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

[Dandoudou]

If the Dac is connected via USB or I2S, the easiest way to do is to reduce the overall volume on the PC by 10 dB.

Regardless of the volume level issue that you have, it's not a good idea to pass the sound through the mixer of Windows.

I assume that Audirvana Studio as a player has a similar setting somewhere (I don't own Studio).
I haven't looked at Audirvana 3.5 yet.
Not sure if 3.5 is that modern.

You can attenuate the sound with A3.5 as well as with Studio.

 

[Deleeh]

Regardless of the volume level issue that you have, it's not a good idea to pass the sound through the mixer of Windows.


You can attenuate the sound with A3.5 as well as with Studio.

I probably expressed myself incorrectly with regard to the Windows Mixer.
As long as it's via USB, it's a simple but primitive way, that's true.

And you can certainly do it if you have little to no knowledge of software players and use streaming provider apps instead.

Maybe I said it that way.

I still have to check Audirvana 3.5, I haven't had a chance to check yet.
But it sounds good, thanks for the info.

 

[BShaw]

@Dandoudou - I'm pretty sure it was you who first recommended JPlay, and one or two other members have added their positive feedback. Today I installed it on an iPad and my iPhone. This is the player I've been waiting for! Seamless playthrough with Qobuz, easy to navigate, access to liner notes and album/artist write-ups.....and I don't know why technically, but it sounds fantastic. For anyone using mConnect or Bubble UPnP, this is like an evolved, polished version, and just far superior in every way I can see. The only small gripe I have is that my "weekly" playlist doesn't show up, but that's no big loss. Setup was cake too. 2 week trial, then it's $49 US/year. No it's not Roon, but also doesn't involve all the complications (or functions as Roonies would point out) either. Amazing how just buying the R26 has inspired me and many of us here to see just what we could do now that there's such a capable dac in the system.

 

[Dandoudou]

@Dandoudou - I'm pretty sure it was you who first recommended JPlay, and one or two other members have added their positive feedback. Today I installed it on an iPad and my iPhone. This is the player I've been waiting for! Seamless playthrough with Qobuz, easy to navigate, access to liner notes and album/artist write-ups.....and I don't know why technically, but it sounds fantastic. For anyone using mConnect or Bubble UPnP, this is like an evolved, polished version, and just far superior in every way I can see. The only small gripe I have is that my "weekly" playlist doesn't show up, but that's no big loss. Setup was cake too. 2 week trial, then it's $49 US/year. No it's not Roon, but also doesn't involve all the complications (or functions as Roonies would point out) either. Amazing how just buying the R26 has inspired me and many of us here to see just what we could do now that there's such a capable dac in the system.

I have a Roon lifetime, but I think that it's beneficial for all of us, the users, that this new good player was released.
More competition between the developers will force them to continue to improve their software.

 

[cobrabucket]

Alright @duffer5, The Finisar AOC arrived. I was already an FMC convert, but this cable takes my system to the next level. I notice a more textured bass, slightly wider soundstage, better instrument separation but the biggest difference I can hear is with the mid-range. Vocals sounds like they are in the room! WOW!

Thanks to everyone for keeping this a positive, welcoming experience and always going the extra mile to help each other out.

@camrector, Donna Summer never sounded better. Giorgio Moroder laying down the funky beats, too!



TOOT TOOT! BEEP BEEP!


Now I just need FedEx to drop off my Freya Noval and I can get the weekend started properly!

 

[camrector]

Alright @duffer5, The Finisar AOC arrived. I was already an FMC convert, but this cable takes my system to the next level. I notice a more textured bass, slightly wider soundstage, better instrument separation but the biggest difference I can hear is with the mid-range. Vocals sounds like they are in the room! WOW! Thanks to everyone for keeping this a positive, welcoming experience and always going the extra mile to help each other out.

@camrector, Donna Summer never sounded better. Giorgio Moroder laying down the funky beats, too!



TOOT TOOT! BEEP BEEP!

 

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

Yeah Finisar is the module to beat. Me just chilling for now until ER2 comes (if I am not swayed for some other stuf..).

 

[duffer5]

Alright @duffer5, The Finisar AOC arrived. I was already an FMC convert, but this cable takes my system to the next level. I notice a more textured bass, slightly wider soundstage, better instrument separation but the biggest difference I can hear is with the mid-range. Vocals sounds like they are in the room! WOW!

Thanks to everyone for keeping this a positive, welcoming experience and always going the extra mile to help each other out.

@camrector, Donna Summer never sounded better. Giorgio Moroder laying down the funky beats, too!



TOOT TOOT! BEEP BEEP!


Now I just need FedEx to drop off my Freya Noval and I can get the weekend started properly!

I am so pleased you are enjoying the upgrade. Yesterday I was listening to Pink Floyd with my Susvara and the sounds of the clocks ringing blew my mind. 3d is an understatement. I was so pleased with the cable (AOC) that I bought another to save as a backup. Just in case. Least expensive upgrade to date with the biggest impact. And how can you go wrong with a little Donna Summer.

if you want to try a fun alternative this group does some amazing covers including Beatles And others, solid vocal Jazz to make that AOC shine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tok_Tok_Tok

 

[cobrabucket]

I recently received the Freya Noval PreAmp that I bought on close out from Schiit.
For speaker listening, I was previously using a Solid-State Pre [Topping Pre90] with the R26.
It sounds very nice, extremely detailed... but I had a feeling that although pretty good, the NFCA modules used in the Pre90 could be limiting the soundstage.
That's been a common critique of Topping and their amps that use the NFCA [A90, A90D, etc]. They offer extreme clarity and resolution, but it is a double-edged sword because this seems to contribute to a flatter, 2D presentation.
Also, I previously had an A90. After I bought the Jotunheim 2, in addition to the 2D nature mentioned, I realized just how poor the dynamics were on the A90 and I sold it.
So that was always in the back of my mind with Topping gear.

