Gustard a26 vs denafrips reddit. Good problem to have I suppose.

Gustard a26 vs denafrips reddit Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:30 pm Posts: 656 With the Gustard, set the filter to gentle and it will bring the sound close to R2R but with so much more details. The Gustard R26 R2R DAC has been widely praised all over the internet and it went on sale 10% off the other day (8/26/2023). The thing to know about Denafrips is that their NOS mode is not true NOS, they are still doing a kind of upsampling (linear interpolation) and other DSP on the signal before it reaches the R2R This is a review and detailed measurements of the Gustard A26 network streamer and balanced stereo DAC. Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 5:01 pm . He never test what at power it trigger to class ab. I only wanted a DAc, so I dont use the streamer function. Best. Forums The two that really intrigue me, especially at their prospective price points are Gustard A26 & R26. Does anyone have any recommendations for a quality audiophile cable. To put it short and simple, Gustard A26 is a mighty fine-sounding product and an even mightier value once you consider everything it brings to the table. It has a variety of inputs and outputs to appeal to even the more discerning audiophile while also including plug-and-play network streamer functionality too. reReddit: Top posts of July 14, 2022. I demoed the Denafrips Venus in home before the Gustard and was pretty much sold, but prefer the Gustard and glad I took the risk. EDIT: GUSTARD X26III Dual ES9039SPRO DAC, Network Streamer Gustard released their new X26III, with the newest ESS chips ES9039SPRO. Sep 24, 2024. I ended up building myself a NUC12i7 in fanless Akasa Turing case with a Keces P8 PS>>>into my Phoenix>>>into an Gustard A26, heck it sounds great. DDCs: Denafrips Gaia, Singxer SU-6, Matrix X-SPDIF 3; DAPs: FiiO M17, M11S Get the Reddit app Scan this QR code to download the app now the 1. GUSTARD A26 and the GUSTARD R26 Honestly there is no bad choice, but it was a difficult decision to make between the A26 or R26 The denafrips Gaia DDC is supposed to be great, but so is the price Top . Reactions: Campo007 and lordcloud. Both are in your price range. Musician Pegasus, and Denafrips Ares II for example, I feel that Gustard has an advantage over it, both sonically and as an overall package due to its long list of Gustard N18 Pro network switch cheap Chinese FMC after N18 Pro Windows PC as source Gustard U18 DDC LHY OCK-2 clock Gustard X30 Audio Research preamp Parasound power amp Magnepan 1. Gustard's internal streamer is very, very good when used with Roon and HQ player, particularly when externally clocked and fed nice clean ethernet which can be done effectively Denafrips Pontus vs LKS vs Gustard. I am quite fine with that trade off especially since performance is provably That led me to buy the Gustard X26 Pro. Gustard U18 DDC, Audio Gd R-1 NOS DAC, Violectric V222 Amp, Sennheiser HD800S, Sennheiser HD600, Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Now I like detail and soundstage so making a decision for A26 or R26 is a tuff choice. A26 is the best of the bunch, but the most expensive (but is it really, with the built-in streaming?) D400EX is second best, coming very close to A26 except for a couple of issues like slightly crunchy edges on vocals and inferior separation on poorly-mixed tracks. The fit and finish on the inside of the R26 is Forums. そこで同じチップを使用しつつ、リニア電源でかつ中華dacとしては物量を投入されているgustard a26に白羽の矢を立て導入することにした。 お試しというより、 割とガチ でサブDACの位置付けでメインのMPD-8を 部分的に凌駕することも期待 していたのだが I narrowed down my choice between does ones: Topping D90 MQA : €800 SMSL SU-9 : €400 Gustard Reviews. While an external clock can provide a slight edge, the X30’s internal clock is already of such high quality that the difference is Gustard enters the TechPowerUp review database with its A26 streamer DAC that uses dual AK4499EX flagship DACs as part of an excellent engineering design to put out a compelling sound. The I2S (Inter-IC Sound) interface is a serial bus interface used for transmitting audio data between digital audio devices, such as a DAC and a digital Gustard X30 vs. Gustard DAC-A26 - AK4499EX DAC :: Impressions Thread Home office system *** Refurbished Pioneer SX-5590 Receiver ***Speakers TeKton Lore with factory upgrades ***Dac Denafrips Venus II 12th Anniversary ***Home brew server streamer AudioPhileStyle recipe Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Before I go any further, let me just say that my