I paired up a gustard x30 with hifi rose rs`130 for my system and I am amazed at how it sounds. I have an r26 which isgreat at its price point as well! Gustard is doing some great dacs that are reasonable priced for what you get
I have a Gustard A26 its a very good DAC - at this level and with a hi-end sound system the problem becomes that most recordings simply can't match it.
Hi Tharbamar! Great vid per usual. One clarification please: did you mean that the X30 or the X26 had the more forward midrange? And what would you say is the better variant? I'm sitting here with a X30 loaner but am hesitant to buy it now that the X26 III is out, due to the price gap. I like how the X30 sounds. So much that I'm considering buying it and selling my Cyan 2, but as I said: is the gap between the 26 and the 30 big enough? Would love some more input if you please. Thanks!
I find a remarkable improvement in sound for the Gustard X26 III with the LAN input receiving NAA from HQ Player in preference to the ASIO over a Supra Excalibur USB cable. I don't have a converter for IIS yet. The LAN input is blacker between the instruments and cleaner to reveal more micro details. The USB is warmer and easier. There are also further improvements with using external upsampling in HQ Player and sending that in through the NOS setting with both PCM 768 and converting my PCM files to SDM. When you get to SDM 512, the sound is as good as it gets with even clearer edge definition of the images and fine detail while at the same time providing an improvement in a pleasant and natural timbre. Even if SDM 512 has my gaming laptop pegged at 80 Watts from the wall and at the limits of its cooling, it is worth a few extra electrons to hear that close and deep into the recording
@@Tharbamar One of the other X26 III users is now encouraging me to try the Gustard U18 DDC to convert my USB to IIS as they find it even better sounding than the LAN which they also agree is already better sounding than the USB.
@Tharbamar Thank you very much for what I see is the 1st review on this new DAC from well reputed Gustard. In this ( and other of your recent videos ), I can see the nice Muzishare X9 tube amp, and I have studied your review on it. I would be keen to know, if you pair either X30 or this X26 III with the Muzishare X9, which one of the Gustard DACs you would chose.
Hi Tharbamar Thanks for your answer 👍. So I must understand that Gustard is more musical than Topping D90 Discret... Perhaps more open soundstage, more beautyfull and rich tonality with good dynamic for Gustard X26 III . Topping D90 Discret perhaps give more informations and dynamics , isn' it ? Very thanks and good listening
How would you compare the x26 III with both the Holo cyan 2 and the Gustard Audalytic AH90? The AH90 is multitalented at it's price point. The Holo Cyan 2 forces a streamer and headphone amp into the mix. Holo cyan 2 vs the X26 III: the x26 is much more convenient. I trust your ears and your instincts. I am grateful. The X26 III instrument separation is remarkable: instruments live within their own space. The neutrality of this unit doesn't bring out anyone instrument in an unnatural manner. No glare, no pushed into the center focus, or fuzziness on the extremes like so many DACs. The x26 III will make a lot of people happy.
Personally I would choose X26 III, currently I'm debating whether to replace X30 with it but I'll be deciding after Topping Centaurus, I would advice you wait a few more weeks to make your decision, thanks
Great content as always! Would really appreciate advice on my next dac. Currently running a Rogue Sphinx V3 into Kef R3 Meta. Streaming bluesound node 3 into Audiolab m dac +. In you expert opinion, what would be a good dac in this system? $1000 +\-.
Thanks for great review, the X26 III will be my next DAC. Do you think if the Denafrips Hades fits this as a good preamp? I listen mostly to rock music.
Comprehshive review as always. Thank you. Could you compare this new dac to SMSL SU-X which you have reviewed previously. I'm interesting becouse both use the same chipset: dual ES9039 and almost similar PSU: toroidal transformers (single in SMSL and dual in Gustard).
Hello Tharbamar Is the digital volume control good enough that it won’t be necessary for an external preamp with analog control for example the pre90? Cheers
Hello, a general question: I have a streamer DAC MATRIX AUDIO mini I-3 PRO, which upgrade would you suggest that worth the change? for eample the EVERSOLO A6 might be a good upgrade or a waste of money?
