Gustard R26 DAC Review - An Amount Of Features Like A Swiss Army Knife, But Does It Cut Like One?
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- The R26 was a loan from a friend of the channel. Thanks!
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Timestamps...
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer
01:18 Shameless Self Promotion
01:41 Setting Up The Review
02:10 SSSSOOOO Many Features!
04:51 Solid Build
05:35 Unit Tour
08:30 Remote Control
09:05 Ergonomic Quirks
13:34 Test Gear
18:35 Digital Filters & NOS vs OS
20:01 Sound Signature
24:09 Streamer Performance (Comp w/ Zen Stream)
31:04 Performance with Upsampled Audio
34:34 Balanced vs Single-Ended Outputs
36:19 Comparisons Intro
38:03 Sonic Comparison with Chord Hugo 2
40:41 Sonic Comparison with Schiit Bifrost 2/64
44:16 Where Does R26 DAC Performance Fall In Market?
47:18 Who is the R26 for?
50:01 Final Thoughts
One of the DACs I have currently is the R26, fed by a Singxer SU-6 DDC and LHY OCK-2 clock, so the price as I've configured it in my system is actually $2700 USD. But even at $2700, the R26 is performing well above my expectations, roughly at the $5-6K level, just beneath the level of my Lampizator Baltic 4 tube DAC which is almost $7K. This is just to my ears and in my system of course, but I still think it is fair to say, having owned 6 or 7 other DACs over the last 5 years, the R26 is a very good value. BTW for the measurements guys, one of the DACs I've had was the Topping D90se, and no it wasn't good enough to last long in my system. IME superb measurements don't NECESSARILY result in great sound.
I really appreciate all the time spent researching and comparing. Especially like the sensible (imo) summary. Thanks.
What a terrific and incredibly thorough review. Very helpful! Subscribed. Thank you!
Generally speaking, R2R dacs show their strehgths espaecially in a speaker stereo speaker and less in headphones. Testing chord hugo 2 vs the Gustard r26 was a lot bigger and holographic in my system. Not so when using headphones
Thank you for this honest and detailed review.
I just compared USB(straight from desktop) vs LAN vs FMC(10Gtek + Topping P50) LAN. If I would rank them, it will be FMC LAN > LAN > USB with a noticeable difference for each input, especially on sound stage. I think I will stick to this setup for a long time but might upgrade to Sonore UltraRendu in the future once you're review is up and it is really as good as the way you said they are.
Still waiting and looking forward to Arya Organic's review! :)
I really appreciate your work, please keep it up. You have my support.
I recently purchased the Gustard R26 and tried the internal Lan streamer with UpnP for Tidal and local files and was very impressed compared to both my Node n130 and Wiim Pro. I kept seeing the Hifi Rose dac/streamer and loved the display for album art, bitrate info, touchscreen and those sweet vu meters..lol! Then I saw the Hifi Rose prices, gulp 😮 Considering the R26 is R2R vs. ESS and I would spend much less with the EverSolo combo, so I got lucky and caught Amazon when they had stock a few weeks ago and bought the DMP-A6 and a 2TB SSD to put in it. I am over the moon with the sound and build quality, looks, function, features, I2s, clock input, etc. This is amazing on both my solid state and tube amps and are truly end game to me ❤ Running the included USB A to B cable and it is the most significant change in sound I have experienced in my system. I will evaluate the other EverSolo outputs but I can't imagine the coax is any better. I think we have some differences in system synergy or my old ears just like the hyper realistic and "in the room with you" holographic sound the R26 DAC produces. The Node is now with my RME Adi-2 DAC (original AKM chip) for my headphones system and the Wiim Pro is with a Schiit Modi 3 DAC on the patio. Music therapy is awesome and I am so happy I chose this combo for my digital front end!😊
So you're using a DMP-A6 with your Gustard R26?
Linked in USB?
Thanks
Yes, the EverSolo is hardwired with an ethernet cable, from an 8 port gigabit switch, and is outputting Tidal from its internal streamer over USB to my R26. I also feed my Oppo 203 as a CD/DVD transport to the R26 with a short coax cable. Love the combo 👏
I have the same combo and some method of connections and love it. Eversolo rocks for brining all your services together
Have you noticed any sonic improvements when you switched from Gustard R26 LAN input comparing to Gustard + Ever Solo combo ?