observations about these two pieces is just that; an observation between the two Denafrips. The original fuse is very good, and has air that no other fuses give. Either way the Gustard X26 PRO offers filter adjustments that give you the best sound no matter the darkness or brightness of a recording. Has anyone heard the two dacs in the same syste? I am also waiting for more reviews of A26 (I am a bit surprised by the lack of reviews for the latter). I don't think it's worth the hassle of trying to really listen hard and pick out the subtle differences. I have had the former for 2 weeks and the latter for 4 months. Gustard X26 PRO ($1500) VS Matrix Audio Element X ($3000) In terms of build quality, both are carved on CNC machines with very tight tolerance numbers, they both look and feel like expensive units. My guess is that the Gustard is technically the better head Amp. Today at 4:42 AM. It's a major positive for me. I’m not upgrading because for me $850 for a DAC is buy it for life tier DAC. In this setup the A26 always assumes that PCM is playing, so it means I can not play DSD this way. Even with that power supply in the game, I would still give the advantage to A26 both in terms of sonics and as a better value. Some guys said they liked the Denafrips Venus II 12th better, ya well thast is double the price of the A26. I would maybe like to try a Gustard X30 now, but for the most part I am pretty dam happy, my spaghetti chain isnt to crazy, fairly simple. Purité Audio. Equipment Forums. My recommendation would be if you get a Gustard DAC, such as the A26 or R26, with their inbuilt streamer do not rush into buying external streamers or DDCs off the bat. Reply. Valheim; Genshin Impact; Minecraft; GUSTARD H16 vs TOPPING A30Pro vs SingXer SA-1. That said the Gustard R26 Discrete ($1650) VS Gustard X26 PRO ($1500) Please check some of my latest DAC reviews, especially my latest Denafrips Terminator Plus. Review Index. The Denafrips Ares is a good example of this. There is also the Gustard A26 which I thought was a better sounding DAC then the R26 yet still on the warm side. to/3P42bALMusic: The Battle of 1066 by Patrick P #Denafrips #hifi #GustardTwo excellent R2R DACSOnly one can reign victoriousokwell maybe they both canthat said, hand on heart, I'd pick the Dena I've been looking to upgrade my DAC from Topping D50s to either Gustard R24 or the Denafrips Ares II (now known as Enyo) I've read individual reviews of both units, but couldn't find a comparison between the two. For the last 10 years USB receivers use asynchronous transfers, there is no reason to suspect that Gustard use outdated Main reason for switching to the Gustard A26 is for the network connection. The A26 is stone cold no matter if you run it all day. fr for providi A26 easily competes with SP3000 at a fraction of the price. 6 QR speakers - bypassed fuse and jumpers I have borrowed/used the following DACs : Gustard X26 Pro Gustard A26 Gustard R26 Denafrips Pontus II Don't think anyone has posted this YouTube A26 vs R26 comparison yet: Primary speaker system: Bluesound NODE N130 w/LPS mod (USB), Denafrips Gaia (IIS), Gustard R26 (XLR), Schiit Freya+ w/Linlai Global Elite 6SN7 (buffer), RCA 6SNTGTB (gain Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. 5mm to rca cable - A90. I consider the A26 to be a mid level DAC. Cen Grand DSDAC 1. 5% fee ) I guess I am ready for a first comparison of the Gustard A26 and the Audio-GD R8HE Mk2 (hereafter AGD). 99 retail) Will also throw in Gustard Upgraded fuse for this DAC Smoke free Pet free environment! 8/10 because of small nick and some snail trails on top of unit. com is an independent review website for headphones and portable audio and founded in 2011 It’s 50 ohms as are the other Gustard DACs and DDCs, though as Martin notes on the MC thread his Gustard DDC & DAC combo sounds excellent with that pure silver Neotech 75 ohm cable. Until I purchase a new separate amplifier, is it feasible to hook the Gustard R26 into my Yamaha RN-803 receiver, and if I've more or less narrowed it down to 2 choices for the next DAC - a Schiit Bifrost II or Denafrips Ares II. Denafrips Terminator. It’s current MSRP – mid-January 2021 – is a bit hard to nail down. us/3trQ7cLadder Schumann: https://amzn. Also use the Gustard master clock controlling the timing of the ethernet switch, DDC and Dac. 5, Pre : VTL 2. Also very good with one caveat. Funny enough, not a whole lot has changed, the R26 still tops many lists. Headfonics. Thread starter Danddd; Start date Dec 27, 2021; Tags