Awesome review, detailed and clear. Thanks! i have at home the Gustard R26 and the Denafrips Pontus II and in my humble opinion talking about Sound Quality i can not say who's the better of these two amazing dacs it's a matter of equipment match. I can say that i prefer the R26 with the Wharfedale Lintons and the Pontus with Sonus Faber Grand Pianos. But talking about value the Gustard is crazy, Streamer, DAC, remote, functionality... amazing!
Hi. I am so happy because I found your comment, because I'm planning to get the same setup (R26/A26 and Lintons). Are you still satisfied with that setup and do you have anything else you added/changed to it?
Thanks for comparing native oversampling vs upsampling via HQPlayer. I’m very excited for your HQP review. Not many YT reviewers are covering this wonderful software.
Exactly, and there are so many filters available that once the initial excitement phase passes (meaning: let's use the ones closest to the MScaler 😁) one can actually find filters that sound the most natural to their ears (each has inherent trade-offs and it's quite possible that they will be mood/genre-dependent).
@@PassionforSound Hehe, it's a tough one. I'd suggest recommending the Sinc-Mx as the first port of call and perhaps Sinc-L with other options being great for putting focus on particular aspects of sound with the HQPlayer's manual being very helpful in explaining what the primary focus of each filter is. I think it's also very important to mention that a DAC like the D90 will show nowhere near the level of improvement that something like a Gustard DAC can where the internal filters can be bypassed (something like the Holo Audio May possibly being the ultimate companion). 😃
I am old school and only listen to CDs through my audio Lab CD Transport via a 75 Ohm silver coaxial cable. And I have to say I love the results. It's so smooth and natural sounding . The better the recording the better it sounds. I love it. No need to spend more. A great sounding DAC.Good review bye the way. Thanks
I use my R26 with an upgraded SR Purple fuse, Gustard U18 DDC, and LHY OCK-2 external clock. Each of these things didn't make a huge difference on their own (although noticeable,) but once combined, it's a combination that I believe can compete favorably with basically anything. The sound is absolutely phenomenal. This DAC also sounds incredible in a chain with a tube amp or preamp.
I bought the Gustard R26 right when it came out and loved it. I eventually sold the R26 once I got the Gustard A26 as it was just a more satisfying DAC to my ears for the music genres I mostly listen to like Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Metal and Blues. The R26 is maybe a warmer smoother DAC compared to the A26 which has a tad more detail, punch and slam type qualities going on to my ears. I'ver got the A26 paired with the newest version of the Burson Soloist 3XGT with a Lokius tone control in between and it's easily the best synergy and DAC to Amp combo I've ever experienced for my music genre's. My main 2 headphones at the moment are the HE1000V2 (V3)Stealth Magnet and a Stabilized Auteur Classic. I've been selling off a big chunk of my HP's and gear as I'm now in that end game territory with Gear and HP's. Maybe I'll spring for a Stabilized Caldera at some point in the future if Zach does another November event with some stabilized Caldera in the lineup. And the last thing I'll add is something that Ace already has touched on. I'm now a firm believer that anything over the $2K Range with Audio gear and headphones is seriously entering into that diminishing returns territory. I've been to the top of the mountain with Susvara. Couldn't drive it properly. The easy to drive HE1000V2(V3) Stealth has given me way more enjoyment than the Susvara ever did for $4K cheaper. I had the TT2 & M-Scaler for a few weeks before realizing it was a mistake and way too analytical for me. Luckily I sold them without taking a beating. I would take the Gustard A26($1500) & Soloist 3XGT($2500 Pre order price) paring over the TT2 & M-Scaler every day of the week and twice on Sunday. $4K for the A26/Soloist 3XGT.... vs almost $12K for a new TT2 & M-Scaler. That's a difference of 8 GRAND!! There is nobody on the planet that could convince me the Chord TT2 & M-Scaler setup is $8K better than the A26/Soloist 3XGT combo. I mean if you've got the funds... spend your money however you like. My 2 cents here is for those who are trying to get the best bang for the buck. I've now tried enough HP's and Gear to realize that staying in the $2K-$2.5K Range will deliver you at least 90% of what the massively more expensive TOTL HP's and Audio Gear are doing. Nice review as always Lachlan
@@shawnpwatsons1 I only chime in with HP's or Gear I've had experiences with hoping it may help someone make a decision so they aren't totally taking a leap of faith buying something and then regretting the purchase. I've been there and done that. I forgot to mention the Burson Soloist 3XGT also came with the Super Charger 5A which does really make a difference. I'd definitely recommend getting a Super Charger when buying any version of a Soloist amp
Great video as usual! I was surprised how so many of the earlier reviewers overlooked the Lan connection. It’s definitely superior, especially with a FMC conversion! Add a little magic from poly-sinc-gauss-long and it’s truly special.
New subscriber here. I’ve had my R26 for about 6 months. I’m using it as a Roon endpoint. It really matches the qualities I look for and presents them with a smoothness and ease. The soundstage is tall, wide and especially deep. It’s a great bargain especially considering it’s also a streamer. A DAC like this would have cost at least twice as much 2-3 years ago.
Thanks for letting me know, Howard. I might include a quick piece on the setup process in the review. I'm starting to explore music streamers, etc. too so stay tuned for more on that topic 🙂
Very nice review, Lachlan, I own this DAC and absolutely LOVE it!!! I agree with everything you wrote, including about the LAN and HQPlayer upsampling observations. Cheers!
Another fantastic review. I'm sure many here would love an entire video dedicated to native NOS/OS and upsampling vs hardware and software. I have avid audiophile friends who, even myself at times, still conflate and confuse the differences. One swore he was upsampling through an app and believed it so until I illustrated that just their web browser was keeping them from streaming at a higher bit rate. As far as the DAC - I have had this DAC for a few months as my network streamer. I found (believe there are some others that can attest?) that the DAC does "warm" up in sound slightly after around 100 hours of burn-in. What i wasn't expecting, is that its soundstage widened noticeably. It's difficult to put into words but I would suggest this as a possibility for those who prefer the accuracy of the solid state sound but prefer the smoothness of an R2R minus the high end glare. This unit takes some of the better elements of both worlds.
I agree that the R26 strikes an excellent balance between the smoother, R2R sound, and the more articulate, Delta Sigma sound. As for upsampling, I'll probably have to cover it off in the upcoming HQ Player review, but I'm a little nervous about defining it too!
@@PassionforSound It is why you are great at what you do - you care about doing it properly. I don't feel it it should be too concerning. You required only single sentence what I fumbled about and needed a paragraph to get across.
Great review ! I own this DAC & I found it a game changer! I agree all of the inputs sound great, my experience with DSD are from downloaded files & SACDs and the dynamic range and sound quality was elevated. I have limited use of LAN but following your review I will be looking into implementing this soon.
I use the I2S it flips the phase but the R26 has a menu selection that you can reverse back to the correct phase, if it doesn’t work I can send you the name of I2S to HDMI
Excellent review as usual sir ! I got the R26 soon after it came out and I'm very pleased with it, it was a nice upgrade over my previous Gustard A18 and Singxer SDA-6. Cheers
Hey, I'm writing this comment before watching this video all comment based on my personal experience I ordered R26 and had Denafrips Ares 2 first I noticed was not good enough instrument placement for me, something felt off in the soundstage I also didn't like much timbre ( my first thoughts in 2 days listening ) I also have Singxer su6 with i2s gustard doesn't have pin layout config, I was sitting all day to set up dad playback via i2s and got so frustrated that I returned after 2 days Ordered Pontus 12th and I'm a happy owner now... With the Gustard unit, I had huge expectations and it didn't win the fight with my Ares so I was pretty disappointed not mentioning cheap wobbly volume nob where you accidentally click staff
Hi Michal, I'm glad you found the right DAC for you. I haven't tried DSD via I2S, but the SU-6 and R26 via I2S worked first time for me. Sorry to hear that they don't publish pin-outs when there are so many combinations! I wasn't a fan of the Ares, but the Pontus II is lovely.
Great review! I have the x16 which I purchased for $400 CAN. It sounds very good. I can sell it for almost the full $400 after 2 years of play. Gustard makes great product, reliable will built. Even there least expensive.
I really appreciate you including the HQPlayer considerations, given the NOS mode. That is a big differentiation consideration for NOS DACs. FYI, I read that in order to apply filters, this DAC runs the r2r output through delta sigma stuff for oversampling...dunno if true. But if so, it might be that NOS is the only way to get pure R2R sound. Worth trying DSD with HQPlayer
I bought this when it first came out and honestly it's ridiculously good. yea there's probably be better but it'll cost multiples of this and the best thing about gustard is you get insanely great value for the money. The build quality alone, weight and internal parts quality is top notch
I owned the R26 after owning the Denafrips Venus. I preferred the R26 in all areas except the vocals, which I think you imply or mention. It was just thinner in my system, and for that, I moved on to another R2R DAC, but this time Tube, in the Audio Mirror NOS Tubadour IV.
I love how you describe how the DAC sounds, its voicing, tonal balance ect... I would really like your take on the Musician Audio Draco DAC. It is supposed to sound unique, even to its siblings. The Draco is 2/3 the price of the Pegasus. Thank you for this excellent video. Keep em' coming!
Giddy up Gustard! Really looking forward to the A26 review as my main genre is electronic music so I want the detail. My Gustard X16 has been a trooper but the RCA output is starting to do strange things from time to time so the next DAC is in the planning and I can't afford a TT2.
I wanted to add my first R2R DAC for my ZMF's and I had in my mind the R26 and Spring 3 KTE. The R26 seems interesting for half the price, but has lot of features I will not use like MQA, streaming, as well the many ports it has. In other hand, syncing between audio and image is important to me, and its proven than R26 works perfectly, but I could not find too much information about this on the Spring 3, just that the KTE version has improved USB module. I keep thinking and thinking...
I would definitely choose the R26 over the Spring as I think the Spring is considerably over-priced. To my ears, the Yggy OG is comfortably better than the Spring while the R26 goes toe-to-toe with the Yggy OG.
And again, nice review as always. Would love to audit a r26, but can’t find a shop here selling them, and buying this kind of equipment without listening is to expensive.
It's always hard to make these decisions 'blind' or 'deaf' as it were. The R26 is a pretty safe buy in the world of audio because I can't see many (any?) people disliking it, but I understand the challenge.
Great review. Having had the Gustard R26 for a couple of months, the LAN input sounds warm (slightly rolled off treble) to a degree, but the iFi Zen Stream/USB input combo appears to have more treble energy, better soundstage depth and width, and deeper bass. I suppose what I’m saying is that a good streamer can take the sound quality further than with the LAN input. Then again, maybe it’s just my listening preference. 😅
It's quite possible that what you're hearing from the Zen Stream is actually a lower quality signal with more noise. So long as you're not losing detail, a smoother sound is generally a sign of less noise in the system, but the noise can sometimes trick us into thinking that there is more clarity and detail because it sounds more etched.