@@bartoszpaczkowski2698Yea good question, and I think he may have already answered it. But it's really hard to understand what he's saying. My guess though is yes. It sounds better. 🤷♂️ ✌️
Once again you cut through the spin and hyperbole to provide a wealth of useful information - operational quirks, functionality and performance by section and comparisons to relative benchmark components. Gives you the answers the other reviewers do not. Thank you!
It’s interesting for all the reviews I have seen for R26 your findings take a 360 turn. I have hugo tt bifrost 2 n r26. To my ears r26 is superior
My Qutest sounds better than than my R26 to me.
360* turn? So back to the orignal course?
i am sticking with r26 :) however using a power conditioner did bring a lot of change in the dac@@traaaaan
@@urbenkamreally? You can really hear differences from that? Super hearing I suppose?
@@Fidelity_Sound lol i understand it’s not an exact science and most ppl fall in to placebo category. Trusting subjective listening. Definitely i can tell a difference.
After reading / viewing many reviews that PRASIED the R26 I was sold and ready to buy.
This review brought me back to earth. This review helped me realize I only need a dac upgrade. Be nice if Gustard had a R2R only dac closer to $1k.
Going to stick with my BS Node 2i w Keces lps, but upgrade my J2 dac.
Still want as close to R2R sound as I can find. Analog warmth, big soundstage, depth, airy. Back to searching.
Check out Denafrips Ares 12th Anniversary Ed
I had the R26 since November 22. It has made all my headphones sound better. I connect it with my M1 MacBook Pro via USB and paired it with my iFi Pro iCAN Signature and the A90 (which I have put it up for sale). I do like it’s R2R smoothness, neutrality, imaging, staging and overall sound. I paid US$1,450 for it and feel it’s worth the price I paid. I do have other DACs but I find myself using the R26 more. This is the DAC I’ll be keeping for a while, until I get a listen to the Holo May KTE. I’d changed the fuse, upgraded the power cable but it is using Roon via LAN to the R26 that produced a big improvement to the sound. Meanwhile, I have another headphone coming and I am going to need another amp to drive it.
Hi! Thank you for the details. I’m trying hard to decide what to buy for the best sound for tidal/qobuz streaming. I have the node x coax through fiio K9 pro ess for my meze empyrean, but I want to use streaming in my stereo setup as well. And I was looking at the eversolo dmp-a8. Again, i’s only the best streaming/dac combination that I’m interested in. Should I get the A8 or the R26? Can I use the R26 just like the node? Tidal direct? Not sure about qobuz, but I’m just testing the qobuz these days. Thank you!
Good review
does R26 require burn in? how many hours? does it improve a lot?
This was one of the best in-depth reviews for the gustard r26 because you really went into detail on the streaming portion and perhaps its shortcomings. I had this on the shortlist. I too had issues with my Zen streamer I gave it up for a Wim pro with a better power supply and opto-coupled Ethernet. Hassle free but not sure if it rivals the Zen in quality. Still pondering a Venus II after this review. Seems it still comes down to separates. Thanks!!!!
Reviews like this cost us £$€...!!! 😅
Have you considered reviewing the Emotiva xda-3 DAC, Emotiva offers a 30 day return policy. I have an Ares12 that converts signals from a WiiM pro, Oppo UDP-203, and Sony streamer. I like the sound of the Ares12 but I miss having a remote. Also I think the Emotiva would look great with my McIntosh c50 and mc352 that run my 1980’s Klipsch La Scala’s. Thanks!
I use the R26 combined with a U18 DDC (using the I2S connection) and LHY OCK-2 master clock (with connections going into both the R26 and U18).
The R26 is impractically flexible, as in, it can take a lot of upgrades in the form of fuses, external clocks, DDCs, etc, all of which can further be improved by different cables. It adds up but all those extras can be carried over to another DAC in the future.
The R26 has been a lot of fun because you can hear the incremental sonic improvements as you add those upgrades, albeit and admittedly, with possible placebo effects. My next DAC will definitely have to take I2S and 10mhz clock inputs.
45:22 it's like everything else, we like some thing until we hear something better and that's when we realize that there is better out there. I think with this unit, it's a great unit if you want an all in one.
Any review coming for the wandla(elsa award DAC)? Thanks.