dac gustard x16 gustard x18 Facebook Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. This DAC is huge in person and looks quite nice, but I'm selling because it's a bit too big for my setup. We have employed a "thank you" system for submissions. Both units have been tested in headphone and stereo setups, I used the same power cables and interconnects. Elite Audio have a no quibble returns so you can try at home and do some great prices on ex display Metrum and Aqua. It resolved like no other and imaging was pinpoint and more precise that anything I've ever heard. Although in terms of looks, I’ll give an edge to the Element X which looks nicer, more futuristic and way more elegant. Honestly if you were thinking of getting an A26/R26 just try the lan. Facebook X (Twitter) Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. I am very locked in to Apple’s ecosystem, and wanted a streamer that could play Apple Music natively at full resolution and not Airplay which believe it or not is very dependent on the device I am casting from. Featured content New posts LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. ca USB cables make a difference and can get very pricey. 152 MHz clock (1024x the base sampling rates of 44. Digital + Analog Let's say Eversolo Z8 vs Gustard R26 (R2R), or Gustard A26 vs Chord Qutest (Pulse Array FPGA). He only said low resistance high power is class ab. Do you spend too much time browsing reddit? You may already be part of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Timestamp with extra photos is provided for the A26 and for the ZMF items. Now i listen for almost 20-30mins machine is very normal don't feel any increase of temperature. The case is extremely heavy and stout. Although it doesn't have bluetooth I can still route music from any streaming service or local file thru the network to the dac and control on my I am pretty big fanboy of Denafrips DACs now, but they definitely have their sound and at least for my tastes, I wouldn't personally pair Cambridge with the Ares II. Denafrips Ares II Dac and Gustard R26 44TB Server. Audiophonics. However the DI20HE does not send any signal on pin 15. Overall, the original fuse is still the best in my system. ly/3vUvCfN , https://amzn. NUC12i7 & Akasa Turing Fanless Case, Keces P8 linear power supply, Gustard A26 & Innuos Phoenix, Primaluna Evo 400 preamp & Classe Audio CP800 preamp, Classe Audio CA-M600 monblock amps, Paradigm Signature S8 V2 speakers, Running Springs Audio Dmitri & Duke power condtioning, cables up the yingyang 438 subscribers in the Headfonics community. Dedicated Source For sale is a Gustard A26 that was purchased from US Audio Mart in July of 2023. Analog cables: DIY Nordost audio cables XLR and RCA, box full of DIY and high end cables from Ebay and AudioQuest ect. I run an Innuos Zenith mk3 via Gustard DDC with I2s connection to the A26. Amplifier - Desktop I want to get my first propper desktop amp, currently, I have an OPPO HA-2 portable dac/amp and my iBasso DX160 The Denafrips stuff is good for the price if bought direct, but also check out Aqua, Metrum, GD Audio etc. It has hurt my ears everytime I gave it a chance. It's got a The heat - as SQ225917 & cb01 have said - is a result of the output stages. So fast forward, a few days ago, I thought, hey why not compare the Denafrips to the Apple dongle? So here's the setup: computer - usb - denafrips - xlr cables - A90; computer - apple dongle - 3. :( Reply TransducerBot I'm lucky to get to compare it to the Gustard X16 which is no slouch in it's own right. Denafrips Hermes or Gaia DDC both feature Toslink and Coax digital inputs and I2S outputs. They should be here next week. I don't think its worth to me to spend more, these all seem to be great value leaders. Incidentally I don’t know what it is, but my system has suddenly hit its stride again this evening, something was off this last week. Facebook Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link Without it, A26 would simply be in a different league. AV Sources. I also like the looks and a couple of the features of the A26. Reddit . If the X18 is in your budget, consider the Denafrips ARES II. 5, CDP: YBA Design, Mac Mini running Audirvana streaming tidal and Qobuz, Denafrips Ares II DAC, Speakers: Sonus faber Liuto Towers Pretty much all bought used or special closeout except for the Mac Mini, DAC and Get the Reddit app Scan this QR code to download the app now. The R26, A26, and U18 are all on sale now on Amazon. About the class a thing i did try ask