@@PassionforSound Thank you for the insight. I hadn’t thought of it that way but will certainly pay closer attention to the smoothness factor (a difference could manifest in the Gustarender firmware version - I’m yet to update to 1.42)
@@PassionforSound Since my last comment, I went gung-ho preparing a defense for the Zen Stream to USB input, different cables - copper, silver plated and other variables. I’m simultaneously disappointed (with my defense and Zen Stream) and flabbergasted (LAN input, Gustarender 1v42 update). The LAN input is so much more detailed, smooth, refined, spacious and airy. And you’re right, I was mistaking the harsh treble for better sound. Net net, the Gustard R26 will allow me to focus more on music and less on partnering equipment and cables. Thank you again. Cheers. 🙂
Absolutely, but also, in a nice change of pace, the DAC is great despite the extra features and functions so the features and functions are a bonus rather than being necessary to justify the R26's value.
Added a cheap optical SFP -> RJ45 transceiver + ifi quiet power supply for some noise isolation (less than $150 total). The results are pretty impressive. The LAN input got even better... considering something like the uptone ether regen.
Wala Spot on Review!! I love my r26. I am using it with i2s coming from DDC gustard18. Feeding DDC with usb from computer. I found this to be superior especially with my dynaduio evoke 10 and rel subwoofer. to me there is better definition in low end. The network connection is really good but i really struggle with the aps eg using chord network cable, using qnap music software and using r26 as a renderer. However, qnap music app has limitations and don't find it to be user friendly. I have got apple eco system so cannot use bubble upnp.
Glad you liked the review! I agree that an IIS connection is often the simplest solution (if you have a DDC or IIS source) and it sounds excellent too. What's nice about the IIS is that it's easy to use for multimedia as well as music listening. Glad you're loving your R26!
I had ended up going with the Yggy OG after having encountered an offer I could not refuse on a used unit. I am hoping however people were able to score a deal on the A26 or the R26 as those are available at a much lower cost. Shenzhen Audio had Black Friday promo pricing on the both of them. Definitely into the multibit DAC sound with my lively speakers; I don't know if the resolution or the imaging or the soundstage depth is even the best you can get for under $3000. None of that matters to me. I was content not chasing the best resolution. The way the music is presented, is unique to me as a newcomer to R2R. The music sounds more like a performance and less like a mechanical presentation of a recording where the equipment is going out of its way to get my attention.
Great review as usual Lachlan! have this DAC for months now and loving it. Just tried to upgrade the firmware with my Mac but was unsuccessful. After clicking on imager, I can’t find the DAC listed on my Mac in order to move on to Write so I am stuck there now.
I play original DSD super high resolution material using USB and IIS2 and have clock as well as USB isolation unit. Nothing and I mean nothing sounds as good as DSD except vinyl. Cheers
I am watching this review again cos each time I watch the same video of yours, I learned different things. It’s kinda like you listening to the same song but each time you are focused on listening to a particular instrument. For now, I first have to find a way to upgrade the software and then try LAN (have never done this before, all music sources are from my MacBook Pro or my 20TB HDD of hi res music via USB”. I do not have a “real player” so I am using Pine or VOX now. I am considering Roon or Audirvāna, whichever that I can use the R26 LAN and has app for my iPhone and iPad Pros. I can’t subscribe to Qobuz as its still not available for Singapore. I am Ah be getting the U18 DDC any time now. I hope I have clearly explained my situation so I hope that I can get help from anyone who is willing to take me through step by step. Thank you in advanced, whoever my “savior” is. 😂
I'd say the top three options are the Bifrost 2, Gustard R26 and, once available, the Geshelli Labs J2 AKM DAC with the AK4499 option (review on the way)
Very curious how the Gustard A26 sounds since I read it have one of the best dynamics and transient response . I hope you can get an A26 soon to review it
I have the R26 feeding a Violectric HPA V550 feeding HE1000v2's. Before that I had Meze Empyrean's but sold them because.... (the bass was great, but the midrange was recessed/veiled/not as clean). Before that I had HD800S but sold that as the bass was too lean and the soundstage a bit too diffuse. HE1000v2 is perfect, except for a very very minor nitpick of a very slight lack of dynamics/slam, but it's still good in that department, just not the best. (However, little tip for Hifiman owners, push the headphones forward on your ears, so the back of the cups are touching the backs of your ears. This improves the bass and gives a sweeter more tonally rich midrange) Anyway, I came to the comment section to mention two things about the R26 that are awesome. Well, lots about it is awesome, but 2 things out of the ordinary are awesome: 1) It doesn't get hot, or even warm. This is great in warmer climates if you don't want your components heating up the room eventually 2) It doesn't have a delay on it's USB input like all the Denafrips DACs do. Even admitted by Denafrips, they have a delay (200-300ms or so) on all their DAC's. Has to do with how it's oversampling is processing they said. Well you don't notice this delay at all if you're just listening to music. BUT, if you have this sound rig hooked up to a PC and you sometimes play FPS shooters, well you don't want your sound delayed behind your graphics. Ya see, I was originally gonna get the Ares 2, but then I learned about this delay. From what everyone is saying, the R26 is better anyway, so it all worked out.
@@PassionforSound more thank welcome. So is there much difference. I know Eversolo is a full endpoint. Where as Gustard isn’t. Just want to control it all form app.
Oh, sorry. I thought your question was rhetorical. I'd probably take the R26 for pure sound quality, but I'd choose the DMP-A8 for versatility. If you're ONLY going to use it as a Roon endpoint and you don't need the extra features/display, go with the R26 I think.
@@PassionforSound hahaha yes and no. I’m going between options to update my Node2i. Previously I had issues with external DACs and little pops when it would change sample rate. So looking at Lumin D2 or R26 or similar, including dmp-a8. So far D2 might be the winner. More so as it’s actually Roon Ready. Or I try and stretch it to D3. Getting my Rega Elex MK4 today, up from Brio-R so I may not need it. As it’s already sounding great. But when has this game ever been about need 🤣😂🤣
I suspect that you will find with oversampling to DSD (256 and above) in HQPlayer, using the "EC" modulators, is an entirely different thing than Roon's DSD oversampling!
Thanks for the review. Seems to be a very interesting choice for many. I am curious about the quality of the selection wheel (also volume control?) - I think that these things aren't that robust - and often break early - and with that shorten the lifespan of the whole unit.
Mine seems robust enough although I don’t use it very often it’s set Lan and stays there. Probably wouldn’t want to use the volume control in most scenarios as it’s digital not analog
The buttons feel great to me. The wheel is a little imprecise and a touch less confident than the buttons, but doesn't concern me at all. As for the volume control, Mike, digital controls (if done right) are lossless and therefore preferable to analog controls that are likely to degrade the signal
@@reptidan you mean you like the sound more, but it's performance could be worse. What was the original op-amp ? And what was the upgraded one ? I would be interested to check them out. I have tried different op-amps but could not tell the difference. So this op-amp could be the one I need.
I am very curious to see what you think about the A26. I have a Gustard X26 Pro and except for the A26's streaming capability, I can't see a reason why the AKM chip would suddenly sound better than the ESS. However - what the AKM chip offers is DSD Direct; the ESS chips always do some form of processing/modulating the signal (which, to my understanding, has its benefits also, namely - a well-implemented volume control), even in NOS mode which only disables internal oversampling filters. I am thinking that the A26 could be a perfect device for HQPlayer users because it will take the incoming HQPlayer-upsampled-and-modulated DSD as it is and given how well Gustard DACs are designed (discrete components, linear power supplies etc.), at least on paper this should be an ideal way of squeezing the most out of upsampled DSD. My X26 Pro already sounds phonemenal when fed such signal, if the A26 has the potential to be even better then it could be a mind-blowing experience.
Definitely a winner at this price point. The a26 would be a fantastic comp as well. So many great dacs in the $1k - $2k range that really kills the value prop of upgrading. You have to spend so $5k+ to get a noticeable improvement.
@@PassionforSound true.. they always say it has to less to do with the specific chip and more to do with the implementation. That could be the case here. Plenty of dacs out there so I think hitting the R26 was the gem.
I've found AKM and ESS to be interchangeable as to which sounds better. There are amazing examples of DACs out there with both chips. To your point, Ace, I think the implementation is a huge factor (the Conductor GT from Burson is insanely good despite being built around an ESS chip), but the filters used in chip-based DACs are unable to recapture the sense of layering and depth that R2R, Chord and Schiit Multibit can achieve.
Mate absolutely try the A26, is will be closer to the tt2 in many ways i think. It would be nice to have a small stereo set up because not all of your viewers are headphone users ☺️
@@PassionforSound So I bought the A26. it went back... it was airy, detailed and fast. But it seems in order to achieve this kind of delivery they missed something very important. They rolled off the important frequency range of basically everything with a bit. so the drums were fast, but had absolutely no volume or weight. The same frequency, adds impact and presence to the body of the instruments like a guitar or a cello violin. You basically hear the strings only. Just like you only hear the membrane of a kick drum without its case. Very disappointed, I tried so many times to like it but it just was not possible. at some point, I forgot music was playing so it was not engaging either.
That's very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get to try one in the future for myself, but this makes me think that the R26 will be my preference too.
@@dan-qe1tb unfortunately, you cannot know the experience someone has one expressing his opinion, or his hard earned cash for that matter… my goal is something closer to real since you can never get there. People think that because it has details and it’s airy with a big south stage that is going to be the one to beat.. but who mentions the drawbacks? What if they are more important?
Hello and thanks again for another great review.. saw lots of your videos lately :) how would you compare the R26 dac vs the new Eversolo Dac dmp a8 that you reviewed lately ? Much appreciated 🙏
Sorry that I missed replying to this sooner. Some comments don't seem to appear in my notifications and I don't know why. Anyway, to your question: as a pure DAC, I think the R26 is probably better so if you are looking at the device more as a DAC or only to act as a Roon endpoint then the R26 would be my choice. If you want the interface, versatility, etc. the EverSolo comes very close on sound and with way more features.
Great review! Wish this review had been around when I bought my Pegasus. I am really digging your sweatshirt in the video. Can you tell the company or where you got it? Thank you! Never mind saw the links in description!
Good review. Really curious as to what difference the equipment you are using for HQPlayer and it s difference would make in that comparison. In my experience, using a Ryzen 5950x, 4080 card with 64 gb ram. Running HQPlayer in DSD 512/1024, I found the MScaler isn't even close. IMO, the hardware matters more than you are giving it credit for here.
