I have the X26 Pro and together with the U18 i have zero interest to change anything. My system has been so dialed in, im afraid to adjust anything let alone change the DAC section. To give you perspective of how much i love my X26Pro/U18 combo... they are fronting $40,000 of gear. Thats how good they are... i sway away from the "upgrade" itch especially when i see no need to do so
Yes, it looks exactly like a more polished X26 Pro. As an owner of X26 Pro I can say not many things needed to be improved. I don't know exactly how better the new one is, but I also don't understand people saying there is no difference between a budget DAC, a midrange one and a flagship. When I got the X30 at home I just couldn't go back. More impact in the bass, more musicality in the midrange, clearly superior in holographic presentation and crisp highs, crystal clear! I did A to B and I could definitely tell the difference on good recorded music. So my experience is definitely different. Yes, I am taking I'm consideration the placebo, I did a blind test and I could tell the difference with good recordings. With compressed ones and low quality it was difficult. But that's just my experience, it doesn't invalidate anyone's. Good work, Sandu, appreciated 👍
Hello, of course, it will work. Just connect it via USB to your MAC and select the Gustard as the audio output device and all digital audio will go through it, including Qobuz or any other streaming service.
Got this Dac on eBay for less than half the price! The guy simply forgot to switch the back voltage selector and thought it was broken? Comparing this to my other superior dac the PS audio DSD it surprised me! Super detailed and very airy top end with amazing bass, could definitely recommend even at msrp. Only gripe is that forbidden damn plastic remote
I'm going to be purchasing the X26III for my second hi-fi system after living with the Gustard X30 for a while now, which is in no question IMO, an outstanding sounding DAC and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the review 👍👍
Correct. Humans have three seconds of accurate sensory memory. This has been proven again and again by scientific measurements since just after 1900. You cannot even accurately remember the color of your car after three seconds. In audio, Harmon company has tested this and proven it again and again. Three seconds max.
While I didn't have the X26 PRO with me to make a proper A to B comparison and I have stated that clearly in the video and article, the (much) better clocking system on the newer model made it unmistakable more resolving sounding. The measurements tell a similar story and the owners that have the X26 PRO and auditioned the new model will relate similar thoughts.
@@Soundnews I asked the question since I have the Gustard r26 , topping dx9 pro which I bought due to your reccomendations (They are both great and thankyou) and I also have the Eversolo dmp A6 Master Edition and though there are differnces between them, resolution and detail retrieval is exactly the same in all three .The differences are particulary in timbre (dx9 pro and Gustard r26 are pretty much the same) while the Eversolo dmp A6 Master Edition, has less body) and also soundstage width where the R26 is the widest and deepest the two other are a bit less 3 dimential
I wish the review focused on the streaming platform as much as on the DAC. With the review, I got zero info on the aspect of streaming and its stability when switching inputs. Sorry, but a miss opportunity
Hi Victor, you watched a review for a DAC, not for an amplifier, thus the damping factor doesn't exist. Maybe you wanted to ask the output impedance of the RCA and XLR outputs, if that; 's the case, then both have 100 Ohms.
The main differences between DACs are in build quality, inputs, and features. However, I struggle to understand how people perceive such dramatic differences in sound between them, given that the frequency response remains unchanged. Factors like more bass or a different soundstage simply can’t be altered by a DAC alone. It’s likely cognitive bias playing a role in the listening experience.
There are many things in life you'll struggle to understand, yet they exist without asking for your permission. The sound difference between D/A converts can sometimes be huge if (1) your ears are properly trained, (2) your system is up to the task, (3) and if you have an open mind. If the sound differences didn't exist, then costly, super costly, and unobtanium DACs wouldn't exist. As simple as that.
@@Soundnews Thank you for your reply! I appreciate your perspective and understand where you’re coming from. However, I respectfully disagree with some points. While it’s true that high-end DACs exist and are marketed as superior, this doesn’t necessarily prove audible differences in properly designed DACs. The existence of costly products often reflects market segmentation, brand positioning, or design aesthetics, not necessarily performance differences in sound. Regarding trained ears, system quality, and an open mind: these are all valid factors, but controlled, blind tests consistently show that audible differences between DACs (when they measure well) are negligible. This isn’t a lack of open-mindedness but a reliance on evidence over expectation bias. Of course, we all enjoy music in different ways, and if someone finds more satisfaction in a high-end DAC, that’s perfectly valid. But I believe it’s essential to distinguish between subjective enjoyment and measurable, audible differences. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Thanks for the review. It seems D90 III discrete will still be the best bet for me considering the price.
D90 III Discrete is an outstanding DAC and the easier-to-recommend converter for my channel viewers.
I have the X26 Pro and together with the U18 i have zero interest to change anything. My system has been so dialed in, im afraid to adjust anything let alone change the DAC section. To give you perspective of how much i love my X26Pro/U18 combo... they are fronting $40,000 of gear. Thats how good they are... i sway away from the "upgrade" itch especially when i see no need to do so
Yes, it looks exactly like a more polished X26 Pro. As an owner of X26 Pro I can say not many things needed to be improved. I don't know exactly how better the new one is, but I also don't understand people saying there is no difference between a budget DAC, a midrange one and a flagship. When I got the X30 at home I just couldn't go back. More impact in the bass, more musicality in the midrange, clearly superior in holographic presentation and crisp highs, crystal clear! I did A to B and I could definitely tell the difference on good recorded music. So my experience is definitely different. Yes, I am taking I'm consideration the placebo, I did a blind test and I could tell the difference with good recordings. With compressed ones and low quality it was difficult. But that's just my experience, it doesn't invalidate anyone's. Good work, Sandu, appreciated 👍
add a U18 in front of the X26Pro .... i did and its even more awesome
Any plans in reviewing the Cyan 2? I wonder how these 2 compare, beside from being a different tech.