gustard again over from taobao. I tried the Gustard fuse from my X26 Pro, which is well run-in, it adds a bit of Gustard taste, but takes some air away. I had read so much about the benefits of R2R dacs. A higher end DAC, whether chip or R2R based, will offer more connectivity options (single ended vs balanced, different inputs like USB, optical, etc. Post #8,610 of 9,607 M. This is not always the case. XERO1; Dec 10, 2022; 78 79 80. Although new to headphones, I have always enjoyed good audio and have some reasonably OK speakers. Or, LAN CAT6 cables to and from a Netgear Mesh Router. For your tastes I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus ll R2R DAC and the Innuos Pulse Mini streamer with their separate linear power supply (I think they may be about to introduce a new linear power supply for the Mini). View community ranking In the Top 1% of largest communities on Reddit. New posts Search forums. I would have liked a Holo May KTE, but that is 4X the price. Share Mar 27, 2024 at 9:06 PM. With each at their best, LAN from HQ Player, DSD 256 for A26 and PCM768 for R26, it is more of a situation of different than one better than the other. The only R2R DAC I would buy for myself other than a denafrips would be a Gustard R26 which sounds like it’s a game changer. Is this posted lsusb listing while A26 completely disabled with unplugged power cable and connecte to USB-C port? Z. 1 or 48khz which introduces jitter. Grand 9i-806 > 1266 Phi TC / TH-900 MK2 / JMAudio XTC Open Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1) Share: Facebook X (Twitter) Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Great build quality but I had a hard time noticing any difference between it and my Topping D90. Welcome all new and returning players to r/adeptusmechanicus, a subreddit where we discuss all things cult mechanicus and Skitarii legion (with some knights on the side), please look at our "admech resources" page before making a post and may the Denafrips Ares II [Official] DACs. DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Burson Conductor Reference SE with Sparkos Pro op amps, Conductor 3XP with Sparkos 3602, Aune X8 XVIII w/ Sparkos Pro amps or IFI Zendac V2. I am looking at trying out the Audio Note Tube DAC - dac4-1x. Facebook Reddit Pinterest What I can say is that the Gustard R26 without any special add-ons (well, ok a decent interconnect to the preamp) is a wonderful player, giving an enormously wide and transparent soundscape and no subjective colorations of any sort. What's new. Office: Hifiman EF 600, Headphones: Grado Hemp,, Sennheiser HD800S Home: Gustard R26, Singxer SU-6, Ferrum OOR + Ferrum Hypsos, Enleum Amp 23-R, iBasso DX90 and Shanling M3x Ultra DAPs, Interconnects GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge what is the sound character of r26 compared to the same price r2r denafrips pontus ii. There Reviews. Equipment Forums Discord Link: https://discord. But the Denafrips looks to have some impressive build quality going for it and lots of people who seem swear by it. It was sent to me by Shenzhenaudio and costs US $1,499. Or check it out in the app stores     TOPICS. Last edited: Feb 19 Just tried SR Purple, surprisingly in my system I don't think that is an upgrade. Reactions: cb01 I actually also have a Wiim pro. 4 firmware was more detailed and a lot closer to neutral, but less magical. Topping D90 vs Denafrips Ares II? Thread starter turbotuff; Start date Mar 20, 2020; vs most others, is that most DAC's will be virtually indistinguishable, in an audible sense, from each other in the real world of science and physicsunless broken, or designed with something other than fidelity in mind. Gustard A26 is a high-end audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that features an I2S input. After going back The A26 is very clean and clinical - however IMHO, the Denafrips Ares II sounds Has anyone here heard the Gustard A26 and compared it to other Gustard The A26 uses 2 AK4499 chips and the R26 is a resistor ladder DAC. New comments cannot be posted. The texture is not that visceral and full bodied, like in the Denafrips Pontus but it is still weighty and not lean at all. It improved for two days and seemed stable since. Qutest is good DAC and one of the best from DS side at that price point. 15A SB [W] PayPal WTS Locked post. Good problem to have I suppose. So what? There are two options. Then with the U18 you could try I²S or whatever. The best DAC on American Amazon for Ferrum Orr and Diana TC Gustard X26 Pro or the Gustard A26 Reply Although 5 denafrips terminator did just come in stock. 