I think there's a degree of gear synergy and personal preference in any comparison. I also tend to underplay differences because I like to avoid hyperbole and building expectations that can lead to people being disappointed. I'd much rather they were pleasantly surprised by an even greater gain than they expected. 🙂
Excellent review. Amazing value proposition. What are your thoughts on the Gustard R26 compared to the HoloAudio May KTE given how close it came to the Chord TT and MScaler?
I rate the TT2 (without M-Scaler) about on par with the May KTE. They're different, but at similar performance levels. So, I think the R26 also gets close to the May, but doesn't quite match it. As is often the case in this hobby, the money you spend to go from the R26 to those higher DACs will get you incremental gains in performance rather than large leaps.
I really appreciate your prompt and honest response to my query. I wasn't expecting the R26 to outperform the May KTE but to come so ever close is incredible given the price differential.
I haven't compared directly, but the fact that the Yggy and R26 perform quite similarly places the R26 a step above the Bifrost 2/64 (which is still a brilliant DAC). My current ranking for DACs is Bifrost 2 (and another to be reviewed very soon), then R26, then Yggy, then up to TT2 and Holo May. I'm not sure where Qutest sits these days...
@@PassionforSoundbut how about pure usb directly into a laptop with nothing else in the chain..!? I purchased a r26 and I only use regular usb I refuse to spend hundreds more to throw in the chain and then you need a direct physical internet connection to use LAN which is annoying because most of us don’t have an internet wire near the dac , we use wifi for the computer
That's a fair point - R26 isn't quite as good via USB. I think it might still be a fraction ahead of Bifrost 2/64, but if you're not in need of the extra features of the R26 (high sample rate decoding, LAN streaming, volume control) then the BF2/64 is cheaper, so much more compact and still sounds brilliant
As I understand it, the Gustard A26 that uses the AKM 4499 chip*set* - and that is a delta sigma filtering / oversampling chip and a multibit/R2R chip?
I don't own the Pontus II to compare directly, but it will be of similar performance with a slightly different character because the Pontus II is a little fuller sounding again (some might say warmer) and with a little less attack. I compared the Yggy OG and Pontus II here: ua-cam.com/video/weTHhG0X0pY/v-deo.html so you can connect the dots between Pontus II vs Yggy OG vs R26 🙂
I recently purchased a Gustard R26. I had an Eversolo Z8 before which also sounded nice but R26 has more depth and live energy on vocals and acoustic instruments. Wider soundstage and a sense of more air. I also use it in LAN mode with Roon. I was wondering if there is a Tidal Connect update ?
Glad you're enjoying it! I love the DAC-Z8, but I agree that the R26 is even better. I'm not aware of any talk of a Tidal Connect update. You can always use a UPnP app like BubbleUPnP to stream from Tidal to the Gustard though.
Excellent review! I read that the A26 is a bit more technical but loses in the staging department quite a lot. I saw that you have a Phonitor XE on the table, did you happen to pair them? I happen to be using the R26+Phonitor XE and the soundstage is absolute huge ! Both devices perform incredibly on creating a huge stage.
@@giorgosapo4508 I also read the review of the sandu first. But all other reviewers and users who have both said the A26's soundstage is better than the R26's. Maybe because Sandu's setup is not the same between the 2 dacs, or Sandu likes R26 too much? I'm not sure but I decided to follow the majority
@@vanbuitran1746 I was also between A26 and R26 and the deciding factor was the R2R fullness and richness they the R26 offers and as the reviewer on IWII channel says it has more Soul and is his preference too. One thing I noticed regarding soundstage is that almost all reviewers test these on Speakers, only Sandu spoke about the staging capabilities on headphones.
@@giorgosapo4508 I think when listening with speakers, it will be more accurate than headphones when talking about the difference, especially the soundstage. Anyway I think the choice is mainly about the type of music that you listen to. I listen to mostly modern pop, epic, rock...so I'm important in terms of bass, detail, instrument separation, layers, those are the things that the A26 does better than the R26, so it's more suitable for me. The R26 will have a smoother, thicker, more engaging sound.
Great film about r26. I have a gustard x16, and I am completely clueless as to where in Australia to purchase a IIS cable for it. You mentioned during your extensive testing that you used an IIS cable. Where from and what brand please? Keep up the splendid work.
The i2s cable is a normal hdmi cable however the standard for the source and end point should match as different companies have different i2s standards
@urbenkam thanks for the reply. I have seen on several websites that the Gustard official IIS cable is unavailable. So I do not know which one to buy that does match at least the end point, which is Gustard X16.
The cable is any HDMI cable - I personally use a Supra one. The tricky bit is in matching the pin outputs (which contact does what) from your source to the pin inputs on the DAC. Mine worked first time with the Singxer SU-6 in stock settings (I think), but I haven't tested to see if it's working to the maximum with DSD, etc.
I find it hard to believe that these DACS can still be made to evolve, when you see what is achieved by the Chord Qutest, or Rme Adi-2. Do you think that our ears can still discern additional sonic subtlety in these devices? Frankly, I don't believe it at all, but additional technical possibilities, why not.
I get where you're coming from. I tend to look for DACs using different technologies for that reason so R2R, Schiit Multibit and Chord WTA approaches rather than the standard Delta Sigma DACs built on the same chips and mostly using the same filtering approach.
Absolutely! There are significant differences. Chord DACs have more attack, R2R are softer sounding in terms of attack, and Schiit Multibit DACs kind of split the difference with a slightly less expansive soundstage.
That's going to depend a lot on the rest of the chain because it's about how the tonality of the DAC blends with the amp and transducers as to what's better/worse for tonality. What I can say is that it's generally very natural with a slight bit of smoothness to the sound. There's a little less texture in the R26 compared to some other DACs and that means it will be less dry sounding than alternatives that might have more texture.
I did a review of the Pontus II vs Yggy OG (it was an non-Delta Sigma DAC shootout) a while back and I think I placed the Pontus and Yggy about even which means the R26 is on that same level, but with a less rich sound than the Pontus.
Watching UA-cam videos or music from computer over USB - produces 3-4 seconds delay. Video and voice are out of sync. Is there anything that can be done to sync video with vocals/sound?
I didn't find that at all, although I didn't use USB very much. I think there must be something else wrong though or we would have heard about this. Also, latency via USB is normally in the milliseconds so even when bad, it's barely noticeable and definitely not 3-4 seconds. I think there's a setting or configuration on your system that's out of whack, but not sure what it might be. Can you try a different video playback software?
@@PassionforSound correct - this was the fix - 75ms audio delay setting but the quality drops as opposed to 2000ms audio delay setting: 1. Open the Sonos app > select Settings > and select System. 2. Select your speaker or wireless amp with the Line-In connection. 3. Scroll down and select Audio Delay > select Low (75ms). In this menu, there are four different audio delays that you can choose from: Max (2,000 ms), High (150 ms), Medium (113 ms) and Low (75 ms). By default, the Line-In connection of your Sonos speaker or wireless amp is set to Max, which is 2,000 milliseconds or two second; this allows for the most time for the Sonos product to optimize its sound.
Don’t understand the LAN socket on a DAC. How do you connect your streamer transport to the DAC via a LAN cable when the transport has no LAN output. I can’t think of any source component that has a LAN output socket.
It's for direct connection to the network and the DAC then has limited streaming functionality built-in. On some DACs, RJ45 is used for IIS connections from a transport, but not in this case.
I'm hoping to review the Aqua DAC in a month or so, but I can't compare them until then. The A26 is excellent, but there are better DACs if you are looking for a solution for a high end system and have the budget.
I'm confused: you say Roon will see the internal streaming module as an end point, but this does not appear to be Roon Ready per Roon Labs. If the streaming input sounds the best, it would be helpful to know which protocols it supports (DLNA/UPnP, Airplay1/2, RAAT, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect...) and whether said support is official/certified or not.
Re: Roon - it's not 'Roon Ready' officially per Roon, but when connected via LAN the Roon software recognizes the R26 as an endpoint through Gustard's "GustaRenderer" software. The info on the R26 on the Shenzhen or Aoshida websites will tell you the other (if any) protocols the internal streaming board supports other than UPnP. I owned the R26 for about 5 months, and I can agree that in my system, to my ears, the LAN input was audibly superior to USB and ever-so-slightly bettered the I2S input.
@@jonathanalexander2681 Thanks. I saw the rather vague info on the Shenzhen audio website, but was left wondering if UPnP rendering plays gapless and at which sample rates.
Jonathan has provided the answer already (thanks JA!) I didn't dig too deep into the network endpoint options as there was already so much to cover in this review - sorry!
Would like your opinion on the A26, curious about that one. From what I’ve been reading it sounds more to my taste than R2R dacs. Considering a Bifrost 2/64 as well since it seems to be a bit more neutral than typical multibit/r2r/ladder DACs.
Yes, BF2/64 is less like R2R and closer to (but better than IMO) regular Delta Sigma DACs. R26 isn't overly rich and warm, but it's still got that slightly smooth R2R presentation
What is the sound difference between A26 and R26? Just FYI: I like Topping E70 Velvet very much and think the difference to A26 is marginal. A26 is punchy and very clear but I like less punchiness and still good resolution from E70V. E70V is softer/maybe even fuller to a degree which I like. A26 filters do not seem to make much of a difference to me (maybe because I am using Sonos amp).
I haven't compared the two to comment specifically, but you'll normally find that an R2R DAC (like the R26) will be a bit smoother sounding than a Sigma Delta DAC using a chip like in the A26. The R2R DACs will also produce a greater sense of depth and layering in the soundstage.
@@PassionforSound Thank you! I wish I knew that before. Returned A26 couple days ago. It is too punchy, a bit analytical. I like Topping E70 Velvet sound better and it is third of the price of A26. Had it been R26, I would likely have kept it. Thanks again. Great reviews.
Uh, will there be a review of the SPL Phonitor XE that see in the background? Possibly also of its Dac section if you've got that on hand! I'm especially curious as to your experiences of it with planars (it has a gain switch on the bottom, mind you) :-)
Hi sir, So far all your suggestions worked very well for me. Recently I got Burson soloist 3x GT by selling A90D.and as you said burson is epic. Please help me to understand: if i upgrade my topping E70 dac to this R26, is the difference noticeable? Do i get the same amount of improvement when compared to the improvement what I got from A90D to burson upgrade? Thanks again.
Glad I've been able to help! I definitely think you'll get an improvement moving from the E70 to the R26, but it won't be as noticeable as with the amp's, I think. The key differences will be a more natural tonality/character to instruments and a greater sense of depth on the soundstage. Some people really notice these changes while others are less sensitive to them.
It's always hard to quantify that, but I'd say it's a significant jump so 50-60% is probably about right. The jump from an entry level DAC to the R26 is far greater than the jump from the R26 to something like the TT2.
I have no onhands experience, but from what I've heard, people put it between the venus and pontus performance wise. It is some what more detail focussed though.
