I had this DAC since it first came out.I actually think its biggest upgrade potential has not been talked about on RUclips and that is adding a external clock. Adding a good clock takes this DAC to the next level in terms of naturalness, depth, detail and slam
@@lucianobadoe36 I am using a slightly modified Leo Bodnar precision clock This I prefer to LHY and even higher priced Afterdark clocks. The only thing I heard beat it was the Mutec Reference I have not tried the Gustard clock
@@johncahill985 I did my research and found your material about this clock. In the end of the day I bought one to use with my future R26, thanks for share this solution. *edit: R26
Mine took over 100 hours before is really shined. It’s the best piece of kit I have bought. Using with Roon direct Ethernet sounded better to me than USB feed from ultra rendu. Very happy.
Mine took a few months (2 months/about 60 hours) as well. I started to think that I made a bad purchase....then one day, the musical sunshine poured in. I thought DAC's were snake oil but the R26 made me a believer in the fact that DAC's absolutely improve sound quality. I'm hearing more and more musical details in just about all genre's that play. :) :)😁
You mentioned it's not the widest soundstage you've heard. Which DACs do you think have bigger staging capabilities? I'm on the hunt for the biggest stager. Thanks!
Fer real dude? What's the rest of your system if you don't mind me asking ? Apologies for my slight skepticism, I mean I'm a happy R26 owner, but y'know... that'd be some serious giant killing.
@crusaderjake yes for real my friend I have kinki studio ex1+ amplifier with upgrade op amps My speakers is KEF R11 My dac r26 Over 1000$ cables all around I have chord Dave before r26 Be honest by bit it's better chord Dave!!! I mean to my ear it's not worth it to pay that extra 15k!!!! The functionality of gustard r26 is insanely good you have open hand for what you wanna do :)
@@alirezapouyafard5750 Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Nice system you have. It's a great all-rounder isn't it. Tip to get a nice lift in the R26's resolution, dynamics and sounstage depth in case you're not aware... is to add a good external clock like the LHY OCK-1 or 2.
@crusaderjake no problem Actually yes for my system it will be over kill ! I ordered mine it's on Tuesday way I got gustard c18 master clock but lhy can do the job as well I went gustard cuz I want to be set with my r26 ...
Excellent review. Glad to know hifigo is legit I was going to buy but was skeptical with the pricing. I’m going back and forth like a ping pong ball between the R26&A26. System is JBL 4309 and Musical Fidelity M3SI. Imaging, Reaolutions, Detail and Clairty is amazing on my system but I’m wondering if the R26 will make movies and Netflix sound too analougy. I don’t know, I might have to buy both and return one.
Thank you for the detailed but yet concise review. I’m hoping GaN FET class D will make its way to headphone amplifier manufacture design. I have an eye on this DAC and was wondering if Gustard’s H20 headphone amplifier would pair well with the R26. Can I ask you to please review the Shiit Lyr+ headphone, there appears to be 1 RUclips review on the device by Wave Theory…. Ty
I am interested in buying one of these but I can't find a dealer in the usa. This dac is Chinese made which does not concern me unless I run into and issue and it can't be resolved. Having said that this had beautiful build quality! Anyone know a dealer that has warrantee support?
Nice review, thank you, but (this is meant as constructive criticism) why the background noise? I suppose you'd call it music, but do you really want your viewers to listen to it? Or have them listen to what you have to say? For me and many others, that is just noise and is very distracting - my ears try to hear it - its rubbish - and really annoying!
And saved $100 maybe but lowered its value by $700+ as the R26 internal streamer comfortably beats dedicated streamer + DDC combos like the Ifi Zen Stream & U18. I know this as I have all three. It's one of the best things about this DAC, just awesome. Have a listen.
Nice review! You mentioned that you simply listen to music on your favorite IEMs at the beginning of the testing phase, and I was wondering which IEMs these are? The ones you have on the table (IE 600, SA6 Ultra, Andromeda, Zen Pro) or perhaps others?
I understand power matters to make the membrane move faster, but iems don't need the power of speakers. A dac using 10-25W 24/7 is too much, especially when iems consume almost nothing. This is why my interest for efficient sony daps has raised again even though portable features are useless for desktop use, daps still seem more meaningful for iem desktop use than many dacs. Then, the compactness appeal of iems is a bit lost with big dacs on the table.
The R26 lacks refinement and clarity. Tested it with a Lumin U2 Mini. The R300 is not very resolving too. I had a pair, was disappointed. Gave it away. The CXA is merely average sounding. A manufacturer can use the best components, it does not equate to good sound.