104, Piatigorsky, Munch, Boston Symphony Orchestra, where detail is difficult to differentiate at climactic moments]. 1 kHz and 48 kHz). New posts Latest activity. Even between Topping DACs (from various models) there are differences in sound, let alone between two companies that use different parts in output stage and DAC Chip. Unfortunately, the handling Thanks for your submission to r/headphoneadvice. Thank you. I also have a few ZMF accessories from November 2023. Pangolin_Unlucky Gustard R26 ->Soloist 3X GT|Euforia-> (Meze Also Denafrips love using about 90 million smaller capacitors because they think it's better for the power supply, which wouldn't fit in a physically smaller case. IMO. Rpi3 Minimserver (Jplay) > Rpi3 Allo Isolator/Kali + Shanti>Allo USBridge>FMC + LAN on Gustard R26+Leo Bodnar GPS10MHz Reference clock>TDA1541A + 6N2P Buffers>Avondale Naim CD3>Avondale Grad One Pre, ZeroZone Conrad Johnson Valve Pre, RMS T65 PA monoblocks, Avondale M1 PA monoblocks >Audio Innovations Alto 35> Gustard DAC-A26 - AK4499EX DAC :: Impressions Thread. It's very easy to use - if a comment on your post is considered helpful, please reward them by using the term !thanks. Comes with original packaging PPFF or Zelle ( if G&S buyer pays 3. But given that Gustard R26’s integrated solution can go head to head with an external streamer costing $800 that is backed up with a $200 linear power supply, told me a lot. It did take high quality cables and Get the Reddit app Scan this QR code to download the app now. MilitaryHifi; Nov 2, 2024; 8 9 10. What are some recommendations to replace the D70s? LAiV Harmony / Gustard R26 | Denafrips Athena | Pass XA25 / Hypex Nilai / Sugden A21SE | Focal Sopra No. Gustard X16 VS X18 DACs. Gustard X26 Pro or the newer R2R DAC which I have not heard but people seem to like a lot. Digital + Analog Converters (DAC/ADC/DDC . I really just want the holo Spring 3 kte. It is based on a high quality architecture, using in particular a dual AK4499EX DAC associated with a AK4191 modulator and a USB XMOS XU216 interface allowing a faithful and rich sound reproduction. DDCs: Denafrips Gaia, Singxer SU-6, Matrix X-SPDIF 3; DAPs: FiiO M17, M11S, Shanling M7, M6 It approached the layering and airiness of Gustard’s A26, but it is still not exactly on the same level, as A26 will still portray a bigger picture in front of me. The same happens with Gustard. I have the impression that the A26 needs less burn in time than the AGD. Equipment Forums LAiV Harmony / Gustard R26 | Denafrips Athena | Pass XA25 / Hypex Nilai / Sugden A21SE | Focal Sopra No. I own a gustard R26 now, and it made me fall in love again with the music. In this video I compare the Gustard R26 DAC With LAiV Harmony DAC. Check out Denafrips. Replies 147 This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. I also ordered the Gustard A26 DAC. . Would also be curious to read comparisons of the A26 against X26 and R26 ! I would also like to see Gustard coming out with a premium headphone amp that would match the 26 series dacs ! Has anyone here heard the Gustard A26 and compared it to other Gustard DACs, in particular the R26? I find the R26 has some remarkable qualities in terms of microdynamics, musicality (musical details), but poor quality control and among the 4 R26's I listened to, all had (different) tonal balance problems. Would be really helpful if anyone could share their experience with Audio Note dac's and any futher insights on r2r vs tube dac would be awesome. ), they may offer better I/O options (more solid buttons or knobs, for example) and usually better displays. At the end of the day, the tone of the unit was not my bag. With that, for the next decade, I won't be doing side grade like swapping out the Denafrips Ares II for a Pontus II or maybe a Gustard A26, which is something I'm curious about actually. Krishnan Pretty handy finding a SR Purple! I have been waiting to sell my Denafrips Ares and opticalRendu before purchasing another DAC. The Musetec 005 is a very good DAC, but a bit over your limit ($2-$3K) I sold both of them. 1s | Puritan PSM156 + GM | Afterdark & LHY gear Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Disclaimer: This was sent to us as a sample for. Posted by u/aposaudio - 2 votes and no comments Cables: Lavricables Grand Headphone and IEM, Lavricables Master USB, Lavricables Grand XLR, Supra LAN Power: Audioquest Niagara 1200, Lavricables Grand 30 Core, SR Purple Fuses SOLD: AudioGD R2R-11, SMSL D400EX, Gustard A26, Xduoo TA-20, Topping A90D, Arya Stealth v3 Tarun always does a thorough job in his reviews and he seems to like what he sees in the Gustard R26 DAC. I own the Ares as well, so I will do some comparisons as the Draco burns in. The Ares compared to other DAC that I have heard and owned, is fantastic DAC to own for that price. Denafrips 'Pontus' R2R ladder DAC - close up view. Ebay TypeC $20 (quite good). It is priced at $1499. Replies 1K Views 236K. This January, I decided to let the Gustard R26 DAC go. Usually, this is where AKM-based units are shining and D400EX didn’t disappoint a single bit. etc. I am This experience convinced me that I wanted a new DAC. I was itching to try another Dac so I bought the A26. Coming from the 9038s in the Musical Paradise MP-D2 MK3 deluxe I am kinda leaning towards the A26. It also supports high-resolution audio streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA from Option 2 Ares 2 to Gustard A26 to PA5 Ares2 output impedance XLR 1250 Ω to Freya- S input impedance 10K ; Freya-S output impedance XLR 600 R (balanced) to PA5 input impedance 10K Gustard with input impedace 47K ; output impedance 100R seems better for my application where i would connect a power amp ie PA5 or equivalent. Maybe my hearing isn't sharp enough to pick up what others seem to hear so clearly. My dap Rs6 more hotter than the amp. Forums. This will add a The Gustard A26 is in good working condition and comes with the A26, power cable, USB cable, remote, and original box. vinshineaudio. MikeLS Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. I have a Denafrips Terminator ( r2r ) ladder dac. Just sold today. I really likeed this over the chip DAC's that I have heard before. Regarding the Gustard, I don't have a need for the ethernet/streamer capabilities, I'll just be using Seems like a direct competitor to the Denafrips Pontus 2. The H26 head amp is NOT class A in high with high impedance headphones. Replies 2K Views Gustard X26III Dual ES9039SPRO DAC, Network Streamer. Both GUSTARD DAC-R26 The R26 is the first DAC of the company to use an R2R architecture with discrete components of very high quality and perfectly optimized to offer exceptional sound performance. I had my cheapo Douk audio USB DDC crap out a few weeks ago and pulled the trigger on a newer Gustard u18 after doing some research and liking the possibility to upgrade the sound on my music setup, which uses a Chord 2yu. Dedicated DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Burson Conductor Reference SE with Sparkos Pro op amps, Conductor 3XP with Sparkos 3602, Aune X8 XVIII w/ Sparkos Pro amps or IFI Zendac V2. the Gustard H26 At some point goes to Class AB mode. Tonality and Detail: the enhancements were not as significant as one might expect—certainly less than the improvements observed with the Gustard A26 or R26 models. FYI the display Gustard DAC-A26 - AK4499EX DAC :: Impressions Thread Home. Edit: From the other responses, every change I have made with the DAC's have had audible differences in quality once I got away from the sub $500 DAC's. Reactions: narcissus and jai1611. The Schiit has a lot going for it with the warranty period and more "future-proof" design (ability to update it later). Share: Facebook Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Last night Gustard replied to my inquiry of 23 Sept: "After thorough research, we have identified a limitation with the A26 device concerning playback of compressed FLAC formats via the UPnP protocol. I am interested in “fiber media converters”, has been any specific brand/type that is tested to work well with Gustard devices or A26 in particular? Actually is it really necessary if my A26 is only 2-3ft away from the switch? USB cables: Supra Excalibur, Viborg's best and $20 version, Ebay TypeC $20 (quite good). Silence in Music!!Sound System TestPOWER AMP: USHER 1. ZzZzZ Active Member. Now I need to decide between an A26 or the R26. We review the Gustard A26, which is a high-end DSD512 and PCM 768kHz-capable balanced desktop DAC with LAN streaming capability. Generally, in the past, i have preferred DSD on my previous system as it gave me a smoother, more analog sound. LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Pi2AES > Volumio > WW Silver Starligth 8 Coax > Denafrips ARES II > FLUX FA-12 > FWA Noir Hybrid HPC > Audeze LCD-2C. to/3Qwm1oUPros: Sound Quality, Features, 99% Perfect I have the Pontus II and Gustard X26 and have been A/B comparing them with different inputs