Unless the Ares 12th is a completely redesigned DAC, I can't see it coming close to the R26. As Reptidan said, the R26 is at least at the level of Pontus II and might be even better. I can't comment on the Bluesound Node.
Great review! Wondering about the LAN option. I'm already using a Pi2design (version 1) streamer I really like, but only goes up to I2s. Is the LAN card assignable regardless of the input, or does it have to be through the Ethernet port? Or, it would have to be through streaming via the Gustard? I might have already answered my question here, just that it seemed as if it was possible by what you were saying.
The LAN card is only for streaming direct to the R26. If you want to stream to the Pi, you'll have to stick to the I2S. I actually wanted to test the LAN in the R26 vs a Pi2AES or similar, but there was already so much ground to cover in this one.
@@PassionforSound No worries…I do know that Srboljub at iiWi had done that comparison in his review and said he preferred the Mercury going in via I2s (I think it was I2s) over using the internal streamer, but don’t know if he was using the Ethernet cable directly or not. My other concern is if the r26 will work with the default pinout on the Mercury (I have the first version). Either way, your taking the extra steps with digital outs really shed some light on those options 🙏🏼
I've never had them both together at the same time to compare, but from memory, the Pontus II is a little weightier through the mids and bass while the R26 is a bit more detailed and articulate (without sounding lean). Both are excellent, but I'd choose the R26 for its size, features and price.
Would this be appropriate to pair with my Rotel RB1582-MKII and Polk R700’s? Or should I look for something more like a Denafrios Ares / Ladder Schuman / Musician Greco or a $500-$1000 SMSL/Topping? I have this system paired with a Bluesound Node at the moment so I view that as the bottleneck at the moment
It all depends on what you're looking for. This is an outstanding DAC and the fact that it has the streaming capability makes it extra useful to replace a Bluesound. What I can't help with is your preferences. Denafrips DACs will generally produce a smoother, less defined sound and SMSL/Topping DACs will produce a greater sense of detail due to a flatter soundstage that brings everything forward so it depends on what you feel you need/want
If you connect R26 via LAN and use Roon, will it be possible to control the volume in the Roon application? Or will I be able to adjust the volume only on the power amplifier? Will the DoP 64 and PCM sound over the coaxial channel and LAN be good if you use a DAC loop (Hegel H390)? What level of cables should I use with R26?
That's a good question about the volume. I didn't test extensively, but I believe you can only adjust volume through the DAC or amp (the R26 does have a volume control and remote). I can't comment on the DAC loop idea because I haven't tested it. For cables, I believe the R26 is at a level where better cables will be worthwhile. I'd be looking to use something around the level of the Supra EFF cables or above
Anyone listened to the R26 vs the T+A DAC 200? I would *imagine* the T+A is quite good and should be better, but am curious if anyone has direct experience?
I bought mine secondhand so I don't know for sure. Generally, burn-in will happen fairly quickly for the majority of change. There may be ongoing subtle shifts over the following days/weeks, but I've never found something that transformed after the first couple of days of use.
I'd take those impressions with a grain of salt. Unless people can try a brand new unit next to one that's burnt in, there's no way of knowing if they've just mentally adjusted to its sound, if the tracks they've played later happen to be better recorded, etc. I would definitely believe there is SOME burn in early on, but the changes after 100s of hours are likely to be miniscule.
Passion , I have the jotunheim 2 and was going to buy bitfrost 2/64 , I thought about trying my mojo 2 , using strictly Asa dac with the jotuneim 2 , I did and oh my it sound full body nice separation and good mids and bass , so now I'm thinking since this mojo 2 is a good match I can save and don't buy the btf 2 What do you think ? If you haven't tried that together please try it
I don't have the Jotunheim 2 to test, but the Mojo 2 and Bifrost 2 will be very similar in maximum performance. The Bifrost 2/64 might be slightly better than the Mojo 2, but I haven't directly compared them since the upgrade to the 2/64 version and I can't offer to do that right now.
@@PassionforSound thank you Hey I just pulled out my topping e50 dac and connected to the jotuneim 2 and I'm amazed I'm almost believing it sounds better than the mojo -J2 combo..e50 with J2 is so smooth and clear with warm and nice controlled bass , and vocals , I think I have a winning combo..still hoping to try bitfrost 2/64 but can't afford it maybe in 2024.
I haven't heard the Pontus 12, but based on my experiences with the Pontus II, is say they're probably on a similar level, but with different sound. The Pontus has a nice fullness and roundedness to it's sound while I think the R26 is a bit more neutral.
What budget streamer can you recommend to use R26's LAN input? I see many streamers has LAN input and USB/SPDIF/I2S-outs but no LAN-out to feed R26 LAN-in? Am I wrong?
The point of the R26 is that you don't need a steamer. Just connect the R26 to your network and then use software to send the audio straight to the R26 as a Roon endpoint or via UPnP software which can then give you access to Tidal, Qobuz, etc.
@@PassionforSound Thanks! But many people in Hi-Fi forums claim that a decent external streamer boost R26's sound quality. Same thing told about external clock - people clam that LHY OCK-1 and 2 significantly improve resolution and dynamics. Are R26's internal streamer and clock can match just entry-level external solutions? Or they just underestimated?
I think the internal streamer is as good as other affordable external streamers. If you wanted to look at higher end streamers from Lumin and similar brands, that might change things a bit, but I didn't test that to know.
Awesome review, detailed and clear. Thanks! i have at home the Gustard R26 and the Denafrips Pontus II and in my humble opinion talking about Sound Quality i can not say who's the better of these two amazing dacs it's a matter of equipment match. I can say that i prefer the R26 with the Wharfedale Lintons and the Pontus with Sonus Faber Grand Pianos. But talking about value the Gustard is crazy, Streamer, DAC, remote, functionality... amazing!
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jorge. I've had a number of people request exactly this comparison.
Hi. I am so happy because I found your comment, because I'm planning to get the same setup (R26/A26 and Lintons). Are you still satisfied with that setup and do you have anything else you added/changed to it?
Thanks for comparing native oversampling vs upsampling via HQPlayer. I’m very excited for your HQP review. Not many YT reviewers are covering this wonderful software.
Exactly, and there are so many filters available that once the initial excitement phase passes (meaning: let's use the ones closest to the MScaler 😁) one can actually find filters that sound the most natural to their ears (each has inherent trade-offs and it's quite possible that they will be mood/genre-dependent).
I'm a bit nervous about how I'm going to sift through all the options for the review! 🤞🤞
@@PassionforSound Hehe, it's a tough one. I'd suggest recommending the Sinc-Mx as the first port of call and perhaps Sinc-L with other options being great for putting focus on particular aspects of sound with the HQPlayer's manual being very helpful in explaining what the primary focus of each filter is. I think it's also very important to mention that a DAC like the D90 will show nowhere near the level of improvement that something like a Gustard DAC can where the internal filters can be bypassed (something like the Holo Audio May possibly being the ultimate companion). 😃
Thanks for the tips!
In case you haven’t seen it yet, HQP 5 was just released.
I am old school and only listen to CDs through my audio Lab CD Transport via a 75 Ohm silver coaxial cable. And I have to say I love the results. It's so smooth and natural sounding . The better the recording the better it sounds. I love it. No need to spend more. A great sounding DAC.Good review bye the way. Thanks
Thanks for watching and commenting, Eugene!
One of the best reviews channel on UA-cam 👍.
Thank you!
I use my R26 with an upgraded SR Purple fuse, Gustard U18 DDC, and LHY OCK-2 external clock. Each of these things didn't make a huge difference on their own (although noticeable,) but once combined, it's a combination that I believe can compete favorably with basically anything. The sound is absolutely phenomenal.
This DAC also sounds incredible in a chain with a tube amp or preamp.
do you have a purple fuse in the U18 as well? I saw another person put it in the U18 instead.
@@jsuno23 Mine is in the U18. I put a Gustard upgrade fuse in the R26.
Thanks for sharing your setup JD!
I agree the R26 in NOS mode + LHY OCK-2 really blows my mind. Then add some nice silver interconnects!
I added an LHY ock-2 and am not able to detect any improvement
Great review! R26 is a wonderful DAC. Connecting it with Aune XC1 external 10Mhz clock improved the sound noticeably, too :)
Yes, that should make a nice improvement. Thanks for sharing!
I bought the Gustard R26 right when it came out and loved it. I eventually sold the R26 once I got the Gustard A26 as it was just a more satisfying DAC to my ears for the music genres I mostly listen to like Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Metal and Blues. The R26 is maybe a warmer smoother DAC compared to the A26 which has a tad more detail, punch and slam type qualities going on to my ears. I'ver got the A26 paired with the newest version of the Burson Soloist 3XGT with a Lokius tone control in between and it's easily the best synergy and DAC to Amp combo I've ever experienced for my music genre's. My main 2 headphones at the moment are the HE1000V2 (V3)Stealth Magnet and a Stabilized Auteur Classic. I've been selling off a big chunk of my HP's and gear as I'm now in that end game territory with Gear and HP's. Maybe I'll spring for a Stabilized Caldera at some point in the future if Zach does another November event with some stabilized Caldera in the lineup.
And the last thing I'll add is something that Ace already has touched on. I'm now a firm believer that anything over the $2K Range with Audio gear and headphones is seriously entering into that diminishing returns territory. I've been to the top of the mountain with Susvara. Couldn't drive it properly. The easy to drive HE1000V2(V3) Stealth has given me way more enjoyment than the Susvara ever did for $4K cheaper. I had the TT2 & M-Scaler for a few weeks before realizing it was a mistake and way too analytical for me. Luckily I sold them without taking a beating. I would take the Gustard A26($1500) & Soloist 3XGT($2500 Pre order price) paring over the TT2 & M-Scaler every day of the week and twice on Sunday. $4K for the A26/Soloist 3XGT.... vs almost $12K for a new TT2 & M-Scaler. That's a difference of 8 GRAND!! There is nobody on the planet that could convince me the Chord TT2 & M-Scaler setup is $8K better than the A26/Soloist 3XGT combo. I mean if you've got the funds... spend your money however you like. My 2 cents here is for those who are trying to get the best bang for the buck. I've now tried enough HP's and Gear to realize that staying in the $2K-$2.5K Range will deliver you at least 90% of what the massively more expensive TOTL HP's and Audio Gear are doing. Nice review as always Lachlan
Such great information. Thank you so much for sharing.
@@shawnpwatsons1 I only chime in with HP's or Gear I've had experiences with hoping it may help someone make a decision so they aren't totally taking a leap of faith buying something and then regretting the purchase. I've been there and done that. I forgot to mention the Burson Soloist 3XGT also came with the Super Charger 5A which does really make a difference. I'd definitely recommend getting a Super Charger when buying any version of a Soloist amp
Thanks for sharing your experiences, JTB! I'm keen to try the A26.
