Gustard a26 vs denafrips reddit Nobody's responded to this post yet. the Denafrips basic Aries is much better ,the pontus2+ a excellent dac Mar 18, 2024 · And compared to the USB and Coax inputs, I2S is much, much better. I ordered the A26 as I felt May 15, 2023 · This thread is for COMPARISONS between the Gustard A26 and R26 Discrete DAC. I also like the looks and a couple of the features of the A26. The heat - as SQ225917 & cb01 have said - is a result of the output stages. Chord seems to offer better imaging/ detail Feb 10, 2023 · Gustard a26. My dac is 10 year old tech but has an I2S input so the DDC and the clock transformed the sound. Mar 1, 2023 · D400EX is impressive here, even more so compared to their SU-10 and VMV D1SE and it’s on another level compared to DO200 MKII and C200. Comes with original packaging PPFF or Zelle ( if G&S buyer pays 3. R26 has more of a 3D open live soundstage but that's the only one that does better than A26. I have had the former for 2 weeks and the latter for 4 months. EDIT: Apr 13, 2019 · Seems like a direct competitor to the Denafrips Pontus 2. to/3P42bALMusic: The Battle of 1066 by Patrick P Dec 10, 2022 · HQ Player desktop from a Gaming Laptop. So I'd say in order to get the best performance out of the Cyan 2, you need a good DDC. mofojo. And from what I've heard, is there a big difference between the delta sigma version vs the R2R version in terms of overall sound stage? The A26 is considerably cheaper at $1800 AUD vs R26 at $2300. My previous DAC was a Denafrips Ares II so that will be my only comparison. Then with the U18 you could try I²S or whatever. I do listen to alot of acoustic music and female voices, so according to scripture an R26 may have been the way to Nov 27, 2024 · Has anyone here heard the Gustard A26 and compared it to other Gustard DACs, in particular the R26? If Denafrips made a DAC with streamer, MQA, wifi, display, etc. I had read so much about the benefits of R2R dacs. I owned the P2 for about 6 months last year. It resolved like no other and imaging was pinpoint and more precise that anything I've ever heard. May 31, 2024 · DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Burson Conductor Reference SE with Sparkos Pro op amps, Conductor 3XP with Sparkos 3602, Aune X8 XVIII w/ Sparkos Pro amps or IFI Zendac V2. Perhaps ask @sbogdanovs for his contact/whether there is an A26 beta test opportunity. It improved for two days and seemed stable since. Details; Discussions; Posts; This discussion; Message User; 2,303 posts. Forget this junk. A26 is better than R26 in almost every way IMO. May 15, 2023 · The two that really intrigue me, especially at their prospective price points are Gustard A26 & R26. It should arrive late next week. Aug 17, 2023 · Without it, A26 would simply be in a different league. I didn’t need to re-adjust their voltage output, as both are providing 5V volts at full power. and it sounded good, it would have a starting price of $6,000. Add your thoughts and get the conversation going. Most reviews suggest Ares is more organic (analog like) some suggest it compromises on detail. The R26 thread is already almost 400 pages and the A26 thread is more than 40. Equipment Forums May 15, 2023 · @sajunky Reviewing the last couple of pages. Analog cables: DIY Nordost audio cables XLR and RCA, box full of DIY and high end cables from Ebay and AudioQuest ect. Conclusion. The X30’s sound is smooth Apr 30, 2023 · I have not listened to the lineup being discussed, but based on the OP desire for 'relaxed, warm' suggest staying with your R2R options. com is an independent review website for headphones and portable audio and founded in 2011 Oct 18, 2023 · LAiV Harmony / Gustard R26 | Denafrips Athena | Pass XA25 / Hypex Nilai / Sugden A21SE JCAT USB Isolator, Singxer SU6, Gustard A26, Audia Flight Pre Mk III (dual mono class A preamplifier), Audia Flight FL50 Mk Jan 25, 2023 · For those of you who are lucky enough to have received the A26 already, have you had a chance to compare the performance of built-in LAiV Harmony / Gustard R26 | Denafrips Athena | Pass XA25 / Hypex Nilai / Sugden A21SE | Focal Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Jan 15, 2023 · This January, I decided to let the Gustard R26 DAC go. R2R preferred. The reason I chose the R26 over the R7HE 2020 (which was available, used locally) is and was resolution. Coming from the 9038s in the Musical Paradise MP-D2 MK3 deluxe I am kinda leaning towards the A26. Jun 20, 2023 · Let's say Eversolo Z8 vs Gustard R26 (R2R), or Gustard A26 vs Chord Qutest (Pulse Array FPGA). USB cables: Supra Excalibur, Viborg's