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

[JackJohnson316]

I use both outputs with the R26 and the DI-20HE. I played a few tracks, and it works.
Before comparing it to the OCK-1, I presume that there's a burn-in period for this clock.
How long was it for you?

Hi, do you have any pictures of how to disconnect the bluetooth from the motherboard? Thanks!

 

[rodthebod]

Hi, do you have any pictures of how to disconnect the bluetooth from the motherboard? Thanks!

Not an ideal pic but it shows you the location of the BT antenna connector (white circle) on the streamer board. As you can see the antenna cable is painfully thin and has no proper screening when you consider this is a high quality DAC.
It's pathway to the rear panel is very close to all the R26's sensitive clock components.

Hope this helps. I'd appreciate any comments on how it changes/hopefully improves things

 

[JackJohnson316]

I’ve been connecting my R26 via the Ethernet port recently. I’ve tried it directly from my switch to the R26 with a Pink Faun LAN Isolator and it sound’s actually pretty good. I’ve tried both Audirvāna and Euphony Stylus v4 connected via UPnP and they both have their strengths. I did connect directly from my DIY streamer’s second Jcat Ethernet pcie card XE port and it connected right away. I haven’t compared directly connecting to my server vs using the UPnP yet. I saw Gustard has a new Ethernet switch coming out called the N18. I wonder if that will have a master clock input?

 

[camrector]

I’ve been connecting my R26 via the Ethernet port recently. I’ve tried it directly from my switch to the R26 with a Pink Faun LAN Isolator and it sound’s actually pretty good. I’ve tried both Audirvāna and Euphony Stylus v4 connected via UPnP and they both have their strengths. I did connect directly from my DIY streamer’s second Jcat Ethernet pcie card XE port and it connected right away. I haven’t compared directly connecting to my server vs using the UPnP yet. I saw Gustard has a new Ethernet switch coming out called the N18. I wonder if that will have a master clock input?

LAN with FMCs has been the best input for most.

 

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

Here's a better view of their products on the HighEnd Munich 2023

H20Pro

N18

Audalytic AH90

 

[rodthebod]

Audirvana on my MacBook or/and Audivana Origin didn't work for me at all as a way to access my music on my private network, the interface was good but the sound quality not so much.... probably due to being connected directly to a busy noisey interface that is doing so much more than just playing music.

Compared to using uPnP Jplay (IOS) - excellent interface and features but does cost you, on a device that is only selecting and controlling the music being played, not processing it, so that's one main reason why it works and is better for quality. Highly recommended (Jplay) it has wonderful history function and radio playback of your own library as if a virtual DJ is playing your collection - brilliant.

Or even Mconnect (not a nice interface but works) or Bubble uPnP (android) control software great free software.

All this control on your LAN must be used along with a dedicated LAN connected Minimserver (good quality well supported dedicated music server, there are others too) Allo Sparky such as a Rpi3 or 4 (or any dedicated SMC based music server) with a good PSU. ~ This has been the way for many years now......

I am using FMC modules at the end of the chain to the DAC via a dedicated audio based switch rather than from direct to a noisy router , LPS or battery powered supplies to the switch is important to get the most out of the kit. At the time using a MacBook OSX solution never did deliver sound wise IMHO.

Did I mention how important linear power supplies are..............

 

[Dandoudou]

Why don't you stream UPNP with Origin? On my system, the sound is very good.
Its DSP is good , slightly inferior to HQPlayer, but superior to Roon and JRiver.
It's my favorite player for headphones listening, because it supports VST plugins, and I use CanOpener.
With the speakers, I listen to Roon/HQPlayer.

 

[rodthebod]

Why don't you stream UPNP with Origin. On my system, the sound is very good.
Its DSP is good , slightly inferior to HQPlayer, but superior to JRiver.
It's my favorite player for headphones listening with the VST plugin CanOpener.
With the speakers, I listen to Roon/HQPlayer.

 

[Jake2]

Not an ideal pic but it shows you the location of the BT antenna connector (white circle) on the streamer board. As you can see the antenna cable is painfully thin and has no proper screening when you consider this is a high quality DAC.
It's pathway to the rear panel is very close to all the R26's sensitive clock components.

Hope this helps. I'd appreciate any comments on how it changes/hopefully improves things

Boom! Thought I'd take the little blighter (BT cable) out entirely. The R26 interior is even more impressive in person than the photos... The amount of tech they've densely packed in there.

Have been eyeing up possible locations to try fo.Q tape to reduce vibrations or to improve the internal shielding with copper foil (create more complete mini faraday cages) sandwiched between non-conductive layers to avoid shorting. Will mull further...