@@JTB-- how does r26/a26 compare to a Lumin d2 $2k that’s also a streamer/dac
@@carlosr.2027 I've personally never heard the Lumin D2... but I've only heard positive things about it.
Great video as usual! I was surprised how so many of the earlier reviewers overlooked the Lan connection. It’s definitely superior, especially with a FMC conversion! Add a little magic from poly-sinc-gauss-long and it’s truly special.
New subscriber here. I’ve had my R26 for about 6 months. I’m using it as a Roon endpoint. It really matches the qualities I look for and presents them with a smoothness and ease. The soundstage is tall, wide and especially deep. It’s a great bargain especially considering it’s also a streamer. A DAC like this would have cost at least twice as much 2-3 years ago.
I completely agree. Thanks for sharing your experiences and for subbing! 🙂
Excited for the HQplayer video!
I started working on that one last night 🙂
Great review. Looking forward to your review of the HQ Player. I couldn't figure out how to use it with Roon.
Thanks for letting me know, Howard. I might include a quick piece on the setup process in the review.
I'm starting to explore music streamers, etc. too so stay tuned for more on that topic 🙂
@@PassionforSound that would be great. HQ didn't really explain it well so your help would be really appreciated. Thanks
Very nice review, Lachlan, I own this DAC and absolutely LOVE it!!! I agree with everything you wrote, including about the LAN and HQPlayer upsampling observations. Cheers!
Thanks R00s! Glad you liked the review and even more that that you're loving your DAC - it's excellent
Another fantastic review. I'm sure many here would love an entire video dedicated to native NOS/OS and upsampling vs hardware and software. I have avid audiophile friends who, even myself at times, still conflate and confuse the differences. One swore he was upsampling through an app and believed it so until I illustrated that just their web browser was keeping them from streaming at a higher bit rate.
As far as the DAC - I have had this DAC for a few months as my network streamer. I found (believe there are some others that can attest?) that the DAC does "warm" up in sound slightly after around 100 hours of burn-in. What i wasn't expecting, is that its soundstage widened noticeably.
It's difficult to put into words but I would suggest this as a possibility for those who prefer the accuracy of the solid state sound but prefer the smoothness of an R2R minus the high end glare. This unit takes some of the better elements of both worlds.
I agree that the R26 strikes an excellent balance between the smoother, R2R sound, and the more articulate, Delta Sigma sound.
As for upsampling, I'll probably have to cover it off in the upcoming HQ Player review, but I'm a little nervous about defining it too!
@@PassionforSound It is why you are great at what you do - you care about doing it properly. I don't feel it it should be too concerning. You required only single sentence what I fumbled about and needed a paragraph to get across.
Thank you!
Great review ! I own this DAC & I found it a game changer! I agree all of the inputs sound great, my experience with DSD are from downloaded files & SACDs and the dynamic range and sound quality was elevated. I have limited use of LAN but following your review I will be looking into implementing this soon.
owned as in past tense? What did you move on to and why?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, CJ
Your more than welcome 🎶
How are you connecting your SACD player to the R26?
I use the I2S it flips the phase but the R26 has a menu selection that you can reverse back to the correct phase, if it doesn’t work I can send you the name of I2S to HDMI
Excellent review as usual sir ! I got the R26 soon after it came out and I'm very pleased with it, it was a nice upgrade over my previous Gustard A18 and Singxer SDA-6. Cheers
Glad you're loving your R26, Alex. It's an amazing DAC
Hey,
I'm writing this comment before watching this video all comment based on my personal experience
I ordered R26 and had Denafrips Ares 2 first I noticed was not good enough instrument placement for me, something felt off in the soundstage I also didn't like much timbre ( my first thoughts in 2 days listening )
I also have Singxer su6 with i2s gustard doesn't have pin layout config, I was sitting all day to set up dad playback via i2s and got so frustrated that I returned after 2 days
Ordered Pontus 12th and I'm a happy owner now... With the Gustard unit, I had huge expectations and it didn't win the fight with my Ares so I was pretty disappointed not mentioning cheap wobbly volume nob where you accidentally click staff
Hi Michal, I'm glad you found the right DAC for you. I haven't tried DSD via I2S, but the SU-6 and R26 via I2S worked first time for me. Sorry to hear that they don't publish pin-outs when there are so many combinations!
I wasn't a fan of the Ares, but the Pontus II is lovely.
Great review! I have the x16 which I purchased for $400 CAN. It sounds very good. I can sell it for almost the full $400 after 2 years of play. Gustard makes great product, reliable will built. Even there least expensive.
Glad you're enjoying the X16, Rob. Definitely some brilliant products coming from Gustard.
Your not wrong. My H10 is still incredibly impressive, with the Bursons
I really appreciate you including the HQPlayer considerations, given the NOS mode. That is a big differentiation consideration for NOS DACs.
FYI, I read that in order to apply filters, this DAC runs the r2r output through delta sigma stuff for oversampling...dunno if true. But if so, it might be that NOS is the only way to get pure R2R sound.
Worth trying DSD with HQPlayer
That could make some sense about the upsampling. I've moved the R26 on now so can't revisit the DSD.
Great review as usual ...Thanks Much !.......
Glad you liked it!
I bought this when it first came out and honestly it's ridiculously good. yea there's probably be better but it'll cost multiples of this and the best thing about gustard is you get insanely great value for the money. The build quality alone, weight and internal parts quality is top notch
I completely agree. Glad you're loving yours!
I owned the R26 after owning the Denafrips Venus. I preferred the R26 in all areas except the vocals, which I think you imply or mention. It was just thinner in my system, and for that, I moved on to another R2R DAC, but this time Tube, in the Audio Mirror NOS Tubadour IV.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Brian! I've not heard of the Audio Mirror before - I'll take a look.
I love how you describe how the DAC sounds, its voicing, tonal balance ect... I would really like your take on the Musician Audio Draco DAC. It is supposed to sound unique, even to its siblings. The Draco is 2/3 the price of the Pegasus. Thank you for this excellent video. Keep em' coming!
Glad you liked it! I'll see if I can arrange a review of the Draco.
I have HQPlayer and love it. Looking forward to your review of it. Maybe you could compare the value of HQPlayer vs expensive cables at some point.
They're doing very different things, Nick so I probably won't try to make that comparison, but hope you enjoy the HQP review!
Ordered Gustard R26, will replace Cambridge CXN. hope it's a good upgrade!!
I think you'll be very impressed!
Try to review the Eversolo DMP-A6 "Master Edition" please
I've just emailed them this week 🤞🤞
Giddy up Gustard! Really looking forward to the A26 review as my main genre is electronic music so I want the detail. My Gustard X16 has been a trooper but the RCA output is starting to do strange things from time to time so the next DAC is in the planning and I can't afford a TT2.
Hopefully I can track one down somehow
IMHO DSD is only usable on this DAC with HQplayer and DSD Direct mode. But in that mode it is magical.
That makes sense. I wasn't particularly impressed with it using only Roon DSD conversion.
PS kicks the A26's butt in a DSD direct A/B test. R26 sounds more natural, better timbre, bigger stage. Plus R26 can handle DSD1024 with I2S input.
I wanted to add my first R2R DAC for my ZMF's and I had in my mind the R26 and Spring 3 KTE. The R26 seems interesting for half the price, but has lot of features I will not use like MQA, streaming, as well the many ports it has. In other hand, syncing between audio and image is important to me, and its proven than R26 works perfectly, but I could not find too much information about this on the Spring 3, just that the KTE version has improved USB module. I keep thinking and thinking...
I would definitely choose the R26 over the Spring as I think the Spring is considerably over-priced. To my ears, the Yggy OG is comfortably better than the Spring while the R26 goes toe-to-toe with the Yggy OG.
And again, nice review as always. Would love to audit a r26, but can’t find a shop here selling them, and buying this kind of equipment without listening is to expensive.
It's always hard to make these decisions 'blind' or 'deaf' as it were. The R26 is a pretty safe buy in the world of audio because I can't see many (any?) people disliking it, but I understand the challenge.
Great review. Having had the Gustard R26 for a couple of months, the LAN input sounds warm (slightly rolled off treble) to a degree, but the iFi Zen Stream/USB input combo appears to have more treble energy, better soundstage depth and width, and deeper bass.
I suppose what I’m saying is that a good streamer can take the sound quality further than with the LAN input. Then again, maybe it’s just my listening preference. 😅
It's quite possible that what you're hearing from the Zen Stream is actually a lower quality signal with more noise. So long as you're not losing detail, a smoother sound is generally a sign of less noise in the system, but the noise can sometimes trick us into thinking that there is more clarity and detail because it sounds more etched.
@@PassionforSound Thank you for the insight. I hadn’t thought of it that way but will certainly pay closer attention to the smoothness factor (a difference could manifest in the Gustarender firmware version - I’m yet to update to 1.42)
@@PassionforSound Since my last comment, I went gung-ho preparing a defense for the Zen Stream to USB input, different cables - copper, silver plated and other variables. I’m simultaneously disappointed (with my defense and Zen Stream) and flabbergasted (LAN input, Gustarender 1v42 update). The LAN input is so much more detailed, smooth, refined, spacious and airy.
And you’re right, I was mistaking the harsh treble for better sound. Net net, the Gustard R26 will allow me to focus more on music and less on partnering equipment and cables. Thank you again. Cheers. 🙂
So glad you went and tested for yourself! Sorry the defense failed, but that's great news that you're now able to enjoy the music more! 🙂
Sounds like there is bliss to be found in the manifold of features.
Absolutely, but also, in a nice change of pace, the DAC is great despite the extra features and functions so the features and functions are a bonus rather than being necessary to justify the R26's value.
Added a cheap optical SFP -> RJ45 transceiver + ifi quiet power supply for some noise isolation (less than $150 total). The results are pretty impressive. The LAN input got even better... considering something like the uptone ether regen.
any brand to recommend for the SFP ?
Wala Spot on Review!! I love my r26. I am using it with i2s coming from DDC gustard18. Feeding DDC with usb from computer. I found this to be superior especially with my dynaduio evoke 10 and rel subwoofer. to me there is better definition in low end. The network connection is really good but i really struggle with the aps eg using chord network cable, using qnap music software and using r26 as a renderer. However, qnap music app has limitations and don't find it to be user friendly. I have got apple eco system so cannot use bubble upnp.
Glad you liked the review! I agree that an IIS connection is often the simplest solution (if you have a DDC or IIS source) and it sounds excellent too. What's nice about the IIS is that it's easy to use for multimedia as well as music listening. Glad you're loving your R26!
@@PassionforSound Thank you for your support. btw when is the speaker review coming wink blink :P
I'll be producing my first speaker review in the next couple of weeks and have at least 2 already lined-up with a third hopefully on the way!