Thanks for the great review. Just received mine yesterday and letting it burn in 24/7. For those using this dac, do you use RCA or XLR to your amp? If XLR, what brand are you using?
I'm using a Vovox Excelsus XLR. The best value analogue XLR cable I've tried, though, is Grimm TPR.
Nice vid, hope you can get a holo spring 3 for review since its one of the best reviewed dac between 2-3k usd
Ferrum wandla is also amazing for the price
I agree. Holo Spring 3 is an absolutely spectacular endgame DAC imho and I’d love WaveTheory’s take, if only for validation.
While we are on Holo, maybe review the May KTE too?
I would love to hear the Holos as well. Unfortunately an opportunity hasn't yet availed.
@@wavetheorysoundTheir product is big and heavy tho, Spring at 8.3kg, Bliss at 10kg and May at 16 with the LPS. Do you think size and weight has anything to do with sonic performances?
Thorough review, if a bit contrary.
Can anyone help me in how to update the firmware
Amazing your review is such a departure from top critics. I'm not sure if that hurts or helps your case. I found the Bifrost 2/64 to be poor and like every Topping/SMSL out there.
A26 and R26 sound sonically great. Playing as Roon endpoint is tops. I find it must be direct wired to LAN, no split of signal.
Hi
How do you explain qualities sounding between A6 and R26 Gustard DAC ?
Very thanks
Just use a separate streamer. The streamer component in the Gustard devices is severely under resourced and often skips. Not enough cpu or memory most likely.
@@Fidelity_Sound
Thank you very much for your answer.
In conclusion the Gustard A26 is not very efficiency and musical with his own streaming function , isn't it ?
So the Gustard A26 need a good streamer...
Thanks
Please review the Gustard H26 HPA?
Nice Review man. I had the R26 for a while and then got the A26. I preferred the A26 which had more punch and slam type qualities over the R26 smoother presentation. The Geshelli JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S] compete's with the R26?
Basically yes. With Sparkos SS3602 OP amps and a decent LPS the J2S basically pulls even with BF2/Ares 12th-level DACs, which is about where the R26 falls to me ear as well
Hi! Any idea if the a26 is better than eversolo dmp-a8? Only in terms of streaming sound quality. Thank you!
Regarding balanced vs unbalanced output: What if the amp only has unbalanced inputs? Does it make a difference when using dac-balanced-out -> amp-unbalanced-in versus dac-unbalanced-out -> amp-unbalanced-in ?
This is one reason why single ended dacs are still needed. Doing balanced output to single ended input is tricky and sometimes dangerous. If your amp has only single ended inputs, I strongly recommend a single ended dac.
Why would you connect a Dac straight to an amp? Why not connect it to a preamp and let the preamp do its job?
cool.thank you.would you go to a pontus or quetest for just a little more $?
I would, yes. Depending on what amp I had I'd go Qutest if I wanted a neutral and incisive sound and Pontus II if I wanted a big, warm sound.
@wavetheorysound Can u please review the Gustard A26 vs the R26. I am treble sensitive and love lower midrange warmth but also want lively sweet treble just at a lower quantity wise. I generally don't enjoy low end hfm headphones at all due to shout, shrillness and peaks but I want to purchase he1000se. Pls recommend dac for signal chain with S17 pro amp which u should review too
I've owned both ...the A26 is surgical with its details, the R26 is smoother in its presentation (imhso).
Is the hugo 2 your top reference dac?
No. My top dac is Berkeley Alpha Series 2. Hugo 2 is my top transportable option and also serves as my ~$2k reference dac.
I have made it through the HQplayer learning curve if you need help. DSD Direct on this thing at DSD512 is mind blowing (even with built-in streamer) :)
PS - external 10MHz clock makes this DAC even better (and easy to a/b with remote).
A friend brought his Susvara to my place last month, we listened to it with the R26 connected to iFi Pro iCAN Signature. He used his Roon account on my M1 MacBook Pro via LAN to the R26 and we could hear a big difference on sound quality. I took up trial with Roon but struggled with using it, although I can use LAN with Roon during the trial. Didn’t subscribe yet cos I haven’t figured out how to use it. I’d changed the fuse in the R26 and am thinking of a DDC since I use USB, and a clock. May I know which clock you use? I have more questions so I hope you don’t mind sharing more.