Thanks again @rodthebod for the inspiration and encouragement.

 

[Jake2]

On closer inspection I see that the wee Bluetooth cable looks to be a coax (to be expected I guess), so the outer would presumably act as a shield, if perhaps not the best one ever. Appreciate this stuff would always 'depend' but I guess that means the hot centre cable where it terminates on the board is no longer shielded so could be doing some minute radiation. Theoretically then it'd be optimal to cap it, say with a tiny amount of foil, though it's so tiny I wouldn't trust my handwork not to cause a short.
Ivy
I know, I know. Best to try it first...

 

[welldonehd]

On closer inspection I see that the wee Bluetooth cable looks to be a coax (to be expected I guess), so the outer would presumably act as a shield, if perhaps not the best one ever. Appreciate this stuff would always 'depend' but I guess that means the hot centre cable where it terminates on the board is no longer shielded so could be doing some minute radiation. Theoretically then it'd be optimal to cap it, say with a tiny amount of foil, though it's so tiny I wouldn't trust my handwork not to cause a short.

I know, I know. Best to try it first...

Have you tried FOQ with OCK2?

 

[Jake2]

Have you tried FOQ with OCK2?

No, just the OCXO in SW-8 which didn't work well - but I did only stick it on the sides so as not to mess up the sticker on top.

 

[rodthebod]

Why don't you stream UPNP with Origin? On my system, the sound is very good.
Its DSP is good , slightly inferior to HQPlayer, but superior to JRiver.
It's my favorite player for headphones listening, because it supports VST plugins, and I use CanOpener.
With the speakers, I listen to Roon/HQPlayer.

On closer inspection I see that the wee Bluetooth cable looks to be a coax (to be expected I guess), so the outer would presumably act as a shield, if perhaps not the best one ever. Appreciate this stuff would always 'depend' but I guess that means the hot centre cable where it terminates on the board is no longer shielded so could be doing some minute radiation. Theoretically then it'd be optimal to cap it, say with a tiny amount of foil, though it's so tiny I wouldn't trust my handwork not to cause a short.

I know, I know. Best to try it first...

Hi Jake

The R26 is beautifully put together and is very impressive, how chi-fi has evolved in the last ten years, it's amazing.

The BT connector on the PCB will need a small cap to do the job properly, A small cutting of silicon tube to ensure no shorting then a circle of copper or aluminium tape should do it. I'd post a pic but the weather is so good today I have to placate my Jennie and take her for lunch.... hard life!

The existing antenna cable should be upgradable with extra shielding, KAPTON tape then copper or aluminium foil then PTFE (Teflon) tape (the stuff plumbers use), outer PVC heat shrink optional.

It's a shame to take away the BT functionality, I'll try the existing cable with extra shielding then report back if it solves the interference and degrades the sound, but unfortunately it won't be today.

Any comments on how the sound has changed since taking away the BT cable?

 

[welldonehd]

Boom! Thought I'd take the little blighter (BT cable) out entirely. The R26 interior is even more impressive in person than the photos... The amount of tech they've densely packed in there.

Have been eyeing up possible locations to try fo.Q tape to reduce vibrations or to improve the internal shielding with copper foil (create more complete mini faraday cages) sandwiched between non-conductive layers to avoid shorting. Will mull further...

Thanks again @rodthebod for the inspiration and encouragement.

I will try to remove the BT cable as you did. The FOQ can be placed on the inside power capacitors of R26, and the Cooper tape can use to cover the inside part of BNC connector.

 

[Jake2]

Hi Jake

The R26 is beautifully put together and is very impressively put together, how chi-fi has evolved in the last ten years, it's amazing.

The BT connector on the PCB will need a small cap to do the job properly, A small cutting of silicon tube to ensure no shorting then a circle of copper or aluminium tape should do it. I'd post a pic but the weather is so good today I have to placate my Jennie and take her for lunch.... hard life!

The existing antenna cable should be upgradable with extra shielding, KAPTON tape then copper or aluminium foil then PTFE (Teflon) tape (the stuff plumbers use), outer PVC heat shrink optional.

It's a shame to take away the BT functionality, I'll try the existing cable with extra shielding then report back if it solves the interference and degrades the sound, but unfortunately it won't be today.

Any comments on how the sound has changed since taking away the BT cable?

Cheers. I'm still tinkering here with the lid off - and it unplugged. Will try a little later this evening NZ time...

Incidentally, assuming the shielding of the internal connector cable is Ok, one could just cap across the external terminal with the aerial unscrewed. Less finicky as the scale is easier.