I had ended up going with the Yggy OG after having encountered an offer I could not refuse on a used unit. I am hoping however people were able to score a deal on the A26 or the R26 as those are available at a much lower cost. Shenzhen Audio had Black Friday promo pricing on the both of them. Definitely into the multibit DAC sound with my lively speakers; I don't know if the resolution or the imaging or the soundstage depth is even the best you can get for under $3000. None of that matters to me. I was content not chasing the best resolution. The way the music is presented, is unique to me as a newcomer to R2R. The music sounds more like a performance and less like a mechanical presentation of a recording where the equipment is going out of its way to get my attention.
Nice one on the Yggy OG pickup! That's a wonderful DAC.
Unfortunately, I can't help with your question about the ethernet enabled sub - sorry.
@@PassionforSound As far as I could tell, the right product for the multi DAC application would be a DDC.
It will help to run multiple DACs, but the ethernet connection on the Gustards is for streaming, not a DAC connection.
Great review as usual Lachlan! have this DAC for months now and loving it. Just tried to upgrade the firmware with my Mac but was unsuccessful. After clicking on imager, I can’t find the DAC listed on my Mac in order to move on to Write so I am stuck there now.
Thanks Billy and thanks Pedro. I hope you can get it working, Billy!
I play original DSD super high resolution material using USB and IIS2 and have clock as well as USB isolation unit. Nothing and I mean nothing sounds as good as DSD except vinyl. Cheers
Glad you're enjoying it, NOS!
great review
Glad you liked it!
I am watching this review again cos each time I watch the same video of yours, I learned different things. It’s kinda like you listening to the same song but each time you are focused on listening to a particular instrument. For now, I first have to find a way to upgrade the software and then try LAN (have never done this before, all music sources are from my MacBook Pro or my 20TB HDD of hi res music via USB”. I do not have a “real player” so I am using Pine or VOX now. I am considering Roon or Audirvāna, whichever that I can use the R26 LAN and has app for my iPhone and iPad Pros. I can’t subscribe to Qobuz as its still not available for Singapore. I am Ah be getting the U18 DDC any time now. I hope I have clearly explained my situation so I hope that I can get help from anyone who is willing to take me through step by step. Thank you in advanced, whoever my “savior” is. 😂
I like wide , holographic soundstage and warm sound. WHat should I get around $1000 ?
I'd say the top three options are the Bifrost 2, Gustard R26 and, once available, the Geshelli Labs J2 AKM DAC with the AK4499 option (review on the way)
I would be interested in the review of guatard H26. Thank you.
I'll see if I can get my hands on one 🙂🙂
Very curious how the Gustard A26 sounds since I read it have one of the best dynamics and transient response . I hope you can get an A26 soon to review it
I'd love to try it too.
I have the R26 feeding a Violectric HPA V550 feeding HE1000v2's. Before that I had Meze Empyrean's but sold them because.... (the bass was great, but the midrange was recessed/veiled/not as clean). Before that I had HD800S but sold that as the bass was too lean and the soundstage a bit too diffuse.
HE1000v2 is perfect, except for a very very minor nitpick of a very slight lack of dynamics/slam, but it's still good in that department, just not the best. (However, little tip for Hifiman owners, push the headphones forward on your ears, so the back of the cups are touching the backs of your ears. This improves the bass and gives a sweeter more tonally rich midrange)
Anyway, I came to the comment section to mention two things about the R26 that are awesome. Well, lots about it is awesome, but 2 things out of the ordinary are awesome:
1) It doesn't get hot, or even warm. This is great in warmer climates if you don't want your components heating up the room eventually
2) It doesn't have a delay on it's USB input like all the Denafrips DACs do. Even admitted by Denafrips, they have a delay (200-300ms or so) on all their DAC's. Has to do with how it's oversampling is processing they said. Well you don't notice this delay at all if you're just listening to music. BUT, if you have this sound rig hooked up to a PC and you sometimes play FPS shooters, well you don't want your sound delayed behind your graphics.
Ya see, I was originally gonna get the Ares 2, but then I learned about this delay. From what everyone is saying, the R26 is better anyway, so it all worked out.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. So glad you're enjoying your system
Thanks for all you do!!
Oh dear. This or the DMP-A8 as my endpoint for Roon? So many decisions 😂😂
Thanks so much! Yes, there are many amazing options to choose from now. It's both wonderful and difficult. 🙂
@@PassionforSound more thank welcome. So is there much difference. I know Eversolo is a full endpoint. Where as Gustard isn’t. Just want to control it all form app.
Oh, sorry. I thought your question was rhetorical. I'd probably take the R26 for pure sound quality, but I'd choose the DMP-A8 for versatility. If you're ONLY going to use it as a Roon endpoint and you don't need the extra features/display, go with the R26 I think.
@@PassionforSound hahaha yes and no. I’m going between options to update my Node2i. Previously I had issues with external DACs and little pops when it would change sample rate. So looking at Lumin D2 or R26 or similar, including dmp-a8. So far D2 might be the winner. More so as it’s actually Roon Ready. Or I try and stretch it to D3. Getting my Rega Elex MK4 today, up from Brio-R so I may not need it. As it’s already sounding great. But when has this game ever been about need 🤣😂🤣
I've got the D3 coming soon and will compare with the DMP-A8/A6 if you can wait...
I suspect that you will find with oversampling to DSD (256 and above) in HQPlayer, using the "EC" modulators, is an entirely different thing than Roon's DSD oversampling!
I look forward to testing that when I do the HQ Player video soon 🙂
Yeah, I'm a smoother sound kind of guy. Think I'd like this over the TT + Scaler.
Thanks for the review. Seems to be a very interesting choice for many. I am curious about the quality of the selection wheel (also volume control?) - I think that these things aren't that robust - and often break early - and with that shorten the lifespan of the whole unit.
Mine seems robust enough although I don’t use it very often it’s set Lan and stays there. Probably wouldn’t want to use the volume control in most scenarios as it’s digital not analog
The buttons feel great to me. The wheel is a little imprecise and a touch less confident than the buttons, but doesn't concern me at all.
As for the volume control, Mike, digital controls (if done right) are lossless and therefore preferable to analog controls that are likely to degrade the signal
thanks guys. Connected with LAN an volume control done elsewhere this shouldn't be a real issue I guess. A machine to consider indeed.
yessss, I have one, but I curious to find out what you think. I was blown away by its performance, coming from an aune x8 with upgraded op-amp.
I went the exact same route and really love the R26.
How did you know the op-amp was an upgrade ?
@@r423sdex because I had the original op-amp first. The improvement was very noticable even to my untrained ears.
Glad you're enjoying your R26s, Reptidan and Erik! It's a brilliant DAC
@@reptidan you mean you like the sound more, but it's performance could be worse. What was the original op-amp ? And what was the upgraded one ? I would be interested to check them out. I have tried different op-amps but could not tell the difference. So this op-amp could be the one I need.
knew you would love this one.
I am going to get R26, A26 and stack them undernath my P26
Maybe get an X26 for good measure 😁
@@PassionforSound lol..
I thought i2s was supposed to be the best connection these days, how does the LAN upstage it both sonically and technically? Thanks
I am very curious to see what you think about the A26. I have a Gustard X26 Pro and except for the A26's streaming capability, I can't see a reason why the AKM chip would suddenly sound better than the ESS. However - what the AKM chip offers is DSD Direct; the ESS chips always do some form of processing/modulating the signal (which, to my understanding, has its benefits also, namely - a well-implemented volume control), even in NOS mode which only disables internal oversampling filters. I am thinking that the A26 could be a perfect device for HQPlayer users because it will take the incoming HQPlayer-upsampled-and-modulated DSD as it is and given how well Gustard DACs are designed (discrete components, linear power supplies etc.), at least on paper this should be an ideal way of squeezing the most out of upsampled DSD. My X26 Pro already sounds phonemenal when fed such signal, if the A26 has the potential to be even better then it could be a mind-blowing experience.
I'll have to see if I can get my hands on an A26 🙂
Definitely a winner at this price point. The a26 would be a fantastic comp as well. So many great dacs in the $1k - $2k range that really kills the value prop of upgrading. You have to spend so $5k+ to get a noticeable improvement.
Absolutely! I'd love to try the A26 because I'm a bit sceptical of the hype given that it's built on an AKM chip like so many other DACs.
@@PassionforSound true.. they always say it has to less to do with the specific chip and more to do with the implementation. That could be the case here. Plenty of dacs out there so I think hitting the R26 was the gem.
@@PassionforSound AKM is so much better than ESS in my experience. No sibilance. I hope you do try A26 - would love to watch your impressions.
I've found AKM and ESS to be interchangeable as to which sounds better. There are amazing examples of DACs out there with both chips. To your point, Ace, I think the implementation is a huge factor (the Conductor GT from Burson is insanely good despite being built around an ESS chip), but the filters used in chip-based DACs are unable to recapture the sense of layering and depth that R2R, Chord and Schiit Multibit can achieve.
@@johnratcliffe6438 I agree. I'll take an AKM DAC over ESS almost every time.
Mate absolutely try the A26, is will be closer to the tt2 in many ways i think. It would be nice to have a small stereo set up because not all of your viewers are headphone users ☺️
Yep, 2-channel content is coming soon...
@@PassionforSound So I bought the A26.
it went back...
it was airy, detailed and fast. But it seems in order to achieve this kind of delivery they missed something very important. They rolled off the important frequency range of basically everything with a bit. so the drums were fast, but had absolutely no volume or weight. The same frequency, adds impact and presence to the body of the instruments like a guitar or a cello violin. You basically hear the strings only. Just like you only hear the membrane of a kick drum without its case. Very disappointed, I tried so many times to like it but it just was not possible. at some point, I forgot music was playing so it was not engaging either.
That's very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get to try one in the future for myself, but this makes me think that the R26 will be my preference too.
@@vagomaniacI had no idea.. thanks. One of the biggest challenges I face on here, is dealing with contradictory reviews done by different people.
@@dan-qe1tb unfortunately, you cannot know the experience someone has one expressing his opinion, or his hard earned cash for that matter… my goal is something closer to real since you can never get there. People think that because it has details and it’s airy with a big south stage that is going to be the one to beat.. but who mentions the drawbacks? What if they are more important?
I have an EverSolo Z8 and I am planning to get an A26. I hope you can review the A26
I'll do my best, but I might have to wait until one comes up on the secondhand market and that could take a while.
Hello and thanks again for another great review.. saw lots of your videos lately :) how would you compare the R26 dac vs the new Eversolo Dac dmp a8 that you reviewed lately ? Much appreciated 🙏
Sorry that I missed replying to this sooner. Some comments don't seem to appear in my notifications and I don't know why.
Anyway, to your question: as a pure DAC, I think the R26 is probably better so if you are looking at the device more as a DAC or only to act as a Roon endpoint then the R26 would be my choice. If you want the interface, versatility, etc. the EverSolo comes very close on sound and with way more features.