and settings for about a week. Equipment Forums Gustard and DenaFrips Ares The A26 with the newly launched AKM will be taken later . PeterCraig Post subject: Re: MY NEW DAC. If you want more options maybe get a DDC. The A26 may sound more impressive, and it may reveal more subtle details, but I doubt it will sound more realistic - as in actual, real life. Equipment LAiV Harmony / Gustard R26 | Denafrips Athena | Pass XA25 / Hypex Nilai / Sugden A21SE | Focal Sopra No. I do not want to discard the DI20HE as it does a great job. I plan on using A26 exclusively with Roon feeding DSD files and Tidal Connect with MQA. Thinking about a new DAC and believe the search is narrowed down to these 3. Quite a big price difference. 1s | Puritan PSM156 + GM | Afterdark & LHY gear the A26, and a smsl d6. Both the mid-range and treble Gustard unveils with the A26 a high-end DAC, as powerful as versatile. Mid bass, was lean. The harmonic beauty of percussion. Gustard A26 > Cen. The only configuration where one is clearly better than the other is using Roon upsampling to PCM 768 kHz connecting to the Denafrips Iris and then over I2S to the Pontus II. Digital Audio Forum: DAC To anyone interested, I thought I would post my thoughts on the Gustard R26 DAC that I just set-up and listened to along with my thoughts on how it sounded against the BlueSound Node DAC, my Rotel RA-1575 mkii The Gustard A26 gives up a tiny bit of measured performance compared to best of the best DACs but compensates by giving you a streamer. I have both the Gustard A26 and the R26 (it has been a rabbit hole since I started with a Senn/ ifi $350 package deal and kept going up the ladder to an end game). The Gustard to buy the If you compare the natural qualities versus what the reviewers say about the strengths of the two DAC's, it becomes clear to me that the R26 is the one that conveys the most real or natural sound. Amp: McCormack DNA 0. gg/nemopropagandaDenafrips Venus2 DAC: https://www. It looks more modern than previous Gustard products which I much appreciated. I ordered the I also considered the Denafrips Pontus, but a lack of remote volume control The A26 is very clean and clinical - however IMHO, the Denafrips Ares II sounds more holographic. to/3UsJkR3Denafrips Pontus II: https://ebay. INTRODUCTION It’s been almost a month since the Ares II was added to my collection and that means it’s review time! The Ares II is the second DAC in the ~$700USD range that I’ve had the privilege of spending time with. Home office system *** Refurbished Pioneer SX-5590 Receiver ***Speakers TeKton Lore with factory upgrades ***Dac Denafrips Venus II 12th Anniversary ***Home brew server streamer AudioPhileStyle recipe ROON + HQP / Hdplex H3-i5 + 400ATX > Diretta I2S > Gustard A26 (+OCK2) > SQM > Benchmark AHB2 Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email For your tastes I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus ll R2R DAC and the Innuos Pulse Mini streamer with their separate linear power supply (I think they may be about to introduce a new linear power supply for the Mini). (Gustard A26/R26 vs Topping DX9) Your_Toilet; Mar 17, 2024; DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface; Replies 8 Views 3K. Gaming. 99. For reference I don't like silver. Nov 18, 2022 #10 Recently i have brought a Gustard U18 DDC from @magma / SoundFoundations, along with 3 years standard warranty and the Some of the dacs I’ve owned listened to in a verity of friends speaker systems including headphone systems , PS Audio Direct Stream senior , Rockna WaveDream, AudioByte Hydra Vox , a early Denafrips Terminator , Holo Audio May KTE, Mearson Dac 1, including three budget dacs hailed as giant killers , Musician Audio Aquarius , Gustard R-26 and But it’d be remiss not to mention the benefit of the Denafrips approach is the clock signal doesn’t need to be re-synthesised by the DAC or DDC to multiples of 44. USB cables: Supra Excalibur, Viborg's best and $20 version, Ebay TypeC $20 (quite good). The Sabre9038 is eight current-output dacs on a chip, and Gustard have implemented individual IV stages for each output (most designers either go with a voltage output stage or combine the individual outputs and convert the combined current to voltage output which is much less heat). Set on vivid and even more details but can be overly bright with some recordings. DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Burson Conductor Reference SE with Sparkos Pro op amps, Conductor Was planning to pair a Topping D70s DAC with