Do you have experience with HQPlayer with any other DAC? I'm using the software with my Gustard X26 Pro in NOS mode (DSD) and absolutely love it. It has turned this DAC into a monster. But I'm also curious if the R26 would sound even better due to less internal signal processing (or a Gus A26 with DSD Direct).
I only have 1 personal DAC that it would make much sense to use it with (Hugo 2). My other DACs pretty much top out at 24/192 pcm. However, as this reviewing thing grows I may have to rethink that. We'll see.
@@MistaLova-Lova I used it with Denafrips Ares 12th Anny Ed
@@wavetheorysound Oh you do need to try it. It's totally changed my listening experience. And it's helped me understand what digital filters are all about, the pros and cons of short and very long filters. Being able to hear the differences myself has helped find a jack-of-all-trades filter as well as favourite filters for specific genres. I'm just back from the CanJam where I heard the Dave with the Mscaler and wasn't really impressed; this was surely because I'd already had access to even better filters in the HQPlayer.
:~}
I was worried you were going to start reciting Vogon poetry for a second there.
I'm not cruel 😆
I own the A26 & you pretty much described my situation haha. Dipping my toes in to upsampling and streaming
Had the R26 and sold it and now own the A26. A26 is the Superior DAC of the two. Better, wider Soundstage, better Detail and better Punch and Slam. R26 is more of a layed back smooth sounding R2R DAC.
Ok that actually makes me feel better then haha
@@JTB--...not to mention a much better ergonomic design in A26.. They obviously listened to all the critique on this and enhanced it notably.
Wow surprising cold water on this unit
I don't recommend throwing water of any temperature on a dac 😛🤣
@@wavetheorysound 🥁dadum bum .. don’t forget to tip your waitresses 😂
I liked lightwave but its went bust, now there is the hope in other waver
What would be the best amp for r26 and he1000v2s combo in your experience?
I've got my paired to a Rogue Audio chronus Dark (all tube integrated) and love it.
Hello,
Can you recommend on Neutral Headphones to use with it?
Thanks in advance
I think the Gustard A26 DAC with top-of-the-line AKM chips is the better DAC. It is more resolving and has a blacker background. It also has depth though slightly less than the R26. I run mine into the Gustard H26 NEW headphone amplifier.
Depends on what you like in sound!! As an owner of both, R26 will shine on neutral to slightly bright speakers. No set rules though. I have interchanged them as I like both. The A26 does seem a bit wider but definitely not as deep as the R26.
bahaha! Not even close
what do you think about the H26? What headphones do you use?
@@c34webb If you like more detail A26 has that. R26 has more depth.
Have you heard the Tradutto?
Not yet.
Damning with faint praise....
I'm tired of all these DACs that sound neutral with a nice balance...
I WaNt mY mUsiC To sOuNd CrAaYzYyy...!!! 🤪😝🥳
digital volume control for preamp is meh need a real preamp
Standard ethernet cable that hurts 😵
Sounds like this thing costs twice as much as it should lol (I’ll bet it’s not the only DAC like that). “It’s for people with money to burn that lack experience” is what I heard 😆
You mean that you don't think that the R26 trades blows with $3k DACs? How dare you have an opinion that doesn't line up with the rest of the DAC reviewers. Next you'll be telling us that Topping products are overrated. 🤣
The ASR cult wouldn't let this fly considering how much they love their Duoping!
Or that Chord products are an audiophile bargain 🤣
@@enriquealiI’d argue that the Mojo 2 is the one and only Chord product that punches above its price.
!
@@enriqueali I'd argue that everything is a bargain when you're rich enough
Overrated and to expensive. Disappointed in this DAC for the price
You have a lot to learn about electronics and no one piece is gonna sound the same on your system with your space and current from the wall,I have r26 in a 60 plus thousand dollar system and it is superlative,I’m a audio engineer now for 40 plus years and what I know is you have a lot to learn about audio your options are infantile at best good luck with your future in audio all I can say is you need more experience in this field
audio engineer? Then you will know, the USB connection on the R26 sucks. the audio quality is so bad, much worse than on most cheap 100 dollar chifi Dacs.
But If you think R26 usb port connection sounds fine, then you and your 60k system are a joke or you are a moron.. btw. the Mytek LD II blows the R26 out of the water in every aspect, even R26 is connected on LAN or optical