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

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

Like the just released LHY SW-10 for instance?

https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/lhy-sw-10

Credit to @Dandoudou for the heads up.

You just know how to temp me bro...
No need for a master clock (have OCK-2's) and LPS.

 

[GP123]

Ill ask again but there is nothing in the diagram indicating any attenuation in the signal path.
This is explicitly what I asked the guy and we went very in-depth on how the R26 processes Dsd. Never once did he say that it can be attenuated.

I think we are confusing gain control vs. attenuation control.

Feel free to get confirmation again from them, but the manual also clearly says they have a high quality analog volume to lower the output. If attenuation is not done in analog domain then setting PCM/DSD direct will conflict with this function.

 

[camrector]

Feel free to get confirmation again from them, but the manual also clearly says they have a high quality analog volume to lower the output. If attenuation is not done in analog domain then setting PCM/DSD direct will conflict with this function.

I think you are confusing volume control and the preamp attenuation function.
If you are using the volume attenuation control (ie R26 is not in fixed ) all DSD is converted to PCM.
This is digital volume control. There is no analog volume control. Please refer to the diagram.
Using the digital volume control is only a function of PCM over sampling.

If DSD direct is off
DSD is converted to PCM. If NOS is off digital volume is bypassed.

 

[camrector]

Feel free to get confirmation again from them, but the manual also clearly says they have a high quality analog volume to lower the output. If attenuation is not done in analog domain then setting PCM/DSD direct will conflict with this function.

The attenuation you are speaking of in the R26 is a cut in voltage, so that another device (integrated amp/active speakers can have greater amount of “play” in its volume control.
This isn’t the same as the digital volume control in the R26.

Bottom line is if the R26 leaves “fixed” mode, DSD is converted to PCM.

 

[GP123]

The attenuation you are speaking of in the R26 is a cut in voltage, so that another device (integrated amp/active speakers can have greater amount of “play” in its volume control.
This isn’t the same as the digital volume control in the R26.

Bottom line is if the R26 leaves “fixed” mode, DSD is converted to PCM.

I believe all we are discussing is the -30db attenuation function that can be turned on to reduce the voltage output so that further attenuation elsewhere can be minimized. I simply pointed out that your statement about when attenuation is ON DSD will be converted to PCM is incorrect.

I for one use a passive preamp that will be severely limited if I don’t turn on the attenuation function. With the -30db help, I can use the whole range of my preamp’s volume control while preserving the full dynamic range of the DAC.

 

[camrector]

I believe all we are discussing is the -30db attenuation function that can be turned on to reduce the voltage output so that further attenuation elsewhere can be minimized. I simply pointed out that your statement about when attenuation is ON DSD will be converted to PCM is incorrect.

I for one use a passive preamp that will be severely limited if I don’t turn on the attenuation function. With the -30db help, I can use the whole range of my preamp’s volume control while preserving the full dynamic range of the DAC.

Correct
We are both right. I was using Attenuation as to mean the digital volume control.

 

[GP123]

Correct
We are both right. I was using Attenuation as to mean the digital volume control.

I see. I was confused by your statement "Some people like to convert all pcm to Dsd but if attenuation in “on” or DSD direct is “off”, the R26 will automatically convert to PCM." I think most will assume you are talking about the attenuation function on/off and not the digital volume.

 

[camrector]

I see. I was confused by your statement "Some people like to convert all pcm to Dsd but if attenuation in “on” or DSD direct is “off”, the R26 will automatically convert to PCM." I think most will assume you are talking about the attenuation function on/off and not the digital volume.

I’ll clarify that then to say digital volume control.

 

[GP123]

I’ll clarify that then to say digital volume control.

We just want to share how best to enjoy the R26. For people that need to reduce output, there is no reason to avoid turning on the attenuation function.

 

[camrector]

We just want to share how best to enjoy the R26. For people that need to reduce output, there is no reason to avoid turning on the attenuation function

Agreed. The good old volume control Vs attenuation linguistics confusion is alive.
ie turn down the voltage/attenuate the volume.

 

[Forgisound]

A preamp is an important component if you don't have an integrated amplifier. It is a shame to degrade the performance of an expensive HiFi system using attenuation through a DAC, which is also expensive. And it is expensive to provide good sound. Which is severely degraded by using DAC attenuation. This should be repeated here from time to time.

 

[Forgisound]

Even if you could connect a DAC to an amp without attenuation, connecting through a preamp would sound much better in 99% of cases.

 

[Dandoudou]

A preamp is an essential device in a system.

 

[cobrabucket]

A preamp is an essential device in a system.

100% agreed. Still loving the Freya+ Noval with the R26. They compliment each other nicely.

 

[sapkan]

Guys, I am contemplating getting the Topping P50 LPS to power the two FMC boxes that I ordered. Do you think I can use the 15v DC output on the P50 to power my Netgear switch that is rated at 12v 0.5A or would that just fry it. Would there be any benefit to having the switch on a LPS provided that the FMC setup would be cleaning the signal going to the R26?