@@carlosr.2027 … can’t compare the R26 with the D2 as R26 is just a DAC. As for the Pontus II, it was a while ago that I used it and I will say the Pontus II is smoother but it’s not to my liking. It did pair very well with the Line Magnetic LM805ia but was not that impressive with my Audia Flight FLS10. I like my Matrix Audio X Sabre Pro MQA. It’s good for vocals and acoustic instruments but it does sacrifice some of the soundstage width. A DAC I would love to own will be the MAB Discrete. It’s so darn good but look at the price. The Chord Hugo TT2 is also a great DAC to own. Used one will be affordable. There’s too much hype about products on YT reviews. Did you notice the trend over the last 2 years? Many reviewers changed their presentation style. Even their titles are semi-click bait.
Super long intro and you don't even know what you are talking about. For one, the two transformers are not for the left and right channels but for the analog and digital sections of the DAC. You also did not provide good context for this review. Watch the other guys, you need to do some work. This is basically an unboxing video. And it's not K-E-F, it's KEF!
It’s not dual mono it just uses a separate power supply for the digital and the analog sections.
It's very easy to open up only seven screws And this DAC is smooth and detailed. My end game DAC.
Love this dac amazing sound and very versatile 👍
This DAC has it all. Naturalness + Technicalities + Musicality.
I had this DAC since it first came out.I actually think its biggest upgrade potential has not been talked about on RUclips and that is adding a external clock. Adding a good clock takes this DAC to the next level in terms of naturalness, depth, detail and slam
What clock dit you try?
@@lucianobadoe36 I am using a slightly modified Leo Bodnar precision clock This I prefer to LHY and even higher priced Afterdark clocks. The only thing I heard beat it was the Mutec Reference I have not tried the Gustard clock
@@lucianobadoe36 I gave a few friends who tried one is a reviewer for enjoy the music and all have liked the Leo Bodnar
@@johncahill985 thanks.
@@johncahill985 I did my research and found your material about this clock. In the end of the day I bought one to use with my future R26, thanks for share this solution.
*edit: R26
Fantastic review. I wonder how the RCA output of R26 sound compared to balanced output.
Good review…I sold the Pontus 2 after I bought this one …I like it!
Mine took over 100 hours before is really shined. It’s the best piece of kit I have bought. Using with Roon direct Ethernet sounded better to me than USB feed from ultra rendu. Very happy.
Mine took a few months (2 months/about 60 hours) as well. I started to think that I made a bad purchase....then one day, the musical sunshine poured in. I thought DAC's were snake oil but the R26 made me a believer in the fact that DAC's absolutely improve sound quality. I'm hearing more and more musical details in just about all genre's that play. :) :)😁
Great review. Thanks!
Great review! 😃 This really is a great value dac - especially using the Ethernet connection and Roon - simply beautiful sound for the money 👍
I found the Ethernet using Roon to sound better than any external streamer I tried. Great DAC!
Good doggy! Thank you for posting.
The Bluetooth on this is actually pretty awesome. Doesn't even lag when gaming or watching a movie/tv. R26 is endgame
R26 its end game dac it will do everything you will need it's just insanely detail very good bass timbre with lots of air woooow
You mentioned it's not the widest soundstage you've heard. Which DACs do you think have bigger staging capabilities? I'm on the hunt for the biggest stager. Thanks!
BEST DAC for the Money !
there is no ! Alternative at
this Pricepoint. 😀😆😄
R26 it's end game dac
I came down from chord dave!!!!!
It's worth every penny
Fer real dude? What's the rest of your system if you don't mind me asking ? Apologies for my slight skepticism, I mean I'm a happy R26 owner, but y'know... that'd be some serious giant killing.
@crusaderjake yes for real my friend I have kinki studio ex1+ amplifier with upgrade op amps
My speakers is KEF R11
My dac r26
Over 1000$ cables all around
I have chord Dave before r26
Be honest by bit it's better chord Dave!!! I mean to my ear it's not worth it to pay that extra 15k!!!!
The functionality of gustard r26 is insanely good you have open hand for what you wanna do :)
@@alirezapouyafard5750 Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Nice system you have. It's a great all-rounder isn't it. Tip to get a nice lift in the R26's resolution, dynamics and sounstage depth in case you're not aware... is to add a good external clock like the LHY OCK-1 or 2.
@crusaderjake no problem
Actually yes for my system it will be over kill !
I ordered mine it's on Tuesday way I got gustard c18 master clock but lhy can do the job as well I went gustard cuz I want to be set with my r26 ...
@@alirezapouyafard5750 Hi, can I ask you which opamp you used for kinki? is it worth to change it? I have also this amp... many thanks in advance
Excellent review. Glad to know hifigo is legit I was going to buy but was skeptical with the pricing. I’m going back and forth like a ping pong ball between the R26&A26. System is JBL 4309 and Musical Fidelity M3SI. Imaging, Reaolutions, Detail and Clairty is amazing on my system but I’m wondering if the R26 will make movies and Netflix sound too analougy. I don’t know, I might have to buy both and return one.
Can you connect this directly to the OPPO 203 without a bridging box which the Denafrips requires? thanks..
Better sound quality than for example Chord TT2?
Nice review, thanks -- are you still enjoying your CXA61?
