GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Gustard is announcing their new R2R DAC the R26. Might as well provide a new thread since there are none.
Source: http://www.gustard.cn/?post_type=products&page_id=14991
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Support Downloads:
NEW! Gustard USB Driver (v5.72) Universal driver for USB devices.

PDF User Manual (Translated from Chinese)
Gustard Support Page - Driver and Firmware
Gustard Usb Driver (v5.68) Universal driver for USB devices. (If problem downloading go to support page above)
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FW Update Procedure:
1. Switch off the power switch on the back panel.
2. Launch usbimager and click '...' button on the right of first bar. Select 'R##_#v##.img.gz'.
3. Connect Type-C port to PC and remove other USB storage. The device would appear on the second bar.
4. Click the third bar to write the image.
5. Close usbimager after finished, turn on the power after USB disconnected.

When no connection is established between PC and DAC change cable (problem in most cases)
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Firmwares:

NEW! Gustard R26 FW 1.43 W/ TIDAL and MAC address Fix (as always thanks to @wikaudio) HERE.

Official Gustard R26 FW 1.43 Oct. 03, 2023 -> HERE! (Mediafire) or HERE! (Baidu)
Changelog:

• Added mainstream protocols Spotify (premium account) and Tidal Connect (confirmed for Mac, No in Android)
• DSD on UPnP will still not work
• For Roon need to re-add device

Gustard render firmware download v1.42 April 26, 2023 (Win/Mac -> see below using Balena Fletcher)
Change log:

• Fixed known bugs.
• Optimize memory consumption.
• Upgrade HQplayer NAA to [4.4.0-56].
• Fix for UPnP 24bit/96Khz, this version of UPnP does not include DSD support. For DSD support in UPnP, please use the previous version.

Previous FW v1.4 December 02, 2022 -> HERE

Another method of Firmware Update (Win/Mac) instructions using Balena Etcher (Win/Mac). Thank you @Dandoudou for making the PDF guide:
https://mega.nz/file/Rol10J7J#c7pXng-5_LFFkhJNkwm4X-nPAEfz_IJkmXYWUkZIWHY

For (unofficial) FW 1.4 + Roon + Tidal Connect go to this post for download HERE.
With Tidal Connect but with Roon Bridge disabled go to this post for download HERE.
For FW 1.42 + Roon + Tidal go to this post instead HERE. (No Roon) FW1.42 - Roon + Tidal HERE.
Use the Balena Etcher method above for upgrading. Might use a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a USB-A to USB-C cable. Since user have problems with USB-C to USB-C. And thanks to @wikaudio for these.
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Display Firmware (Smaller Character, Turn OFF/ON Display etc.)
Display FW CT m2.1 March 01, 2023 (Win only, on Mac use VMware) AV may report false positive. Display FW instructions is -> HERE
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How to Open / Remove/Loosen screws (tweak): See POST

Replacing Fuse: See POST 5x20mm 3.15A Slow Blow

Clicking Sound (Switching Relays) Fix. Thanks @Super Sonico: See Post for instruction (image) and file fix.

IMO (most users attest to it), best sound thru LAN (built in streamer) w/ FMC mod. But some still prefers thru DDC + Clock.

Needs for a basic Fiber Media Converter (FMC) Mod: Post
Explanation is HERE. Layout diagram is HERE
Thanks @camrector for showing the light -> optics...

Best FMC Module: Just around $38 @ 1M.
Amphenol 10GbE SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables (Amphenol SF-SFPP2EPASS)
For EU: LINK For US: LINK

"Non Documented" things and their soultions:

• PROB: Lan connection doesn't work. App or OS can't find it. FIX: You might have a damaged microsSD card in the unit. Change its microSD card w/ a FW.
• HISS while playing DSD -> post.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Product Photo

Details

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Measurements from the Manufacturer

 

[rafabro]

a new thread since there are none

You're wrong. I was first

 

[Kafé]

Measurements & Review of Gustard R26 Network R2R DAC (L7Audiolab)​

https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/gustard-r26/

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

What i think is the stronger points of this DAC is its Network Streamer capabilties. Along its ability to have an external clock. This features makes it interesting in paper.
Let's see later how it sounds later.

 

[gr8soundz]

Along its ability to have an external clock. This features makes it interesting in paper.

That's also what got my attention.

Been planning to upgrade my entry-level Metrum and Soekris DACs to something with i2s input but started researching eternal clocks too. No idea how much a 10MHz clock would improve things but definitely want the option to try it.

AFAIK, only other R2R DACs below $5K with a clock input are the Denafrips Terminator and a couple of Audio-gd models.

 

[Kafé]

GUSTARD DAC-R26 Discrete R2R DAC I2S Bluetooth LAN AirPlay Roon DLNA 32bit 768kHz DSD512​

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-...n-dlna-32bit-768khz-dsd512-black-p-16596.html

 

[roderickvd]

That's also what got my attention.

Been planning to upgrade my entry-level Metrum and Soekris DACs to something with i2s input but started researching eternal clocks too. No idea how much a 10MHz clock would improve things but definitely want the option to try it.

AFAIK, only other R2R DACs below $5K with a clock input are the Denafrips Terminator and a couple of Audio-gd models.

Exactly this! More opportunities to sink my audiophile money in. Not kidding, this is what makes the hobby so fun.

As-is my Ares II measures better though. Of course not a network streamer, I understand, but I don’t need that either. If the Ares had an I2S option I would be quick to order a DDC to go with it.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Double post

 

[hsg120]

I know this is not an apples to apples comparison, but GoldenSound measured the Gustard X26 Pro not long ago with and without using his APx555's 10Mhz clock output as a reference, and there was almost no difference in DAC performance. For whatever that's worth--

https://goldensound.audio/2022/04/14/gustard-x26-pro-measurements-f20-firmware-10mhz-clock/

I think when you consider how good the clocks in the DAC are already, there may not be much room for improvement.

 

[801evan]

I know this is not an apples to apples comparison, but GoldenSound measured the Gustard X26 Pro not long ago with and without using his APx555's 10Mhz clock output as a reference, and there was almost no difference in DAC performance. For whatever that's worth--

https://goldensound.audio/2022/04/14/gustard-x26-pro-measurements-f20-firmware-10mhz-clock/

I think when you consider how good the clocks in the DAC are already, there may not be much room for improvement.

The claims of goldensound is baseless because he just used the apx555 10mhz clock out. What it only proves is the mediocrity of the apx555 10mhz.

 

[EMINENT]

Well... first impressions.. It feels nice.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Streamer functions works?

 

[EMINENT]

Streamer functions works?

You mean like from phone playing from Tidal and BT to R26?