Thanks!
Thank you Jay!
Great review! Wish this review had been around when I bought my Pegasus. I am really digging your sweatshirt in the video. Can you tell the company or where you got it? Thank you! Never mind saw the links in description!
Hi Rod, the Pegasus is still excellent. The R26 offers some additional (and valuable) features, but both DACs produce wonderful sound.
I'd like to see a review of the Merason Frerot
I hadn't heard of that one. I'll go take a look.
Good review. Really curious as to what difference the equipment you are using for HQPlayer and it s difference would make in that comparison. In my experience, using a Ryzen 5950x, 4080 card with 64 gb ram. Running HQPlayer in DSD 512/1024, I found the MScaler isn't even close. IMO, the hardware matters more than you are giving it credit for here.
I think there's a degree of gear synergy and personal preference in any comparison. I also tend to underplay differences because I like to avoid hyperbole and building expectations that can lead to people being disappointed. I'd much rather they were pleasantly surprised by an even greater gain than they expected. 🙂
Thanks
Excellent review. Amazing value proposition. What are your thoughts on the Gustard R26 compared to the HoloAudio May KTE given how close it came to the Chord TT and MScaler?
I rate the TT2 (without M-Scaler) about on par with the May KTE. They're different, but at similar performance levels. So, I think the R26 also gets close to the May, but doesn't quite match it. As is often the case in this hobby, the money you spend to go from the R26 to those higher DACs will get you incremental gains in performance rather than large leaps.
I really appreciate your prompt and honest response to my query. I wasn't expecting the R26 to outperform the May KTE but to come so ever close is incredible given the price differential.
Yes, the R26 is really excellent IMO.
People who can't afford an Yggy wonder how this compares to a Bifrost 2/64.
I haven't compared directly, but the fact that the Yggy and R26 perform quite similarly places the R26 a step above the Bifrost 2/64 (which is still a brilliant DAC). My current ranking for DACs is Bifrost 2 (and another to be reviewed very soon), then R26, then Yggy, then up to TT2 and Holo May. I'm not sure where Qutest sits these days...
Gustard A26 next please! 😂
Still trying to get access to a loan unit 🙂
@@PassionforSound hopefully by that time you can A&B r26 and a26
I'm keeping the R26 for now so if I can get an A26, that will be possible to test
You should do a sound comparison vs bifrost 2 both on usb input!
Bifrost 2 is great, but R26 is already at Yggy level so we know the BF2 won't quite match it.
@@PassionforSoundbut how about pure usb directly into a laptop with nothing else in the chain..!? I purchased a r26 and I only use regular usb I refuse to spend hundreds more to throw in the chain and then you need a direct physical internet connection to use LAN which is annoying because most of us don’t have an internet wire near the dac , we use wifi for the computer
That's a fair point - R26 isn't quite as good via USB. I think it might still be a fraction ahead of Bifrost 2/64, but if you're not in need of the extra features of the R26 (high sample rate decoding, LAN streaming, volume control) then the BF2/64 is cheaper, so much more compact and still sounds brilliant
As I understand it, the Gustard A26 that uses the AKM 4499 chip*set* - and that is a delta sigma filtering / oversampling chip and a multibit/R2R chip?
Ah, I hadn't looked into it yet. You might be right
Great vid but how does it compare to the Pontus II? Thanks
I don't own the Pontus II to compare directly, but it will be of similar performance with a slightly different character because the Pontus II is a little fuller sounding again (some might say warmer) and with a little less attack.
I compared the Yggy OG and Pontus II here: ua-cam.com/video/weTHhG0X0pY/v-deo.html so you can connect the dots between Pontus II vs Yggy OG vs R26 🙂
That's Ladder dac getting high praise , try testing that
I recently purchased a Gustard R26. I had an Eversolo Z8 before which also sounded nice but R26 has more depth and live energy on vocals and acoustic instruments. Wider soundstage and a sense of more air. I also use it in LAN mode with Roon. I was wondering if there is a Tidal Connect update ?
Glad you're enjoying it! I love the DAC-Z8, but I agree that the R26 is even better.
I'm not aware of any talk of a Tidal Connect update. You can always use a UPnP app like BubbleUPnP to stream from Tidal to the Gustard though.
Excellent review! I read that the A26 is a bit more technical but loses in the staging department quite a lot. I saw that you have a Phonitor XE on the table, did you happen to pair them?
I happen to be using the R26+Phonitor XE and the soundstage is absolute huge ! Both devices perform incredibly on creating a huge stage.
I read a lot of opinions against you, a26 has better soundstage than r26
@@giorgosapo4508 I also read the review of the sandu first. But all other reviewers and users who have both said the A26's soundstage is better than the R26's. Maybe because Sandu's setup is not the same between the 2 dacs, or Sandu likes R26 too much? I'm not sure but I decided to follow the majority
@@vanbuitran1746 I was also between A26 and R26 and the deciding factor was the R2R fullness and richness they the R26 offers and as the reviewer on IWII channel says it has more Soul and is his preference too. One thing I noticed regarding soundstage is that almost all reviewers test these on Speakers, only Sandu spoke about the staging capabilities on headphones.
@@giorgosapo4508 I think when listening with speakers, it will be more accurate than headphones when talking about the difference, especially the soundstage. Anyway I think the choice is mainly about the type of music that you listen to. I listen to mostly modern pop, epic, rock...so I'm important in terms of bass, detail, instrument separation, layers, those are the things that the A26 does better than the R26, so it's more suitable for me. The R26 will have a smoother, thicker, more engaging sound.
@@vanbuitran1746 yeah I totally agree , what amp are you using?
I’m curious what do you think about the spl diamond dac. It’s impossible to find a review of this dac.
I haven't tried that one - sorry!
Great film about r26. I have a gustard x16, and I am completely clueless as to where in Australia to purchase a IIS cable for it. You mentioned during your extensive testing that you used an IIS cable. Where from and what brand please? Keep up the splendid work.
The i2s cable is a normal hdmi cable however the standard for the source and end point should match as different companies have different i2s standards
@urbenkam thanks for the reply. I have seen on several websites that the Gustard official IIS cable is unavailable. So I do not know which one to buy that does match at least the end point, which is Gustard X16.
The cable is any HDMI cable - I personally use a Supra one.
The tricky bit is in matching the pin outputs (which contact does what) from your source to the pin inputs on the DAC. Mine worked first time with the Singxer SU-6 in stock settings (I think), but I haven't tested to see if it's working to the maximum with DSD, etc.
@@PassionforSound thanks for the reply and product recommendation. I appreciate your advice.
Does Gustard supply it's own App, to stream with ?
If not, how do connect it to LAN?
They don't. You can access it via software like Roon and JRiver or with a UPnP app on a smartphone (if connected to the same network)
Also I believe UPnP
@@PassionforSound
Thanks, the same old mess then.....
I guess Spotify and Sonos have nothing to worry about, lol.
Yes, it's not completely ideal if you're not running Roon. Bubble UPnP isn't bad once you get used to it though
I find it hard to believe that these DACS can still be made to evolve, when you see what is achieved by the Chord Qutest, or Rme Adi-2.
Do you think that our ears can still discern additional sonic subtlety in these devices?
Frankly, I don't believe it at all, but additional technical possibilities, why not.
I get where you're coming from. I tend to look for DACs using different technologies for that reason so R2R, Schiit Multibit and Chord WTA approaches rather than the standard Delta Sigma DACs built on the same chips and mostly using the same filtering approach.
And can you honestly sense any significant differences between these technologies ?
Absolutely! There are significant differences. Chord DACs have more attack, R2R are softer sounding in terms of attack, and Schiit Multibit DACs kind of split the difference with a slightly less expansive soundstage.
@@PassionforSound Well, you must have pretty good ears, mine 60 years old are not able to make so much difference anymore. Thanks for the feedback ! 😉
My pleasure. In some ways, it might be a blessing to not hear significant differences 🙂
Great review! How is the tone and timbre when recreating instruments in classical music and jazz genres?
That's going to depend a lot on the rest of the chain because it's about how the tonality of the DAC blends with the amp and transducers as to what's better/worse for tonality. What I can say is that it's generally very natural with a slight bit of smoothness to the sound. There's a little less texture in the R26 compared to some other DACs and that means it will be less dry sounding than alternatives that might have more texture.
@@PassionforSound - Thanks! How would you compare it to the RME ADI-2?
I'm not much a fan of the ADI-2 because it produces a fairly dry (perhaps even aggressive) and 2-dimensional sound so I'd take the R26 every time.
Not a complaint. Just asking as you initially mentioned the Pontus ll, where do you place this in relation?
I did a review of the Pontus II vs Yggy OG (it was an non-Delta Sigma DAC shootout) a while back and I think I placed the Pontus and Yggy about even which means the R26 is on that same level, but with a less rich sound than the Pontus.
Watching UA-cam videos or music from computer over USB - produces 3-4 seconds delay. Video and voice are out of sync. Is there anything that can be done to sync video with vocals/sound?
I didn't find that at all, although I didn't use USB very much. I think there must be something else wrong though or we would have heard about this. Also, latency via USB is normally in the milliseconds so even when bad, it's barely noticeable and definitely not 3-4 seconds. I think there's a setting or configuration on your system that's out of whack, but not sure what it might be.
Can you try a different video playback software?
@@PassionforSound I will try. I was using 2 different Sonos amps (different models). Agree it is weird.
@@PassionforSound optical port was also producing a delay of 3-4 seconds. I wonder if it is not Sonos amp introducing it. Will troubleshoot further.
Sounds like it's a delay via the Sonos.
@@PassionforSound correct - this was the fix - 75ms audio delay setting but the quality drops as opposed to 2000ms audio delay setting:
1. Open the Sonos app > select Settings > and select System.
2. Select your speaker or wireless amp with the Line-In connection.
3. Scroll down and select Audio Delay > select Low (75ms).
In this menu, there are four different audio delays that you can choose from: Max (2,000 ms), High (150 ms), Medium (113 ms) and Low (75 ms). By default, the Line-In connection of your Sonos speaker or wireless amp is set to Max, which is 2,000 milliseconds or two second; this allows for the most time for the Sonos product to optimize its sound.
Don’t understand the LAN socket on a DAC. How do you connect your streamer transport to the DAC via a LAN cable when the transport has no LAN output. I can’t think of any source component that has a LAN output socket.
It's for direct connection to the network and the DAC then has limited streaming functionality built-in.
On some DACs, RJ45 is used for IIS connections from a transport, but not in this case.
