TheRealDz
500+ Head-Fier
I am eager to hear your experience with the R1. I have a Draco and Gustard X18, both of which I am trying to upgrade. I bought a Holo Cyan 2 to replace my Draco, and am now waiting the month or so for delivery. I had also considered an R1 NOS to replace my X18. A Gustard A26 may also be in the mix. I honestly have never heard any other negative comments about the R1...PS - I would also be using the DAC with my Audio GD DI20 DDC so I would have the choice to use it with either I2S, AES/EBU, RCA coax, or even Toslink optical with an iFi adapter. And though their DDC is sublime, I won't consider Ausio GD DACs anymore, as I was utterly dismayed with their DAC-R1 I used to have.
As for the Draco, it is a solid buy at its price. Coupled with a Gustard U18 DDC, it puts up a large soundstage in my loudspeaker system, and has body to images and notes. It perhaps loses some detail though.