Hi @betula thanks for your impressions of the A6, helps people like me who is deciding. I do have a few questions though: 1. What are the benefits of having digital out to external DAC through its existing ports? 2. Is one of the benefits for people who want to use the USB-C port connection...

Yes, it's a Pioneer Elite LX-505 AVR with Dirac Live feature to get the best our of my Polk Audio Dolby Atmos "Reserve" series speakers which are known for its neutrality and have tested highly. However, for music listening, I use the "Pure Direct" mode on the AVR to bypass all internal...

Hi @]eep thanks so much for your insights. I always thought there is something "off" about ASR, but could not figure out what. After your explanation, it has all become clear. Thank goodness I did not base my decision on the "gospel" over there :sweat_smile: For the time being, I plan on...

I am debating between the basic A6 and Master Edition. Give the specs do you all think there would be an audible difference? I tried to do some research but folks over at ASR think it’s a waste of money to go Master as there will no difference. Just don’t want to get the wrong model.

Does anyone know what processor is in the ZX707? Is it a better one than A306? I plan on running Roon on it but most reviews I read/watched say A306 is too laggy so I am hoping ZX707 is more capable because it's double the price? Has anyone used Roon on ZX707 and how's your experience?

About filters on A26, has anyone been able to achieve the same effect or better using the equalizer settings at the source, eg. Roon’s PEQ feature. Or the A26 filters have capabilities that PEQ cannot provide?

Sorry for oversimplifying my setup about Mac Studio. You are correct there is no fiber input option for Macs, I was just going to connect the fiber cable from to a fiber switch located next to router, and then have a very short shielded and foiled twisted CAT7 or CAT8 cable to Mac Studio to...

This seems like a great new product to have everything in one housing instead of multiple pieces, with all components of the audio network being routed by this switch, not to mention its SPF port to allow direct fiber connection to an upstream router. Speaking of switches and FMCs for the...

Just like @Davidv100, I don't have the A26 yet but eyeing it as my next DAC because it is "affordable" but performs just as well or better than $3k and higher DACs. However, after hearing that externals clocks are needed to unleash its full 100% potential, I am wondering what the missing link...

Tidal integration messes up my Roon library so much that I decided to disconnect it. There are a long thread in Roon community forums documenting how Roon chooses lower res Tidal versions instead of local DSD files to play. So I will only listen to Tidal directly for now until Roon fixes this...

I plan on using A26 exclusively with Roon feeding DSD files and Tidal Connect with MQA. I am interested in “fiber media converters”, has been any specific brand/type that is tested to work well with Gustard devices or A26 in particular? Actually is it really necessary if my A26 is only 2-3ft...

Thanks for this, it is indeed good news to hear many users happy with A26 Ethernet connection. This makes an external streamer redundant unless it’s a really really good streamer.

I really hope Gustard would hurry so I won't have to worry about getting a streamer/digital transport like Volumio Rivo or iFi Zen. A26 already has Roon, once it has Tidal Connect, it will have everything I need! Unless, there is an advantage to get an additional streamer instead of using the...

iFi Zen Stream is a good alternative for A26, but I still wonder if Rivo still has better components to make a difference. Aurender N200 on the other hand seems nice and a stripped version of HiFiRose, but without Tidal Connect and Roon, I don't think it adds much value to A26. Also, N200 at...

I mainly use Roon and Tidal. In this case, would adding the Volumio Rivo "Digital Transport" between the source and A26 negate the use of external clocks and other expensive components? Volumio claims their "Rivo" is designed with high quality components like OFC transformers, dedicated power...

That’s fantastic, can any owners of A26 join the beta? Or is this a private trial?

Super interested in getting A26, but the lack of Tidal Direct is making me pause. I don’t have Linux knowledge so I can’t install the GitHub version of Tidal Connect either. Does anyone know if Gustard is working on native support for Tidal Connect?

Amazon Prime in July for sure will bring discounts to many popular DACs, so it may be sooner than November. But personally I am hoping there is some kind of early Spring sale before July because 20% is quite significant.

Looks like a good deal. Hopefully a sale in US/Canada is coming soon too. Been waiting for weeks!

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 streamer to external streamers? I am curious about the new upgraded Wiim Pro and especially Volumnio Rivo, which advertises the following: Even if you have...

Just curious where did you order from? Do they allow returns?

Yes I agree with you "serious streaming" may not be the best choice of words to refer to Amazon and Tidal, so "Mass streaming" is probably a more suitable phrase. When I used "serious" I just meant manufacturers need to take into their reach/market seriously by incorporating them. On the...

Quick question for D400EX owners, why does it not have 12V Triggers? On the other hand, the comparable Topping E70V has convenient 12V Trigger ports. Especially when it is only equipped with the very limited "Dimmer" function. You can't make the screen stay on only when tracks are playing. And...

I edited my original post to reflect that: • Wiim has AlexaCast in addition to Tidal Connect too • Rivo has Tidal Connect already, but still working on AlexaCast • whereas A26 does not have any of these serious streaming capabilities Yes, Wiim Mini is under-powered. But the new Wiim Pro is...

@zoidbb thanks so much for writing these comparisons and recommendations. They are very helpful. The "streaming capability" is what is making my decision hard right now, so I am curious what others think about the following: 1. A26 does not support "Tidal Connect" and AlexaCast. Tidal Connect...