@@Tharbamar i understand your reason, in your opinion is there any streamer DAC in 1.000$ range that you believe be better than the matrix audio i-3? even just a DAC to connect as external to the matrix audio..?
yeah sounds really good the vocals are nice bit soft on the top end tho! what amp did you use with it? the a20 will probably sound nice match. also that 100 ohm cat5 cable have you tried it yet?? you're be amazed gives an open sound
@Tharbamar but you're not using any CAT cable as interconnects for digital signal? did you not try the galleon a20 amplifier with this DAC? didn't used it last time ?
Can someone answer this question. Do you absolutely need a LAN wire connection in order to operate this DAC? I have a Spotify account but in order to play Spotify connect on this DAC a LAN wire connection is mandatory.
A follow up question. If I chose to use AirPlay to play Spotify music from my iPad to this DAC, a LAN connection is not necessary right? I know AirPlay is not as good as using Spotify connect.
@@Tharbamar You had in your previous comment mentioned that you have not tried Pontus 15th in your system yet. Not sure which one to consider. However I just want to let you know that I was near close to get a used R26 in a very good price, but instead ordered a new X26 III after seeing your review. Hope my decision proves musically right :), thanks for your review.
x26 iii is on your top 5 dac? Would you raccomend an upgrade from x26 pro to x26 iii and why? What's the difference between x26 iii and x30 in terms of sound quality?
I have upgraded from X26 Pro to X26 III. The III is slightly better in every aspect of sound: fine detail, soundstage, dynamics, bass texture and depth, midrange voice. It adds up to quite a lot better and is a no-brainer at the price.
Yes it's true in most cases but some are more noticeable than others (some people are real sensitive to it) (some people are just placebo) and it's not measurable by equipments but it can be recorded in controlled setting, like in this video ruclips.net/video/If91KWWgv70/видео.html it's not entirely the same but same process can be use for testing.
@@pablito86 I do not count or record actual burn-in time since I have many, most new equipment I’d just let it run in for about a week by leaving it on all the time.
What's the big difference between this, a 1600 dollars DAC and a 60 dollar SMSL Su1 with a 30 dollar linear power supply. Is there a huge performance difference? If so, how?
Simple short answer is night and day difference in good systems, it’s like you are driving luxury car vs economy car. But if you’re satisfied with what you have I would say keep enjoying your music, main speakers and amp should be first to upgrade if you’re trying to improve your system.
@@Tharbamar it's difficult to understand and estimate the difference without an audition in my own system, which is hard for 1600 dollars, and unfortunately I haven't found any good reviewers like you talk about this. Comparisons are always made in the same price bracket making it difficult for an enthusiast to justify moving up a price bracket.
Definitely, X26 III is better in many ways and bass control is much better, as always sound is subjective but in general X26 III is better choice IMHO.
@@sebastiencouleau4330 Oh that distortion is from recording caused by extreme peaks, nothing to do with DAC and probably your headphones can't handle those peaks very well either and maybe more noticeable with added gain from sound blaster making it significant. Try without sound blaster or use simple monitor headphones like Sony MDR-7506 or Yamaha HS-5 Studio Monitor speakers can easily differentiate between distortion from recording and actual sound of a DAC. BTW FYI: in modern DACs there is no DAC that make that sort of noise, AND this X26 III is SOTA DAC in every regards.
I tried directly without the sound blaster too. Now that i'm used to listen with digital attenuation before the digital filter i'm more sensitive to clipping. Do you provide digital headroom? I'm pretty sûre that almost every record leads to clipping dac if we don''t atténuate a little the signal before the digital filter. As with gustard the custom filter is in a dsp before the digital atténuation of the dac we cannot now if there is headroom. It's the same with my c100 i atténuate with the digital volume because some CD leads to clipping at full volume. Sound is les digital and less harsh then. I believe the ess harshness wad because of that and the new ones have digital volume before the oversampling filter instead after.