best and $20 version, Ebay TypeC $20 (quite good). ca USB cables make a difference and can get very pricey. Not sure if there is a separate programme for the A26 and/or whether it or the R26 programme is still open. DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Burson Conductor Reference SE with Sparkos Pro op amps, Conductor 3XP with Sparkos 3602, Aune X8 XVIII w/ Sparkos Dec 10, 2022 · I guess I am ready for a first comparison of the Gustard A26 and the Audio-GD R8HE Mk2 (hereafter AGD). The Sabre9038 is eight current-output dacs on a chip, and Gustard have implemented individual IV stages for each output (most designers either go with a voltage output stage or combine the individual outputs and convert the combined current to voltage output which is much less heat). Have read and seen video reviews on comparisons but still confused. All well below 2k. to/3UsJkR3Denafrips Pontus II: https://ebay. Now I like detail and soundstage so making a decision for A26 or R26 is a tuff choice. Jan 22, 2023 · Gustard A26 ($1500) VS Gustard R26 Discrete ($1650) I will skip their specs and looks, focusing on their feature set and sound performance. May 15, 2023 · Honestly if you were thinking of getting an A26/R26 just try the lan. Feb 4, 2024 · I haven't seen a lot of user comparisons for these. Gustard r26. I had ES9038s in a tube DAC and figured the A26 might be the better balance for me. 99 retail) Will also throw in Gustard Upgraded fuse for this DAC Smoke free Pet free environment! 8/10 because of small nick and some snail trails on top of unit. Nov 6, 2011 · Am considering purchasing a DAC and am confused between Denafrip Ares and Chord Qutest. Copy Comment URL; Report Comment; Haven’t heard the Gustard R2R but reviews are off the charts. I have the impression that the A26 needs less burn in time than the AGD. The Musetec 005 is a very good DAC, but a bit over Nov 2, 2022 · To anyone interested, I thought I would post my thoughts on the Gustard R26 DAC that I just set-up and listened to along with my thoughts on how it sounded against the BlueSound Node DAC, my Rotel RA-1575 mkii Jun 7, 2023 · Here you will find the links to all our reviews and feel free to discuss the topic in hand. Denafrips and Holo spring have been top of the list. The R26, A26, and U18 are all on sale now on Amazon. It approached the layering and airiness of Gustard’s A26, but it is still not exactly on the same level, as A26 will still portray a bigger picture in front of me. The A26 uses 2 AK4499 chips and the R26 is a resistor ladder DAC. Denafrips Terminator. It keeps the goodness of Quest but gets rid of the negative qualities. It will be paired with the Musical Fidelity M6si amp. Forums. #Denafrips #hifi #GustardTwo excellent R2R DACSOnly one can reign victoriousokwell maybe they both canthat said, hand on heart, I'd pick the Dena Dec 10, 2022 · I have ordered the A26. Maybe my hearing isn't sharp enough to pick up what others seem to hear so clearly. I am able to buy the Ares used for Nov 27, 2024 · Has anyone here heard the Gustard A26 and compared it to other Gustard DACs, in particular the R26? I find the R26 has some remarkable qualities in terms of microdynamics, Mar 20, 2023 · This reviewer also reviewed the Denafrips Terminator Plus and gave it the same score, so it would be logical to assume he’d prefer the Gustard to the Pontus ll 12th Nov 14, 2022 · I’d narrowed my search to either a Denafrips Venus II or a Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 2. "Cool! Nov 12, 2022 · Hey everyone I’m completely new to the Dac world I’m looking to get into the market and have a chance to pick up either one of these for 1K. I have ordered a LHY OCK-1 so I will be able to comment on the differences between the A26 internal clock and the OCK-1. Mar 17, 2024 · I am willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for aesthetics if the difference isn't big enough. If you went DDC route, why not just get a Gustard U18. I really do like my A26, but would not describe it as warm and relaxed. Get something that’s made to high standards. It kinda falls somewhere between the Qutest and Pontus in this respect. I am wondering if I should buy a new DAC and considering the Denafrips or the Gustard. Home. 0, Denafrips Terminator 2 12th-1, Gustard X30, Holo Spring 3, Yggrasil Og , Dmp DACS: Gustard R26 and A26, Holo Cyan, VMV D2R, Jun 25, 2024 · Gustard X30 vs. Thank you! Nov 2, 2024 · GUSTARD X26III Dual ES9039SPRO DAC, Holo May L2, Cen Grand DSDAC 1. Or, LAN CAT6 cables to and from a Netgear Mesh Router. May 15, 2023 · If you compare the natural