[oronymo]

I currently own a Chord Qutest and have purchased an A26 because although the Qutest sounded great, it lacked that bass slam that makes music enjoyable for me so hopefully I will find the Gustard better in that department.

Almost certain there is more bang per buck with Chi-fi but will let you know when I receive my unit.

Looking forward to your experience!

 

[kmustangt88]

so… I’ve compared a26 to r26, and holo spring 3, to me and my audio buds … we feel the r26 edges out the a26…. Not by much…. And the Holo spring 3 is a little better than the r26. These dacs definitely punch above there weight class. Next up im going for the octo 8 dac

 

[pataburd]

so… I’ve compared a26 to r26, and holo spring 3, to me and my audio buds … we feel the r26 edges out the a26…. Not by much…. And the Holo spring 3 is a little better than the r26. These dacs definitely punch above there weight class. Next up im going for the octo 8 dac

Please elaborate with specifics . . .

 

[bodiebill2]

so… I’ve compared a26 to r26, and holo spring 3, to me and my audio buds … we feel the r26 edges out the a26…. Not by much…. And the Holo spring 3 is a little better than the r26. These dacs definitely punch above there weight class. Next up im going for the octo 8 dac

As the Spring does not accept an external clock, I assume you did not use one for the other two DACs?

 

[Highfive99]

so… I’ve compared a26 to r26, and holo spring 3, to me and my audio buds … we feel the r26 edges out the a26…. Not by much…. And the Holo spring 3 is a little better than the r26. These dacs definitely punch above there weight class. Next up im going for the octo 8 dac

I think the difference comes down to personal tastes/preferences as Sandu at soundnews.net has the A edging out the R in his in depth review. The A does some things better than the R and the R does some things better than A. Can't go wrong with either I'd say.

 

[oronymo]

I'm mainly curious which version is a better fit for Susvara, knowing that it is very transparent just a tad bass shy. Sandu said the R26 was warmer but also that the A26 had more bass punch...

 

[galaxysound25]

As A26 does not have inbuilt bluetooth, can someone plase tell, how usefull is the bluetooth in R26 and how does it sound with that. Can that feature be ignored or its a good to have feature. Thank you.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I'm mainly curious which version is a better fit for Susvara, knowing that it is very transparent just a tad bass shy. Sandu said the R26 was warmer but also that the A26 had more bass punch...

I'd say the R26 with its larger soundstage and more holographic presentation would play on the strengths of your Susvara.

If you want more of the same sound signature I'd say go for the R26 but if you find it decent in that department, maybe the A26 would be the better choice. Sandu's review made me purchase my A26.

 

[Highfive99]

As A26 does not have inbuilt bluetooth, can someone plase tell, how usefull is the bluetooth in R26 and how does it sound with that. Can that feature be ignored or its a good to have feature. Thank you.

My X26Pro has BT. Convenient, yes for connecting a cell phone or whatever. But it's the lowest quality signal you can feed a DAC with. Handy but pretty much useless for most audiophiles. I used it once to try it but see no compelling need to use it.

 

[galaxysound25]

My X26Pro has BT. Convenient, yes for connecting a cell phone or whatever. But it's the lowest quality signal you can feed a DAC with. Handy but pretty much useless for most audiophiles. I used it once to try it but see no compelling need to use it.

Thank you for sharing, got my answer. I think no use if BT then. Anyways both have inbuilt streamer which is great. Just need to figure out now if I should buy R26 or A26 for HE1000V2

 

[oronymo]

I'd say the R26 with its larger soundstage and more holographic presentation would play on the strengths of your Susvara.

If you want more of the same sound signature I'd say go for the R26 but if you find it decent in that department, maybe the A26 would be the better choice. Sandu's review made me purchase my A26.

I would want whichever one adds more bass / mid-bass oomph.

 

[milkdudd]

I would want whichever one adds more bass / mid-bass oomph.

I agree but to me very quick, articulate and refined bass is just as important as the overall output. I'm hoping the A26 excels in that area

 

[drummerdimitri]

I would want whichever one adds more bass / mid-bass oomph.

It is my understanding that the R26 will give you more bass quantity but the A26 will have more bass slam/impact and control.

 

[oronymo]

It is my understanding that the R26 will give you more bass quantity but the A26 will have more bass slam/impact and control.

what if i want both?! :-D

 

[milkdudd]

what if i want both?! :-D

If I was Jack Nicholson I'd scream:
"You can't handle both!"
0r I'd scream:
"You can't handle the bass!"