Gustard A26 or should I go all out for the Aqua La Scalla mkll❓this way i feed my Linn Klimax pre amp with some tubes before the Yamaha M2 amp🤔❓
I'm hoping to review the Aqua DAC in a month or so, but I can't compare them until then. The A26 is excellent, but there are better DACs if you are looking for a solution for a high end system and have the budget.
please consider reviewing the border patrol se i dac. 1500$ r2r tube rectified handwired in usa.
If I can get one, I'll gladly review it 🙂
@@PassionforSound it's sold direct through their website
I can't afford to buy all the gear I review so I'd need to rely on a loaner
I'm confused: you say Roon will see the internal streaming module as an end point, but this does not appear to be Roon Ready per Roon Labs. If the streaming input sounds the best, it would be helpful to know which protocols it supports (DLNA/UPnP, Airplay1/2, RAAT, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect...) and whether said support is official/certified or not.
Re: Roon - it's not 'Roon Ready' officially per Roon, but when connected via LAN the Roon software recognizes the R26 as an endpoint through Gustard's "GustaRenderer" software. The info on the R26 on the Shenzhen or Aoshida websites will tell you the other (if any) protocols the internal streaming board supports other than UPnP. I owned the R26 for about 5 months, and I can agree that in my system, to my ears, the LAN input was audibly superior to USB and ever-so-slightly bettered the I2S input.
@@jonathanalexander2681 Thanks. I saw the rather vague info on the Shenzhen audio website, but was left wondering if UPnP rendering plays gapless and at which sample rates.
Jonathan has provided the answer already (thanks JA!) I didn't dig too deep into the network endpoint options as there was already so much to cover in this review - sorry!
Could you please comment on whether you feel the Bitfrost 2/64 or the Gustard R26 has the better soundstage?
I'd probably give that one to the R26, but they're not vastly different
Would like your opinion on the A26, curious about that one.
From what I’ve been reading it sounds more to my taste than R2R dacs. Considering a Bifrost 2/64 as well since it seems to be a bit more neutral than typical multibit/r2r/ladder DACs.
Yes, BF2/64 is less like R2R and closer to (but better than IMO) regular Delta Sigma DACs. R26 isn't overly rich and warm, but it's still got that slightly smooth R2R presentation
What is the sound difference between A26 and R26?
Just FYI: I like Topping E70 Velvet very much and think the difference to A26 is marginal. A26 is punchy and very clear but I like less punchiness and still good resolution from E70V. E70V is softer/maybe even fuller to a degree which I like. A26 filters do not seem to make much of a difference to me (maybe because I am using Sonos amp).
I haven't compared the two to comment specifically, but you'll normally find that an R2R DAC (like the R26) will be a bit smoother sounding than a Sigma Delta DAC using a chip like in the A26. The R2R DACs will also produce a greater sense of depth and layering in the soundstage.
@@PassionforSound Thank you! I wish I knew that before. Returned A26 couple days ago. It is too punchy, a bit analytical. I like Topping E70 Velvet sound better and it is third of the price of A26. Had it been R26, I would likely have kept it.
Thanks again. Great reviews.
Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the A26!
Uh, will there be a review of the SPL Phonitor XE that see in the background? Possibly also of its Dac section if you've got that on hand! I'm especially curious as to your experiences of it with planars (it has a gain switch on the bottom, mind you) :-)
Absolutely! I'll be covering all of that. I think that one's due out in late July or maybe August
@@PassionforSound INCREDIBLE! Very much looking forward to it 🫶
Any opinion on the MUSICIAN Aquarius R2R DAC vs the La Voce S3 Discrete DAC? Thanks!
I've not tried either yet - sorry!
Hi sir, So far all your suggestions worked very well for me. Recently I got Burson soloist 3x GT by selling A90D.and as you said burson is epic.
Please help me to understand:
if i upgrade my topping E70 dac to this R26, is the difference noticeable?
Do i get the same amount of improvement when compared to the improvement what I got from A90D to burson upgrade?
Thanks again.
Glad I've been able to help!
I definitely think you'll get an improvement moving from the E70 to the R26, but it won't be as noticeable as with the amp's, I think. The key differences will be a more natural tonality/character to instruments and a greater sense of depth on the soundstage. Some people really notice these changes while others are less sensitive to them.
I have no frame of reference for most audio equipment. What's the relative performance gap between this and something like the E30 or Modi? 50%? 60%?
It's always hard to quantify that, but I'd say it's a significant jump so 50-60% is probably about right. The jump from an entry level DAC to the R26 is far greater than the jump from the R26 to something like the TT2.
r26 vs denafrips ares 12th + bluesound node?
I have no onhands experience, but from what I've heard, people put it between the venus and pontus performance wise. It is some what more detail focussed though.
Unless the Ares 12th is a completely redesigned DAC, I can't see it coming close to the R26. As Reptidan said, the R26 is at least at the level of Pontus II and might be even better. I can't comment on the Bluesound Node.
This is a pretty good video where (among other things) it compares the Denafrips Venus 2 vs the Gustard R26
ua-cam.com/video/04CDJx04Zxs/v-deo.html
Great review! Wondering about the LAN option. I'm already using a Pi2design (version 1) streamer I really like, but only goes up to I2s. Is the LAN card assignable regardless of the input, or does it have to be through the Ethernet port? Or, it would have to be through streaming via the Gustard? I might have already answered my question here, just that it seemed as if it was possible by what you were saying.
The LAN card is only for streaming direct to the R26. If you want to stream to the Pi, you'll have to stick to the I2S. I actually wanted to test the LAN in the R26 vs a Pi2AES or similar, but there was already so much ground to cover in this one.
@@PassionforSound No worries…I do know that Srboljub at iiWi had done that comparison in his review and said he preferred the Mercury going in via I2s (I think it was I2s) over using the internal streamer, but don’t know if he was using the Ethernet cable directly or not. My other concern is if the r26 will work with the default pinout on the Mercury (I have the first version). Either way, your taking the extra steps with digital outs really shed some light on those options 🙏🏼
How would you compare the Gustard R26 with the Pontus II?
I've never had them both together at the same time to compare, but from memory, the Pontus II is a little weightier through the mids and bass while the R26 is a bit more detailed and articulate (without sounding lean). Both are excellent, but I'd choose the R26 for its size, features and price.
Would this be appropriate to pair with my Rotel RB1582-MKII and Polk R700’s? Or should I look for something more like a Denafrios Ares / Ladder Schuman / Musician Greco or a $500-$1000 SMSL/Topping? I have this system paired with a Bluesound Node at the moment so I view that as the bottleneck at the moment
It all depends on what you're looking for. This is an outstanding DAC and the fact that it has the streaming capability makes it extra useful to replace a Bluesound. What I can't help with is your preferences. Denafrips DACs will generally produce a smoother, less defined sound and SMSL/Topping DACs will produce a greater sense of detail due to a flatter soundstage that brings everything forward so it depends on what you feel you need/want
I wish it didn't look like an 80s cable box
Yeah, it ain't pretty
If you connect R26 via LAN and use Roon, will it be possible to control the volume in the Roon application?
Or will I be able to adjust the volume only on the power amplifier?
Will the DoP 64 and PCM sound over the coaxial channel and LAN be good if you use a DAC loop (Hegel H390)?
What level of cables should I use with R26?
That's a good question about the volume. I didn't test extensively, but I believe you can only adjust volume through the DAC or amp (the R26 does have a volume control and remote).
I can't comment on the DAC loop idea because I haven't tested it.
For cables, I believe the R26 is at a level where better cables will be worthwhile. I'd be looking to use something around the level of the Supra EFF cables or above
Also, is the Z8 DAC the same as the DAC in the DMP-A6 or better? Cheers
I'm not sure yet, but the DMP-A6 is on the way so I should have answers soon
Will you do a Review vs A26?
Sadly, no. I've not been able to get my hands on the A26 and had to sell the R26 to fund other purchases.
Danke!
Thank you again, Reiner!
@@PassionforSound You're very welcome!
Anyone listened to the R26 vs the T+A DAC 200? I would *imagine* the T+A is quite good and should be better, but am curious if anyone has direct experience?
Not yet, but I'm hoping to try the DAC 200 soon...
@@PassionforSound good stuff, thanks Lachlan!
does R26 require burn in? how many hours? does it improve a lot?
I bought mine secondhand so I don't know for sure. Generally, burn-in will happen fairly quickly for the majority of change. There may be ongoing subtle shifts over the following days/weeks, but I've never found something that transformed after the first couple of days of use.
@@PassionforSound I ve heard from close friends that R26 improves a lot after played for 100s of hours. That is the reason why I'm asking.
I'd take those impressions with a grain of salt. Unless people can try a brand new unit next to one that's burnt in, there's no way of knowing if they've just mentally adjusted to its sound, if the tracks they've played later happen to be better recorded, etc. I would definitely believe there is SOME burn in early on, but the changes after 100s of hours are likely to be miniscule.
Passion , I have the jotunheim 2 and was going to buy bitfrost 2/64 ,
I thought about trying my mojo 2 , using strictly Asa dac with the jotuneim 2 , I did and oh my it sound full body nice separation and good mids and bass , so now I'm thinking since this mojo 2 is a good match I can save and don't buy the btf 2
What do you think ? If you haven't tried that together please try it
I don't have the Jotunheim 2 to test, but the Mojo 2 and Bifrost 2 will be very similar in maximum performance. The Bifrost 2/64 might be slightly better than the Mojo 2, but I haven't directly compared them since the upgrade to the 2/64 version and I can't offer to do that right now.
@@PassionforSound thank you
Hey I just pulled out my topping e50 dac and connected to the jotuneim 2 and I'm amazed I'm almost believing it sounds better than the mojo -J2 combo..e50 with J2 is so smooth and clear with warm and nice controlled bass , and vocals , I think I have a winning combo..still hoping to try bitfrost 2/64 but can't afford it maybe in 2024.
How does the R26 compares to the Pontus 12-1?
I haven't heard the Pontus 12, but based on my experiences with the Pontus II, is say they're probably on a similar level, but with different sound. The Pontus has a nice fullness and roundedness to it's sound while I think the R26 is a bit more neutral.
What budget streamer can you recommend to use R26's LAN input? I see many streamers has LAN input and USB/SPDIF/I2S-outs but no LAN-out to feed R26 LAN-in? Am I wrong?
The point of the R26 is that you don't need a steamer. Just connect the R26 to your network and then use software to send the audio straight to the R26 as a Roon endpoint or via UPnP software which can then give you access to Tidal, Qobuz, etc.
@@PassionforSound Thanks! But many people in Hi-Fi forums claim that a decent external streamer boost R26's sound quality. Same thing told about external clock - people clam that LHY OCK-1 and 2 significantly improve resolution and dynamics. Are R26's internal streamer and clock can match just entry-level external solutions? Or they just underestimated?
I think the internal streamer is as good as other affordable external streamers. If you wanted to look at higher end streamers from Lumin and similar brands, that might change things a bit, but I didn't test that to know.