After listening for several hours to the Freya N in my system tonight here are some of my thoughts:
IMO, Using tubes in the Freya N helps to really allow the R26 to spread it's wings with regards to the soundstage.
Although there might be a hair less detail with the Freya to my ear, it images better and has an almost 3D-sounding aspect to the staging.
I am currently employing 2x Soviet 6N6P on the left [cathode follower output stage], 2x Phillips PCC88 on the right side [voltage gain stage].
Problem is, I have bought several more tube varieties that I should try out. I might just listen to music and compare notes later. Lol...
I have a fun weekend of listening ahead.
Anyways, I really just wanted to mention that I think this R26 + Freya N combo synergizes well with each other.

 

[BShaw]

I recently received the Freya Noval PreAmp that I bought on close out from Schiit.
For speaker listening, I was previously using a Solid-State Pre [Topping Pre90] with the R26.
It sounds very nice, extremely detailed... but I had a feeling that although pretty good, the NFCA modules used in the Pre90 could be limiting the soundstage.
That's been a common critique of Topping and their amps that use the NFCA [A90, A90D, etc]. They offer extreme clarity and resolution, but it is a double-edged sword because this seems to contribute to a flatter, 2D presentation.
Also, I previously had an A90. After I bought the Jotunheim 2, in addition to the 2D nature mentioned, I realized just how poor the dynamics were on the A90 and I sold it.
So that was always in the back of my mind with Topping gear.

After listening for several hours to the Freya N in my system tonight here are some of my thoughts:
IMO, Using tubes in the Freya N helps to really allow the R26 to spread it's wings with regards to the soundstage.
Although there might be a hair less detail with the Freya to my ear, it images better and has an almost 3D-sounding aspect to the staging.
I am currently employing 2x Soviet 6N6P on the left [cathode follower output stage], 2x Phillips PCC88 on the right side [voltage gain stage].
Problem is, I have bought several more tube varieties that I should try out. I might just listen to music and compare notes later. Lol...
I have a fun weekend of listening ahead.
Anyways, I really just wanted to mention that I think this R26 + Freya N combo synergizes well with each other.

I had a Saga+ a while ago and it was remarkable for the price! I can definitely concur on the 3d presentation with the R26 and tubes, they’re a match made in heaven for me, with a heavily modded Willsenton R8. The music is just “in the room” not so much coming toward me!

 

[Odezra]

I had a Saga+ a while ago and it was remarkable for the price! I can definitely concur on the 3d presentation with the R26 and tubes, they’re a match made in heaven for me, with a heavily modded Willsenton R8. The music is just “in the room” not so much coming toward me!

This is useful for me as I have the r8 with the r26 and need a preamp as I am building a bottlehead crack with my son which I want to feed off the Gustard. Would the saga + be your recommendation for the R26 / R8 or is there anything else you think I should consider?

 

[BShaw]

This is useful for me as I have the r8 with the r26 and need a preamp as I am building a bottlehead crack with my son which I want to feed off the Gustard. Would the saga + be your recommendation for the R26 / R8 or is there anything else you think I should consider?

It depends on your budget, but the Saga+ for the money is a great little pre. Even with the one tube in the buffer circuit, it adds a nice "glow" and has some great features, like the volume pot for example, two sets of outputs, 5 sets of inputs....it's a lot of quality for the money IMO. But I'm just thinking "entry level tube pre" here, so if it's not a tube thing there are a lot of preamps out there, including other stuff from Schiit. Maybe some other members have additional suggestions? If you can afford it the Freya+ is more than double the price but will give you a real serious tube influence. I'm a bit out of the loop on tube preamps these days tbh, I bet the Chinese have a few ringers too by now. Even my little Jot2 is very good!

 

[Odezra]

It depends on your budget, but the Saga+ for the money is a great little pre. Even with the one tube in the buffer circuit, it adds a nice "glow" and has some great features, like the volume pot for example, two sets of outputs, 5 sets of inputs....it's a lot of quality for the money IMO. But I'm just thinking "entry level tube pre" here, so if it's not a tube thing there are a lot of preamps out there, including other stuff from Schiit. Maybe some other members have additional suggestions? If you can afford it the Freya+ is more than double the price but will give you a real serious tube influence. I'm a bit out of the loop on tube preamps these days tbh, I bet the Chinese have a few ringers too by now. Even my little Jot2 is very good!

Yea just checked the schiit site - Freya + looks interesting. I want the right partner for the r26 and r8 (which has upgraded tubes and will be modded later this year) so won’t cheap out on the pre.

 

[kumar402]

Hattor and Goldpoint I feel are best preamp which doesn't color the sound and has quality potentiometer

 

[sapkan]

Finisar seems to be a US only brand but I think I managed to find the right cable on a german site.

https://shop.fiber24.net/FOSF-FI-FCBG110SD1CXX/en

As for the FMCs which of these babies go with it? There are a few different ones and I know squat about fiber.

https://amzn.eu/d/cjwQB9T