windows, which removes most features and applications intended for personal and commercial use, keeping only the most essential functions. It is typically used in industrial devices and is stable and reliable, making it an ideal operating system for a digital player. The Windows OS is pre-activated when the GLD1.0 leaves the factory.

 

 

Playback Software

 

The default playback software is JRiver, a globally popular program known for its many features and excellent performance. It allows for clear management of music files and includes dedicated remote control apps for mobile devices, available for both iOS and Android. The iOS app, called JRemote, can be found in the Apple App Store, while the Android app is available on the website’s download page. There are many tutorials online to help users learn how to use JRiver easily. JRiver is pre-activated on the GLD1.0 at the time of shipment. The device does not support Foobar .

 

 

Network Features

 

Since the GLD1.0 uses Windows as its operating system, it has the same network features as a computer and supports multiple network music platforms. Generally speaking, any music platform that supports ASIO can be used on this device. Roon is recommended. Users who are not familiar with computers or networks are advised not to modify the system.

 

Local Area Network Playback

 

The device supports local network playback, allowing users to use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) as a music file storage device.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     Advanced Technology Leading to Outstanding Audio Performance

 

 

The GLD1.0 is a high-performance digital player supported by multiple innovative technologies, with its digital clock architecture having been granted a national invention patent.

PCIe Synchronous Transmission Technology

The foremost technology is the PCIe synchronous transmission technology. Through a carefully designed interrupt mechanism and coordination with the host system, PCIe transmission achieves synchronous operation, allowing audio data to be transmitted without errors or packet loss from the main control system to the data processing system. Compared to USB audio protocol transmission, this method ensures complete transmission of audio data, offering advantages that USB audio cannot match.

Clock System

The clock distribution management module is one of the core technologies of the GLD1.0. High-quality femtosecond clocks, through a complex distribution mechanism, synchronize the operation of the PCIe host system and the receiver, providing synchronized clocks for the POW output module and SPDIF output.

POW Transmission and Reception Technology

This is one of the highlights of the GLD1.0. By separating the transmission of data and clocks, it avoids the damage that SPDIF encoding mechanisms cause to clock quality, allowing the DAC to receive high-quality clocks from the front-end digital turntable, similar to an external independent clock configuration. Telecom-grade optical fibers with G-level bandwidth, capable of transmitting over kilometers, easily send data to the POW receiver module. The received data and high-quality clock are recombined into an I2S signal and transmitted to the DAC. This transmission mode is currently the most advanced digital audio transmission technology in the Hi-Fi field.

Electromagnetic Isolation Technology

To prevent the complex electromagnetic conditions of the main control system from interfering with the digital processing system’s clock, the GLD1.0 incorporates electromagnetic isolation between the main control system and the digital processing system. This physical separation ensures the digital system remains unaffected by interference, thereby guaranteeing clock quality.

 

The improvement in sound quality brought about by 100% data integrity is unmatched by any other method. The data loss and modification inherent in USB audio protocol cause severe loss of sound detail, leading many Hi-Fi enthusiasts to adopt the belief that “digital playback cannot match CDs,” a widely accepted view in the Hi-Fi community for years. The advent of the GLD1.0 can change this perception. With complete data, the details in the sound are greatly enhanced, harmonics are more pronounced, and the sense of presence is significantly increased—all characteristics of high-end audio equipment. In short, the GLD1.0 is a digital player that will surprise and impress you with its exceptional performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   How to Use GLD1.0 for the Best Listening Experience
 

 

 

Since GLD1.0 uses the Windows operating system, its operation is identical to that of a computer. GLD1.0 offers various control methods to simplify its operation.

 

1）  Pre-installed Management Software: GLD1.0 comes with management software that launches automatically upon startup. This software allows you to perform tasks such as connecting to a network and launching playback software using only the buttons on the device’s panel, even without a mouse or keyboard. （The final version of this Management Software is currently under development ）

 

 

2 ） Default Playback Software: The default playback software is JRiver. The management software displays the device’s IPv4 address, making it easy for you to control JRiver using its remote control app, which is available for both iOS and Android.

 

 

3） Pre-installed Remote Control Software: GLD1.0 has pre-installed remote control software, “Sunflower,” which also runs automatically at startup. （ https://sunlogin.oray.com/download ）. The control password for “Sunflower” is included in the package. You can use this password to manage files, configure settings, and perform other operations on GLD1.0 from another computer.

 

 

4） HDMI Interface for External Display: GLD1.0 is equipped with an HDMI interface for connecting external displays. Of course, you can also use a mouse and keyboard to operate GLD1.0 like a computer.

 

 

 

Since GLD1.0 uses Windows as its operating system, it can run most Windows applications (with ASIO support required). Its network capabilities are identical to those of a computer, supporting numerous online music platforms such as Roon, Qobuz, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

GLD1.0 is a digital-output audio source, also known as a “digital turntable.” It has only digital outputs and no analog outputs, so it must be paired with a DAC to obtain analog signals. We highly recommend pairing it with Cen.grand’s DAC products, such as the DSDAC1.0 Deluxe Model or DSDAC1.0 Super Clock Model. Both of these DACs are equipped with the POW receiver, allowing you to fully leverage the advantages of the GLD1.0.

 

 

The following image shows the POW receiver module installed inside the DSDAC1.0 DAC, along with the POW panel on the rear of the DSDAC1.0. As you can see, in addition to the POW port, there is also an HDMI-I2S input interface, which can be connected to front-end equipment with HDMI-I2S output. The pin definitions are also printed on the rear panel.

 

 

        

 

 

 

The POW interface allows for the high-quality transmission of clock and high-bit-rate audio data without any loss. It is currently the most ideal data transmission method. If using other brand DAC, you will have to rely on conventional SPDIF interfaces, such as coaxial or AES. Using these interfaces will still provide excellent sound quality and 100% data integrity, but they will not be able to transmit data greater than PCM 192kHz or DSD64.