qualities versus what the reviewers say about the strengths of the two DAC's, it becomes clear to me that the R26 is the one that conveys the most real or natural sound. Gustard X30 vs. You said some may not like R2R DACs. Even between Topping DACs (from various models) there are differences in sound, let alone between two companies that use different parts in output stage and DAC Chip. 5% fee ) May 15, 2023 · The two that really intrigue me, especially at their prospective price points are Gustard A26 & R26. Both are in your price range. Jun 7, 2023 · 438 subscribers in the Headfonics community. Gustard A26 is a high-end audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that features an I2S input. Dec 10, 2022 · I was referring the Tidal Connect beta testing programme for the R26 - see post from the R26 thread below. 02-11-2023 at 12:12am . The X26 mentioned is likely to be more detailed and brighter than my Gustard A26. But the new Gustard has got me interested. There are two separate threads, one for each DAC. So what did I NOT like about the R26 when compared to the Pountus? Dec 10, 2022 · Now it's broken in it sounds amazing Compared to R26, every note has more weight and the bass is hitting harder- pounding against my chest while smooth but very detailed. Unfortunately, I did not have this DDC when I had the Pontus- I used the USB input on the Pontus. Jul 14, 2022 · I had my cheapo Douk audio USB DDC crap out a few weeks ago and pulled the trigger on a newer Gustard u18 after doing some research and liking the possibility to upgrade the sound on my music setup, Check out Denafrips. May 15, 2023 · Just for the record: The R26 is a fully discrete design DAC. At the end of the Dec 25, 2022 · Hi guys, I've been looking to upgrade my DAC from Topping D50s to either Gustard R24 or the Denafrips Ares II (now known as Enyo) I've read individual reviews of both units, but couldn't find a comparison between the two. Cheers Stryker10, Nov 4, 2022 #3. com/products/gustard-r26-discrete-r2r-dec. I know a little about both and I understand that the Denafrips Ares ii gets incredible reviews but the M6 is often compared to the chord Hugo2 which is on a completely Jul 1, 2023 · GUSTARD A26 and the GUSTARD R26 Honestly there is no bad choice, but it was a difficult decision to make between the A26 or R26 The denafrips Gaia DDC is supposed to be great, but so is the price. Which I think speaks to the quality of the Denafrips USB implementation- it's very good. I had read that before so that was another reason why I went with an A26. Looking at both DACs, I was Jul 1, 2023 · My search lead me to probably the 2 most popular new high bang for dollar out there. Quite a big price difference. Even with that power supply in the game, I would still give the advantage to A26 both in terms of sonics and as a better value. To put it short and simple, Gustard A26 is a mighty fine-sounding product and an even mightier value once you consider everything it brings to the table. to/3TULMzS]Gustard R26 ----- [https://shenzhenaudio. us/3trQ7cLadder Schumann: https://amzn. I understand the streamer hardware and Gustarender firmware is Dec 15, 2023 · Gustard A26 w/ Built in Streamer and UPGRADED Synergistic Purple Fuse ($199. Sound Quality: The A26 is another solid DAC from Gustard, but the X30 surpasses it with its exceptional detail and fluidity. Both were in the price range I was comfortable with. Nov 2, 2022 · I have been looking at DAC improvement on my Node . Apr 30, 2023 · I feel the Gustard has similar presentation but with more density and smoothness. Feb 8, 2023 · Denafrips Hermes or Gaia DDC both feature Toslink and Coax digital inputs and I2S outputs. Headfonics. The I2S (Inter-IC Sound) interface is a serial bus interface used for transmitting audio data between digital audio devices, Dec 3, 2022 · Gustard R26: https://amzn. And yes, personal preference can't be ignored. Gustard A26. Great build quality but I had a hard time noticing any difference between it and my Topping D90. I hope you get to loan it and report back. Not Feb 10, 2023 · Gustard X26 Pro or the newer R2R DAC which I have not heard but people seem to like a lot. Gustard R26 ----- [https://amzn. If you want more options maybe get a DDC. Both units have been tested in headphone and stereo setups, I used the same power cables and interconnects. The A26 may sound more impressive, and it may reveal more subtle details, but I doubt it will sound more realistic - as in actual, real life. It's even called "R26 Discrete" for this reason. hefrjl uhiw gvgew ylgthj ozkqn rvlcwq ixakeh xace fbzb usqzkh