Hello mate, a Cyan 2 review is not planned in the near future, but who knows, maybe it will happen in 2025, will see about that.
If I use a Mac as the audio source and stream via the Qobuz app, connecting it to the X26III won’t work, right?
Hello, of course, it will work. Just connect it via USB to your MAC and select the Gustard as the audio output device and all digital audio will go through it, including Qobuz or any other streaming service.
Thanks
Loved how you snuck in the Ace of spades reference 🤜🤛🙌
Thanks, buddy!
This seems like the price sweet spot for a high quality DAC
Got this Dac on eBay for less than half the price! The guy simply forgot to switch the back voltage selector and thought it was broken? Comparing this to my other superior dac the PS audio DSD it surprised me! Super detailed and very airy top end with amazing bass, could definitely recommend even at msrp. Only gripe is that forbidden damn plastic remote
Are you getting in a Topping Centaurus R2R Dac made with Holo Audio?
Yep, it's coming my way, I will probably receive it in January.
But is it better than Chord Mojo 2?
you should do a review of the raw MDA 1! Id love to see it compared with the EF499 aswell and similarly priced dac amps and dac amp stacks
I will ask around, maybe I can get a loaner unit.
I'm going to be purchasing the X26III for my second hi-fi system after living with the Gustard X30 for a while now, which is in no question IMO, an outstanding sounding DAC and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the review 👍👍
it needs burn in if yes how much hours and what changes from out of the box
How do you use that DAC with Qobuz ? it is not clear for me.
You say it has more detail and resolution fron the x26 pro, How can you compare two dacs when you listened to one of them, a long time ago?
Correct. Humans have three seconds of accurate sensory memory. This has been proven again and again by scientific measurements since just after 1900. You cannot even accurately remember the color of your car after three seconds. In audio, Harmon company has tested this and proven it again and again. Three seconds max.
While I didn't have the X26 PRO with me to make a proper A to B comparison and I have stated that clearly in the video and article, the (much) better clocking system on the newer model made it unmistakable more resolving sounding. The measurements tell a similar story and the owners that have the X26 PRO and auditioned the new model will relate similar thoughts.
@@Soundnews I asked the question since I have the Gustard r26 , topping dx9 pro which I bought due to your reccomendations (They are both great and thankyou) and I also have the Eversolo dmp A6 Master Edition and though there are differnces between them, resolution and detail retrieval is exactly the same in all three .The differences are particulary in timbre (dx9 pro and Gustard r26 are pretty much the same) while the Eversolo dmp A6 Master Edition, has less body) and also soundstage width where the R26 is the widest and deepest the two other are a bit less 3 dimential
I wish the review focused on the streaming platform as much as on the DAC. With the review, I got zero info on the aspect of streaming and its stability when switching inputs. Sorry, but a miss opportunity
For the price and credibility I think a much needed aesthetic facelift has been implemented.
Hello, could I ask what is the damping factor?
🤣🤣🤣come on man dont be ridiculous
@I-tg4dr can't cope with it, then don't deal with it. Just go on about your business.
Hi Victor, you watched a review for a DAC, not for an amplifier, thus the damping factor doesn't exist. Maybe you wanted to ask the output impedance of the RCA and XLR outputs, if that; 's the case, then both have 100 Ohms.
thank you for review
sorry to say but you look exhausted
The main differences between DACs are in build quality, inputs, and features. However, I struggle to understand how people perceive such dramatic differences in sound between them, given that the frequency response remains unchanged. Factors like more bass or a different soundstage simply can’t be altered by a DAC alone. It’s likely cognitive bias playing a role in the listening experience.
😂i was thinking the same thing...somewhat like carrying water in 400 different basket....
There are many things in life you'll struggle to understand, yet they exist without asking for your permission. The sound difference between D/A converts can sometimes be huge if (1) your ears are properly trained, (2) your system is up to the task, (3) and if you have an open mind. If the sound differences didn't exist, then costly, super costly, and unobtanium DACs wouldn't exist. As simple as that.
@@Soundnews Thank you for your reply! I appreciate your perspective and understand where you’re coming from. However, I respectfully disagree with some points.
While it’s true that high-end DACs exist and are marketed as superior, this doesn’t necessarily prove audible differences in properly designed DACs. The existence of costly products often reflects market segmentation, brand positioning, or design aesthetics, not necessarily performance differences in sound.
Regarding trained ears, system quality, and an open mind: these are all valid factors, but controlled, blind tests consistently show that audible differences between DACs (when they measure well) are negligible. This isn’t a lack of open-mindedness but a reliance on evidence over expectation bias.
Of course, we all enjoy music in different ways, and if someone finds more satisfaction in a high-end DAC, that’s perfectly valid. But I believe it’s essential to distinguish between subjective enjoyment and measurable, audible differences.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!