a Gustard H16 for playback on my Hifiman Aryas, but the D70s are seemingly nowhere to be found for purchase anymore. Our Favorite Technology & Audio Forums. com/product-page/denafrips-venus-r2r-dac?currency=USDOther Rev My Denafrips and Musician DACs use a different type of external 45. I concurr with @sls883, it sounds just right to my ears. Note that the A26 Dac is ALWAYS class A. PitBul34; Jun 18, 2017; 129 130 131. I thought I should perhaps follow your recommendation and try the Chinese-made Gustard X16 and have found it to be a It is roughly the same price as the highly regarded Denafrips Ares 2 DAC. 0, Denafrips Terminator 2 12th-1, Gustard X30, Holo @LongLomg00 I can't speak for the A26 but worth clarifying the R26 has an analogue attenuator with two levels OFF (0dB) and ON (-30dB), either of which can be used with additional digital attenuation in 1db steps via Gustard A26 ($1500) VS Gustard R26 Discrete ($1650) I will skip their specs and looks, focusing on their feature set and sound performance. Valheim; Genshin Impact; Minecraft; [US-TX] [H] Gustard A26(silver), Topping A90D(silver), Xduoo TA-20, Synergistic Research Purple Fuse 3. Dedicated Gustard R26: https://amzn. I owned the P2 for about 6 months last year. 5 ReferenceSpeaker: Wharfedale Linton 85 modifiedDAC: Gustard A26Spe Perhaps ask @sbogdanovs for his contact/whether there is an A26 beta test opportunity. Home. The next few months I bought the Pontus II and the Gustard X26 16 months ago. A26 has some minor blemishes (please see pictures). I am wondering if I should buy a new DAC and considering the Denafrips or the Gustard. Both are R2R DACs and cost around 2000-3000$ Big Thanks to www. Heard great things about all of them but just hoping someone around here has had the chance to listen to all three. streamer > USB > Audio-GD DI20HE > I2S > Gustard A26 The A26 expects a 'flag' on pin 15 to let know whether PCM or DSD is sent. Wow another new product from Gustard ! They are on fire ! I recently bought the R26 which is a very nice upgrade over my Singxer SDA-6 Pro (AK4499). Sounds different from iPhone12 vs iPhone14 vs iPad Pro. It did not have the same weight as my Denafrips Ares II with the exception of very low frequencies. I am looking for $950 shipped via G&S or $900 F&F. 1s | Puritan PSM156 + GM | Afterdark & LHY gear And yeah I reckon Bodiebill will be particularly well placed to judge the A26 vs an optimized high quality R2R (if not the R26 itself) as from recollection alongside the R8HE he has the DI This kind of follows my impressions, as I mentioned, about how differently the Cyan plays PCM vs DSD. However, this could not handle timbre and congestion on large orchestral works [for example, Dvorak's Cello concerto, Op. Gustard A26 w/ Built in Streamer and UPGRADED Synergistic Purple Fuse ($199. If Gustard R26 Discrete would cost two times its price, I GUSTARD DAC-R26 Review While it may not possess the same visceral and full-bodied texture as the Denafrips Pontus, it still maintains a weighty presence and avoids sounding lean. A bit of reflection between the Ares vs Pontus: Comparing the Ares to Pontus On "OS" mode. Is it Gustard USB implementation defective or Currawong was wrong again? Remember that Gustard has no galvanic isolator on the USB port, same as my $350 R2R-11. Indeed some people have preferred the R26 to the Denafrips Terminator PLUS at 3-4x the cost. I understand the streamer hardware and Gustarender firmware is the same between the A26 & R26 so expect Gustard will deploy the updated Gustarender firmware with Tidal Connect once finalised to both DACs. Joined Mar 26, 2022 Messages 147 Points 43 Location India. Zaurux I have been considering Denafrips and other DACS, but the Gustard R26 seems to be a great setup. The two that really intrigue me, especially at their prospective price points are Gustard A26 & R26. Conclusion. But in this Gustard A26 DAC ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Price: 1500USD (Dec, 2022)https://bit. Everyone from traditional audiophile reviewers like steve guttenberg or anti audiophoolery people like cheap audio man. My setups are Gustard A22 X216 version into SMSL SP400 via Mogami GoldXLR and Denafrips Gaia into Denafrips Ponus II into Singxer SA-1 via Mogami Gold XLR connection. Reactions: I happened to own Denafrips Ares2 and Terminator after using Chord Qutest. If you went DDC route, why not just get a Gustard U18. 1584/49. I dont have a desire for a budget or expensive streamer. ngelo nugaug xdk mmc lgo xxwndn xmn jgnof hfqlq vjk