I paired up a gustard x30 with hifi rose rs`130 for my system and I am amazed at how it sounds. I have an r26 which isgreat at its price point as well! Gustard is doing some great dacs that are reasonable priced for what you get
Yes, Gustard DACs are great value for money!
Thanks to give us good idea and comparaison between various Gustard top model.
I havé thé x26 pro,amazing with my totem Forest speakers
X26 Pro is a great DAC, thanks for sharing your experience.
I have a Gustard A26 its a very good DAC - at this level and with a hi-end sound system the problem becomes that most recordings simply can't match it.
Those pioneer speakers are excellent 👍
Hi Tharbamar!
Great vid per usual. One clarification please: did you mean that the X30 or the X26 had the more forward midrange? And what would you say is the better variant? I'm sitting here with a X30 loaner but am hesitant to buy it now that the X26 III is out, due to the price gap. I like how the X30 sounds. So much that I'm considering buying it and selling my Cyan 2, but as I said: is the gap between the 26 and the 30 big enough? Would love some more input if you please. Thanks!
Hi, please watch the review everything in your question in the video, thank you
The streaming capacity looks very limited. Do you think they will improve it?
I find a remarkable improvement in sound for the Gustard X26 III with the LAN input receiving NAA from HQ Player in preference to the ASIO over a Supra Excalibur USB cable. I don't have a converter for IIS yet. The LAN input is blacker between the instruments and cleaner to reveal more micro details. The USB is warmer and easier.
There are also further improvements with using external upsampling in HQ Player and sending that in through the NOS setting with both PCM 768 and converting my PCM files to SDM. When you get to SDM 512, the sound is as good as it gets with even clearer edge definition of the images and fine detail while at the same time providing an improvement in a pleasant and natural timbre.
Even if SDM 512 has my gaming laptop pegged at 80 Watts from the wall and at the limits of its cooling, it is worth a few extra electrons to hear that close and deep into the recording
Great feedback on the X26 III's performance with LAN input and HQ Player, sounds like you've unlocked some serious sonic potential!
@@Tharbamar One of the other X26 III users is now encouraging me to try the Gustard U18 DDC to convert my USB to IIS as they find it even better sounding than the LAN which they also agree is already better sounding than the USB.
There is a discount of 15% for some days on most dacs in some major sites...
@Tharbamar Thank you very much for what I see is the 1st review on this new DAC from well reputed Gustard.
In this ( and other of your recent videos ), I can see the nice Muzishare X9 tube amp, and I have studied your review on it.
I would be keen to know, if you pair either X30 or this X26 III with the Muzishare X9, which one of the Gustard DACs you would chose.
This is a good DAC!
Hi, what about versus Topping D90 III Discrete?
It’s in different price point.
@@Tharbamar
Hi Tharbamar,
And what about the sound, price is not always the way for the best ...
Thanks for your answer
@@arnaudbaudon845 So I got to be more specific, sonically X26 III is in different language that’s why I said different price point.
Hi Tharbamar
Thanks for your answer 👍.
So I must understand that Gustard is more musical than Topping D90 Discret... Perhaps more open soundstage, more beautyfull and rich tonality with good dynamic for Gustard X26 III .
Topping D90 Discret perhaps give more informations and dynamics , isn' it ?
Very thanks and good listening
@@arnaudbaudon845 nice question... 90% I have to choose between those 2 dacs.
Great review. Look better than Denafrips.
How would you compare the x26 III with both the Holo cyan 2 and the Gustard Audalytic AH90?
The AH90 is multitalented at it's price point. The Holo Cyan 2 forces a streamer and headphone amp into the mix. Holo cyan 2 vs the X26 III: the x26 is much more convenient.
I trust your ears and your instincts. I am grateful.
The X26 III instrument separation is remarkable: instruments live within their own space. The neutrality of this unit doesn't bring out anyone instrument in an unnatural manner. No glare, no pushed into the center focus, or fuzziness on the extremes like so many DACs. The x26 III will make a lot of people happy.
