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

[Alenotta]

Ok update on the driver installation. Got bootcamp to recognize the USB by using a usb dongle adapter to a normal size usb on one side. Don't ask me why that worked. The installation is still a bit confusing so I'll elaborate on what worked for me:

1. Don't power off the front of the Gustard, but turn off the switch on the back. The circular light on the front should be solid, but it is off.
2. Plug in the usb c cable.
3. Open the driver and the installer. I think it may help to have them both open.
4. Run the driver (You can probably do this before the other stuff.)
5. If the USB-SERIAL CH341A doesn't come up pretty immediately in the installer COM drop down menu try unplugging and replugging the usb. If it doesn't pop up as an option it isn't going to work.
6. When you please the interface gods and it does pop up select that and click the upper left button that says, "3. click here"
7. This runs something, but you probably won't be able to read what it is telling you. My computer didn't even display this as Chinese characters. It looked more like alien hieroglyphics. At this point turn on the Gustard switch on the back of the unit. The installer will then pick back up and run a green progress bar.
8. When it seems to be done with stuff unplug the usb.
9. Restart holding the circular power button on the left and the inner circle on the right. Make sure on the right you're pressing that inner circle on the right side of the button. Your firmware will display.

ANNNND SPOILER after all that....still a dog whistle sound. Nothing was fixed by the October update. Fingers crossed for the November one, but likely not going to fix it.

 

[camrector]

Ok update on the driver installation. Got bootcamp to recognize the USB by using a usb dongle adapter to a normal size usb on one side. Don't ask me why that worked. The installation is still a bit confusing so I'll elaborate on what worked for me:

1. Don't power off the front of the Gustard, but turn off the switch on the back. The circular light on the front should be solid, but it is off.
2. Plug in the usb c cable.
3. Open the driver and the installer. I think it may help to have them both open.
4. Run the driver (You can probably do this before the other stuff.)
5. If the USB-SERIAL CH341A doesn't come up pretty immediately in the installer COM drop down menu try unplugging and replugging the usb. If it doesn't pop up as an option it isn't going to work.
6. When you please the interface gods and it does pop up select that and click the upper left button that says, "3. click here"
7. This runs something, but you probably won't be able to read what it is telling you. My computer didn't even display this as Chinese characters. It looked more like alien hieroglyphics. At this point turn on the Gustard switch on the back of the unit. The installer will then pick back up and run a green progress bar.
8. When it seems to be done with stuff unplug the usb.
9. Restart holding the circular power button on the left and the inner circle on the right. Make sure on the right you're pressing that inner circle on the right side of the button. Your firmware will display.

ANNNND SPOILER after all that....still a dog whistle sound. Nothing was fixed by the October update. Fingers crossed for the November one, but likely not going to fix it.

I wonder if they changed a part? We would have to open them up and compare.
Mine that arrived today has zero hum, whistle, noise.
Firmware says 11/6/2022

 

[searchingtom]

Received a R26 today. Way too early impression - WOW!

 

[camrector]

Received a R26 today. Way too early impression - WOW!

Yup same here I agree

 

[Alenotta]

I wonder if they changed a part? We would have to open them up and compare.
Mine that arrived today has zero hum, whistle, noise.
Firmware says 11/6/2022

Well I have my fingers crossed for everyone. Mine didn't make the sound at first either. It like slowly became apparent.

This is what I'm hearing:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n1insnqy5nijns8/Gustard R26 Example.wav?dl=0

A constant high pitch sound at the 8k mark. It isn't very loud and it is more obvious at certain head angles. It is a good tinnitus simulator when you aren't wearing your headphones. The sound is constant when the back switch is on - even if you turn the front power button off.

 

[camrector]

Well I have my fingers crossed for everyone. Mine didn't make the sound at first either. It like slowly became apparent.

This is what I'm hearing:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n1insnqy5nijns8/Gustard R26 Example.wav?dl=0

A constant high pitch sound at the 8k mark. It isn't very loud and it is more obvious at certain head angles.

Ugh I’m sorry man.
When did it begin? How long did you have have it for?

 

[Alenotta]

Ugh I’m sorry man.
When did it begin? How long did you have have it for?

I've had it for 1 month. I played it a lot at first to break it in. I did leave for 1 week and kept it off for that time. The sound was definitely obvious after that.

 

[Odezra]

I've had it for 1 month. I played it a lot at first to break it in. I did leave for 1 week and kept it off for that time. The sound was definitely obvious after that.

Have you sent that recording to Gustard? i'd love to see it resolved for you, even if it's not too bad with Headphones. That would bug me in my speaker set up.

 

[Alenotta]

Have you sent that recording to Gustard? i'd love to see it resolved for you, even if it's not too bad with Headphones. That would bug me in my speaker set up.

Literally just sent off the recording to them to see what they say. I was confused about their email address being a 163.com, but I guess it is legit. It did come with a warranty card that says 2 years.

 

[Odezra]

Literally just sent off the recording to them to see what they say. I was confused about their email address being a 163.com, but I guess it is legit. It did come with a warranty card that says 2 years.

Yea - I'd request a replacement if they can't give you anything to do at home. The website is legit. I was in contact with them the other week about the best set up with a clock, and they were v responsive (acknowledging the local timezone and working hours)

 

[Fluty]

I’m having this issue too on hi res Qobuz files, using Bubble UPnP. I’ll check all the settings in Bubble later, but I think it’s the app, not the DAC. Seems like those with this problem are all using Bubble UPnP?

Not all - I have the same problem using either mconnect or Roon

 

[rodthebod]

Yep I can open the driver and installer. The installer never finds the USB that it says pops up. The drop down menu only has the COM options. Tried with power off on front and back / power on / power on back off on front. Tried 4 usb c cables.

Just a thought sucking eggs maybe, have you tried connecting another USB device to ensure the ports are OK in Bootcamp Windows?

 

[Madrasee]

Having used Zen Streamer / Dac 2 and another set of Allo USBridge / Pro-Ject Digital S2, decided to bite the bullet with R26. Have ordered R26 and U18 together. Anyone trying this combination ? Also, kindly share your expereience on LAN port. Is it recognizing ROON ? Whats the option for streaming TIDAL (without Roon), till we get that feature available ? Is it unfolding MQA ??

 

[Madrasee]

Not all - I have the same problem using either mconnect or Roon

Any chance the firmware upgrade is pending. I believe there is new firmware and they plan to add more features through upgrade.

 

[Neslo1108]

Having used Zen Streamer / Dac 2 and another set of Allo USBridge / Pro-Ject Digital S2, decided to bite the bullet with R26. Have ordered R26 and U18 together. Anyone trying this combination ? Also, kindly share your expereience on LAN port. Is it recognizing ROON ? Whats the option for streaming TIDAL (without Roon), till we get that feature available ? Is it unfolding MQA ??

You can use BubbleUPNP (android) or MConnect (iOS) for streaming Tidal to R26