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

[Deleeh]

Depending on the design of the amplifier, it can also go so far that you can always adjust the volume within an audible range without blowing up the headphones or going deaf because it is constantly too loud.

In my tube amplifier, depending on the tubes, I can even limit this somewhat because the overall amplification of the tubes is too strong and can sometimes lead to clipping, which is also not good in the long term.
It's a nice feature and helpful from time to time.

 

[SpursForEver]

Just make a voltage splitter with two resistors.

 

[Jake2]

Depending on the design of the amplifier, it can also go so far that you can always adjust the volume within an audible range without blowing up the headphones or going deaf because it is constantly too loud.

My Hypex Nilai power amp has three gain settings (output signal gain measured in dB) which I think is what you’re referring, a good point you make. The low gain setting minimises attenuation needed in my system (in my case via my preamp rather than a digital volume control) whilst still being loud enough, which to my ear sounds the best and is coincidentally the setting with the highest measured performance on another forum.

 

[Johnybuchar]

I picked up and connected the Gustard R26 today. Since it’s a second-hand device, there’s no need for a break-in period. My first impression is that the 2in1 streamer + DAC performs well, but it feels a bit 'raw' in my setup. Later on, I tried connecting my current digital setup Rpi4 with Volumio (IanCanada upgrade) - Musician Pisces II DDC - G-R26, while simultaneously using the G-R26 as both DAC and streamer. I noticed that the external DAC + DDC combination produced a more refined and detailed sound compared to the 2in1 setup, especially in the bass spectrum, which felt less defined and affected the other frequency ranges in the 2in1 configuration and front/rear scene.