Personally I would choose X26 III, currently I'm debating whether to replace X30 with it but I'll be deciding after Topping Centaurus, I would advice you wait a few more weeks to make your decision, thanks
Great content as always! Would really appreciate advice on my next dac. Currently running a Rogue Sphinx V3 into Kef R3 Meta. Streaming bluesound node 3 into Audiolab m dac +. In you expert opinion, what would be a good dac in this system? $1000 +\-.
I would suggest you to try Topping D90 III Discreet, SMSL SU-X or if you want to stretch a little more this X26 III, those great options IMHO, thanks
@ thank you!
Excellent review as always! How much of an upgrade would this Gustard x26 llI be over an older Loxjie D50 dac I currently own? Looking to upgrade. Thx
It is good upgrade, it would be significant in right system, thank you.
Hello Tharbamar! Which speakers are your favourite at the moment?
Hi, two of my main speakers that you see in the videos, thanks
@@Tharbamar I hope you will review the Wharfedale Super Lintons in the future!
Thanks for great review, the X26 III will be my next DAC. Do you think if the Denafrips Hades fits this as a good preamp? I listen mostly to rock music.
It may work well but I haven’t tried it together to give you right answer.
Comprehshive review as always. Thank you. Could you compare this new dac to SMSL SU-X which you have reviewed previously. I'm interesting becouse both use the same chipset: dual ES9039 and almost similar PSU: toroidal transformers (single in SMSL and dual in Gustard).
SU-X is more transparent, X26 III is deeper and richer, can’t go wrong with either one in refinement and overall sound quality. Thanks
Thanks for the review, could you tell me who is playing on the video please?
Hello Tharbamar
Is the digital volume control good enough that it won’t be necessary for an external preamp with analog control for example the pre90?
Cheers
I would say more than good enough to get the job done, thanks
Do you like better than musician Pegasus? Or denaphrips Pontus 15th.
Can I use it as a pure DAC using a different PRE?
Yes 👍
Hello, a general question: I have a streamer DAC MATRIX AUDIO mini I-3 PRO, which upgrade would you suggest that worth the change? for eample the EVERSOLO A6 might be a good upgrade or a waste of money?
It’s not upgrade more like going sideways, as always sound is subjective.
@@Tharbamar i understand your reason, in your opinion is there any streamer DAC in 1.000$ range that you believe be better than the matrix audio i-3? even just a DAC to connect as external to the matrix audio..?
yeah sounds really good the vocals are nice bit soft on the top end tho! what amp did you use with it? the a20 will probably sound nice match. also that 100 ohm cat5 cable have you tried it yet?? you're be amazed gives an open sound
I’m using with Accuphase E-4000 amplifier, all CAT5 cables I have 100 Ohm to tell you the difference 😀
@Tharbamar but you're not using any CAT cable as interconnects for digital signal? did you not try the galleon a20 amplifier with this DAC? didn't used it last time ?
@@hoobsgroove I’m only using CAT8 cables now for networking, yes I did try TS A20 it was ok
Can someone answer this question. Do you absolutely need a LAN wire connection in order to operate this DAC? I have a Spotify account but in order to play Spotify connect on this DAC a LAN wire connection is mandatory.
LAN is necessary, most Gustard DAC do not use WiFi.
A follow up question. If I chose to use AirPlay to play Spotify music from my iPad to this DAC, a LAN connection is not necessary right? I know AirPlay is not as good as using Spotify connect.
@ please keep in mind without LAN X26 III will be offline but X26 still show up on airplay list but it will not connect without LAN in my experience.
Anyone uses digital coax from streamer? How is the quality with these Gustards? Thanks
All SPDIF input sound great, I did use COAX input on X26 III with WiiM Ultra.
Tharbamar, Good afternoon ! Gustard Audio X26 III vs Denafrips pontus 15th? Thank you !
X26 III is easy choice for me, thanks
@@Tharbamar You had in your previous comment mentioned that you have not tried Pontus 15th in your system yet. Not sure which one to consider. However I just want to let you know that I was near close to get a used R26 in a very good price, but instead ordered a new X26 III after seeing your review. Hope my decision proves musically right :), thanks for your review.
