[kennyb123]

From reviews I'm worry about eventualy dryness from X26 Pro but A20h is not so very wet in some opinions too.

I think dryness would point to a problem with the source feeding the DAC. The x26pro’s inputs aren’t galvanically isolated so a low noise source or DDC (like the U18) are a must.

 

[MartinWT]

I don't hear the X26 Pro as dry, it is very full in the midrange and amazingly potent in the bass. If you need USB (as I do), then pair it with the U18 and connect the two with I2S. Fantastic combination.

 

[nexgen]

Thank you @kennyb123 and @MartinWT for DDC suggestion. I have never heard about such a hardware but first I will let my ears judge about that if I need it Now I'm closer to decision about purchase X26 Pro. Was considering A26 but I also have Shanling H7 as transportable DAC/AMP and it doesn't have a sense to have so much similar source (both based on 4499EX and have similar describing impressions).

 

[godmax]

Happy owner of Gustard A20h here. I have had SMSL SU-9 in the past and I was very happy from pairing it with ifi iCan Pro but AIO Gustard A20h was a bit better for my taste. Now I'm thinking about upgrade for X26 Pro and pair it with my HiFiMAN EF6. From reviews I'm worry about eventualy dryness from X26 Pro but A20h is not so very wet in some opinions too.

With the X26Pro you would be at the pinnacle of what modern DACs can and should offer. Think of it as your former SU-9 on steroids. I don’t think you can wrong with it! Opposite to other opinions here about the compelling need for DDC, I also use a USB isolator for galvanic isolation

 

[nexgen]

Think of it as your former SU-9 on steroids.

Hmmm ... that is what I can imagine May I ask you how big difference in your opinion is between XD05 Pro as DAC vs X26 Pro ?

 

[DAPpower]

I would also argue for the U18 as it adds a whole other "dimension" to the X26 Pro sound signature.
There is a more 3D-like staging, treble is not as spicy as before, it seems much more smoother and less of that digital glare.

Not to mention the background is noticeable blacker than before.

Of course you will have to spend extra money for a decent I2S cable.

 

[taipan254]

A cheaper way to get USB galvanic isolation is to buy a Topping HS02. I use it in line with an ultraRendu and I think it is great. It is also great direct from the computer.

 

[godmax]

Hmmm ... that is what I can imagine May I ask you how big difference in your opinion is between XD05 Pro as DAC vs X26 Pro ?

To be honest, I haven't used the XD05Pro as a pure DAC so far, but only as an all-in-one unit with the integrated headphone amplifier - I'm really happy with this great ‘little‘ unit, but it will most likely not be a match against the X26Pro.

 

[Thetaburn]

Thank you @kennyb123 and @MartinWT for DDC suggestion. I have never heard about such a hardware but first I will let my ears judge about that if I need it Now I'm closer to decision about purchase X26 Pro. Was considering A26 but I also have Shanling H7 as transportable DAC/AMP and it doesn't have a sense to have so much similar source (both based on 4499EX and have similar describing impressions).

The x26pro + U18 + external clock is on a whole different level compared to my Shangling M8 DAP (akm 4499eq).

I do not think the x26pro sounds dry.

Like others have stated, the x26pro does need a DDC if you connect it to a PC or else it sounds very average.

 

[nexgen]

Thank you all.

Shangling M8 DAP (akm 4499eq).

I had it too. It was the most musically (pure analog, smooth and organic) source I ever listened to so if for you :

I do not think the x26pro sounds dry.

then I don't have a worry about

Now that makes me considering a purchase of U16 or U18 first and see how A20h will sound other than directly connected over USB to PC. After that I will make decision about X26 Pro.

 

[kennyb123]

Thank you @kennyb123 and @MartinWT for DDC suggestion. I have never heard about such a hardware but first I will let my ears judge about that if I need it Now I'm closer to decision about purchase X26 Pro.

I strongly believe that the source is more important than the DAC. I don’t think that one can really gain an appreciation of how good a DAC actually is if the source is PC. @MartinWT does it exactly right by having an excellent source combined with a DDC.

 

[nexgen]

I strongly believe that the source is more important than the DAC. I don’t think that one can really gain an appreciation of how good a DAC actually is if the source is PC.

So not a bad idea to buy U18 first and try with my current DACs ? I do not want to go to extremes and big expenses.

 

[kennyb123]

So not a bad idea to buy U18 first and try with my current DACs ?

It’s not difficult to purchase Gustard products with a 30 day money back offer. I think it’s a no-brainer to audition when one can. Especially in your case as your DAC has an I2S input.

 

[mRaaghava]

Thank you @kennyb123 and @MartinWT for DDC suggestion. I have never heard about such a hardware but first I will let my ears judge about that if I need it Now I'm closer to decision about purchase X26 Pro. Was considering A26 but I also have Shanling H7 as transportable DAC/AMP and it doesn't have a sense to have so much similar source (both based on 4499EX and have similar describing impressions).

IMO Gustard R26 is the best of the three latest DACs from Gustard X, R & A. For R26, I think you don’t need DDC.
Is your amp Hifiman EF600? Then also consider amp upgrade.

 

[MartinWT]

IMO Gustard R26 is the best of the three latest DACs from Gustard X, R & A. For R26, I think you don’t need DDC.
Is your amp Hifiman EF600? Then also consider amp upgrade.

Opinions differ. I prefer the X26 Pro to the R26. I haven't heard the A26.