Great review, thank you. What do you think about gustard R26 compare chord qutest?
Thank you for the detailed but yet concise review.
I’m hoping GaN FET class D will make its way to headphone amplifier manufacture design.
I have an eye on this DAC and was wondering if Gustard’s H20 headphone amplifier would pair well with the R26.
Can I ask you to please review the Shiit Lyr+ headphone, there appears to be 1 RUclips review on the device by Wave Theory…. Ty
I am interested in buying one of these but I can't find a dealer in the usa. This dac is Chinese made which does not concern me unless I run into and issue and it can't be resolved. Having said that this had beautiful build quality! Anyone know a dealer that has warrantee support?
in comparison with x26 pro? which is better and why?
Now, what would be interested is how does it compares to their most recent A26 DAC for $150.00 less. Opinions welcome.
R26 far better than a26
Always r2r dacs better than delta sigma dac
@@alirezapouyafard5750 it’s subjective, but I also prefer r2r
It might more accurate to say speculations welcome, given (as far as I know) no one has yet heard the A26
I wonder how this compares to Frerot with Supply. Around the same price in Europe
Does anyone have any comparisons with the A26?
We need Dave's own channel too.
Vs A26?
This might just set you up as another budget gears wave
Nice review, thank you, but (this is meant as constructive criticism) why the background noise? I suppose you'd call it music, but do you really want your viewers to listen to it? Or have them listen to what you have to say? For me and many others, that is just noise and is very distracting - my ears try to hear it - its rubbish - and really annoying!
Where's Timmy, what have you done with him?
Gustard could've kept the streamer out and make it a cheaper unit.
LAN will give you the best sound quality!
Lan works like charm amazing sound quality also you will dnt need any ddc anymore that's big plus...
@@alirezapouyafard5750 Exactly!Just jet some switch for 20 bucks and you are good to go...
And saved $100 maybe but lowered its value by $700+ as the R26 internal streamer comfortably beats dedicated streamer + DDC combos like the Ifi Zen Stream & U18. I know this as I have all three. It's one of the best things about this DAC, just awesome. Have a listen.
@@WhararikiI would prefer for the LAN input to be optical rather than copper. Optical offers far higher SQ.
Nice review!
You mentioned that you simply listen to music on your favorite IEMs at the beginning of the testing phase, and I was wondering which IEMs these are? The ones you have on the table (IE 600, SA6 Ultra, Andromeda, Zen Pro) or perhaps others?
So you're afraid of popping the lid? :)
I'm new to this channel, but I just have to say that I find his hands in front of the camera comical.
Why do you call it R two six instead of R twenty six?
I understand power matters to make the membrane move faster, but iems don't need the power of speakers. A dac using 10-25W 24/7 is too much, especially when iems consume almost nothing. This is why my interest for efficient sony daps has raised again even though portable features are useless for desktop use, daps still seem more meaningful for iem desktop use than many dacs. Then, the compactness appeal of iems is a bit lost with big dacs on the table.
The R26 lacks refinement and clarity. Tested it with a Lumin U2 Mini. The R300 is not very resolving too. I had a pair, was disappointed. Gave it away. The CXA is merely average sounding. A manufacturer can use the best components, it does not equate to good sound.
How does the r26 compare to a lumin d2 or a Pontus ii
@@carlosr.2027 … can’t compare the R26 with the D2 as R26 is just a DAC. As for the Pontus II, it was a while ago that I used it and I will say the Pontus II is smoother but it’s not to my liking. It did pair very well with the Line Magnetic LM805ia but was not that impressive with my Audia Flight FLS10.
I like my Matrix Audio X Sabre Pro MQA. It’s good for vocals and acoustic instruments but it does sacrifice some of the soundstage width.
A DAC I would love to own will be the MAB Discrete. It’s so darn good but look at the price.
The Chord Hugo TT2 is also a great DAC to own. Used one will be affordable.
There’s too much hype about products on YT reviews. Did you notice the trend over the last 2 years? Many reviewers changed their presentation style. Even their titles are semi-click bait.
Alot of cash for a 100% China made.
Yes you seem to know a fair bit about it.
Bro no one is going to buy a $1600 dac when an apple dongle does the same thing
Noob
Nah, people spend more money on tube amps and high-end speakers. R26 is considered very good on price-to-performance ratio.
Trouble is, it does not do the same thing! The R26 is so far superior, the comparison is simply ridiculous!
You show your ignorance
Go tell people not to buy better car cos most of them, does the same thing.
Super long intro and you don't even know what you are talking about. For one, the two transformers are not for the left and right channels but for the analog and digital sections of the DAC. You also did not provide good context for this review. Watch the other guys, you need to do some work. This is basically an unboxing video.
And it's not K-E-F, it's KEF!
This is free you realize? Not like we paid to go to the fair and the rides were closed...🤔 Maybe try a Snickers bar 😀
I found the information valuable.
very cool