Does the X26 mark 3 has tidal connect?
x26 iii is on your top 5 dac? Would you raccomend an upgrade from x26 pro to x26 iii and why? What's the difference between x26 iii and x30 in terms of sound quality?
I have upgraded from X26 Pro to X26 III. The III is slightly better in every aspect of sound: fine detail, soundstage, dynamics, bass texture and depth, midrange voice. It adds up to quite a lot better and is a no-brainer at the price.
Are you using a streamer connected to the x26 iii?
@@martinwtaylor
Do you think this DAC “X26 III” has solved the lack of depth of the A26 and the lack of precision of the R26?
Can you use it in pre amp DAC mode? Thanks
Yes definitely 👍
Hi Tharbamar from memory, compared to the X30, here you can hear less ambient "noise", the sound it is very detailed but more "forward" or am I wrong?
Sorry it’s been explained in the video, thanks
Is it true that there is a process of burn in or is it just a question of adaptation of the brain and ears?
Yes it's true in most cases but some are more noticeable than others (some people are real sensitive to it) (some people are just placebo) and it's not measurable by equipments but it can be recorded in controlled setting, like in this video ruclips.net/video/If91KWWgv70/видео.html it's not entirely the same but same process can be use for testing.
@@Tharbamar in your opinion x26 iii required burn in in and if yes how much?
@@pablito86 I do not count or record actual burn-in time since I have many, most new equipment I’d just let it run in for about a week by leaving it on all the time.
What's the big difference between this, a 1600 dollars DAC and a 60 dollar SMSL Su1 with a 30 dollar linear power supply. Is there a huge performance difference? If so, how?
Simple short answer is night and day difference in good systems, it’s like you are driving luxury car vs economy car.
But if you’re satisfied with what you have I would say keep enjoying your music, main speakers and amp should be first to upgrade if you’re trying to improve your system.
@Tharbamar thank you! Definitely a good upgrade path 🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@Tharbamar it's difficult to understand and estimate the difference without an audition in my own system, which is hard for 1600 dollars, and unfortunately I haven't found any good reviewers like you talk about this. Comparisons are always made in the same price bracket making it difficult for an enthusiast to justify moving up a price bracket.
Better than Holo Cyan 2?
I don't think so!
Definitely, X26 III is better in many ways and bass control is much better, as always sound is subjective but in general X26 III is better choice IMHO.
Wow the sample sounds very distorded!
Do you listen with headphones?
With akg 545 and sound blaster x1. At 17:15 to 17:20 for exemple voice is distorded.
16:15 to 16:25 too. It's ear bleeding
@@sebastiencouleau4330 Oh that distortion is from recording caused by extreme peaks, nothing to do with DAC and probably your headphones can't handle those peaks very well either and maybe more noticeable with added gain from sound blaster making it significant.
Try without sound blaster or use simple monitor headphones like Sony MDR-7506 or Yamaha HS-5 Studio Monitor speakers can easily differentiate between distortion from recording and actual sound of a DAC.
BTW FYI: in modern DACs there is no DAC that make that sort of noise, AND this X26 III is SOTA DAC in every regards.
I tried directly without the sound blaster too. Now that i'm used to listen with digital attenuation before the digital filter i'm more sensitive to clipping. Do you provide digital headroom? I'm pretty sûre that almost every record leads to clipping dac if we don''t atténuate a little the signal before the digital filter. As with gustard the custom filter is in a dsp before the digital atténuation of the dac we cannot now if there is headroom. It's the same with my c100 i atténuate with the digital volume because some CD leads to clipping at full volume. Sound is les digital and less harsh then. I believe the ess harshness wad because of that and the new ones have digital volume before the oversampling filter instead after.
Roon sounds better in my Gustard r26 setup utilizing a simple CCA puck via optical out compared to the R26 internal steamer via LAN input.
I hope they drop the build in streamer and preamp one day and offer a pure dac 🤞🏻