[BShaw]

To those who use Gustarender / LAN input:

Do you get pauses in the music? If you fixed it, how do I fix it?

I have no issues when using the Squeezebox Touch as source (which BTW has a 30-second buffer), but when streaming via LAN from my PC, I get short breaks in the music now and then. Audirvana says the Gustarender version is 1v4, which appears to be newer than the lastest at http://www.gustard.cn/?post_type=products&page_id=14991 which says 1.21, right?

I had issues using Bubble UPnP, MConnect, and other UPnP apps, the R26 doesn't have much space for buffering. Once I got Roon, everything bad went away

 

[rodthebod]

Thanks. At first, I got a little bit suspicious when seeing it isn't the official page... but then I discovered that Gustard themselves link to these files.

Also, should I make sure the DAC firmware is up-to-date first, before I install the newest Gustarender?

Thanks. I have seen TP-Link MC220L SFP Media Converter (incl. SMPS PSU's) for sale here in Norway for NOK 279 (€18.60 + VAT) each. Unless that FMC isn't advisable, I think I will get two of these and then use my very old Sony linear PSU for the "clean side" FMC. That will keep the expense at a minimum - given I can find the (beep) PSU!

The TP-Link convertors you suggest look the same as those recommended by the first page post.

I've attached a pic of the one's I acquired, they are much more compact, but it would take a few weeks to get to you.

I ordered the optical cable SC-SC separately, I wanted to try from the router to the DAC to begin with so ordered a 10m length (€5.50) until I found using a wi-fi extender and dedicated LPS switch worked much better giving a more open clean sound more detail and believable image, they are available in 1m lengths too which I will probably get hold of as I only need a short cable now being used between switch and DAC.

The FMC's do work brilliantly in getting a better sound (cleaner more detail) from the router but using the wi-fi extender with RJ45 (Cat5/6) output and then the FMC's is noticeably better by quite some margin IMHO.

 

[rodthebod]

Try version Gustrarender v1.42 firmware for the R26 streamer it uses a different linux driver software which improves the sound and, for me at least, causes less dropouts when playing HD content. I keep to red book standard as much as possible and prefer the sound.

 

[LarsHP]

Those are the exact ones I got. I recommend them.

I also bought https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CFATYM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (multi-mode) as the actual modules, as those TP Link Media Converters come empty.

You'll also need some Fiber - I can confirm this worked well: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZC31F8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What? Empty? Hopefully I misunderstand you. The info in the below link seems to imply, that the fiber module is built-in, doesn't it? Otherwise, it won't convert to/from LAN.
https://www.tp-link.com/no/business-networking/accessory/mc220l/

 

[BShaw]

It looks like they’re not giving you the sfp modules. When I bought my TP link converters I bought them with modukes included. When I upgraded to a Finisair fiber cable (find them cheap on ebay) it came with modules attached, probably a good part of the reason they seem a step above.

 

[LarsHP]

It looks like they’re not giving you the sfp modules. When I bought my TP link converters I bought them with modukes included. When I upgraded to a Finisair fiber cable (find them cheap on ebay) it came with modules attached, probably a good part of the reason they seem a step above.

Thanks. I have now checked thoroughly and the model I ordered (MC220L) does in fact not contain fiber modules. I have just cancelled the order.

 

[DivinesGaming]

I made sure to order the specific modules I wanted - as recommended by https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/. They recommend the TL-SM311LM modules, and they do this stuff all the time so I went with their recommendation. You may be able to find them preloaded in converters but I couldn't find what I wanted so I ordered them separately.

​

 

[rockcity007]

Thanks. I have now checked thoroughly and the model I ordered (MC220L) does in fact not contain fiber modules. I have just cancelled the order.

I ordered the same MC220L from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATL0?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Here are the modules:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matter...ff-aa1a-62c5ce928790&pd_rd_i=B07TYSVP3R&psc=1

Then the key is to get the correct cable. Here is the one that worked for the above set-up:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZCPBWS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[BShaw]

If you buy the Finisair, the modules are already attached. Just an option, it’s a very good cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1254181995...lpPGuc2SCm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I don’t know if you’re in the US Lars, but at least that link will show you the correct model. The last number is length in meters. These are a steal at the prices he’s selling them.

 

[rodthebod]

What? Empty? Hopefully I misunderstand you. The info in the below link seems to imply, that the fiber module is built-in, doesn't it? Otherwise, it won't convert to/from LAN.
https://www.tp-link.com/no/business-networking/accessory/mc220l/

Everything is built into the FMC's I posted, why make things more complicated.......... in this business make things simpler not more complex...... PLEASE....

 

[LarsHP]

Everything is built into the FMC's I posted, why make things more complicated.......... in this business make things simpler not more complex...... PLEASE....

I have been searching this thread for your setup (back to page 410) but don't find your suggestion. Could you please tell me what it is?

 

[rockcity007]

I have been searching this thread for your setup (back to page 410) but don't find your suggestion. Could you please tell me what it is?

Hey Lars, rodthebod's set up is the second thread down on this page:

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_168668119940610&key=1e99669452acedd7650a94861c9354cb&libId=liumfb7e0101zlp1000UL2v7iq17h&loc=https://www.head-fi.org/threads/gustard-dac-r26-balanced-decoder-r2r-1bit-dual-native-decoding-music-bridge.963630/page-431&v=1&out=https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12089631.png&ref=https://www.head-fi.org/threads/gustard-dac-r26-balanced-decoder-r2r-1bit-dual-native-decoding-music-bridge.963630/page-416&title=GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge | Page 431 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org&txt=

 

[LarsHP]

Hey Lars, rodthebod's set up is the second thread down on this page:

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_168668119940610&key=1e99669452acedd7650a94861c9354cb&libId=liumfb7e0101zlp1000UL2v7iq17h&loc=https://www.head-fi.org/threads/gustard-dac-r26-balanced-decoder-r2r-1bit-dual-native-decoding-music-bridge.963630/page-431&v=1&out=https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12089631.png&ref=https://www.head-fi.org/threads/gustard-dac-r26-balanced-decoder-r2r-1bit-dual-native-decoding-music-bridge.963630/page-416&title=GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge | Page 431 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org&txt=

Thanks. I now see that it was just a few posts back... even on this page... I was looking for text and a link...

 

[Dandoudou]

Stop teasing me!!!!! @Dandoudou needs to hurry up with his assessment!!

I'm still abroad, far from home. But before travelling, I lent my R26 to a friend who has a UD-701N. He compared between the two DACs using their built-in streamer.
He invited two of his friends, and they listened together to the two DACs. They preferred the TEAC UD-701N. I'm not surprised, because when I listened to the UD-701N of my friend, I was very pleased by its sound.

But the R26 can do better with its I2S input. So, when I'll be back, I'm willing to compare the LAN input of the UD-701N versus my GentooPlayer/Diretta streaming setup > USB > AGD DI-20HE > I2S > R26.

 

[Dandoudou]

All these upgrade gadgets in order to optimize the performance of the R26 just points me to sending it back.

Again, to me, the whole point of getting the R26 was that it was a simple do it all box. Plug in the network cable, and you get the best the R26 can do, instead of having the hassle to isolate noise from a USB connection.

The advises that Rod and others people give you are not specific to the R26. These are basics to optimize the sound of any streaming setup with any DAC, regardless if the DAC has a built-in streamer or if you use it with an external streamer.