After some time with the new fw I can confirm the high pitch issue when the unit is on standby mode is still there so the fw update doesn´t fix the issue for my unit. Sometimes is very subtle and sometimes just evident...
It's come to my attention that Shenzhen audio is having a15% off sale. Looks like it goes through Saturday. I think it's on everything but it's definitely on Gustard products. A chance for me to get an X26 Pro for $1275 or an R26 for $1400-ish. Being that I'm happy with my A22 dac what do you guys think? Would you do it?
After some time with the new fw I can confirm the high pitch issue when the unit is on standby mode is still there so the fw update doesn´t fix the issue for my unit. Sometimes is very subtle and sometimes just evident...
I repeat the question - did someone try to flip the plug in the socket (180 degrees)? Perhaps the device is connected out of phase, while the phase affects the power transformer. I would check this first.
Although you can only flip the plug in a European socket.
Definitely like to hear your opinion of the R26 compared to the X26 Pro. Hopefully something by Saturday evening because of that sale I talked about here
It's come to my attention that Shenzhen audio is having a15% off sale. Looks like it goes through Saturday. I think it's on everything but it's definitely on Gustard products. A chance for me to get an X26 Pro for $1275 or an R26 for $1400-ish. Being that I'm happy with my A22 dac what do you guys think? Would you do it?
Almost same question here but having a Topping D70s now. A little stress from the almost ending sales while not sure about the possible hum and how much % 'better' compared to D70s...
I repeat the question - did someone try to flip the plug in the socket (180 degrees)? Perhaps the device is connected out of phase, while the phase affects the power transformer. I would check this first.
Although you can only flip the plug in a European socket.
I repeat the question - did someone try to flip the plug in the socket (180 degrees)? Perhaps the device is connected out of phase, while the phase affects the power transformer. I would check this first.
Although you can only flip the plug in a European socket.
I have all my devices with AC correct phase. Anyway this is NOT a typical 50hz or 60hz transformer hum issue (I haven't the hum issue discussed by others around here) It's a high pitch noise issue in the front panel area. I suspect is something related to the power on button circuit while in standby mode.
It's come to my attention that Shenzhen audio is having a15% off sale. Looks like it goes through Saturday. I think it's on everything but it's definitely on Gustard products. A chance for me to get an X26 Pro for $1275 or an R26 for $1400-ish. Being that I'm happy with my A22 dac what do you guys think? Would you do it?
My opinion is that the R26 is a great DAC. Everything works good to great. There is nothing in the sound that would bother demanding audiophiles. The resolution is excellent, as well as the dynamics, punch. The sound is rich and dense. The timbre of instruments and voices is very convincing. The stage is wide and high, although not very deep. The bass is also strong and clear. It does not play disinterestedly, it draws you into listening to music. The background is completely dark.
The DAC likes an open, resolute power cable. I trade Shunyata Taipan Helix Alpha and Nordost Valhalla. With these cables, the sound is even better in everything. I also use good quality LAN cables. And there you can hear the difference for the better.
I was using a Mini PC with a linear power supply, but when I put back a classic PC with a good Seasonic power supply and a Gigabyte motherboard that has great regulators and a twice as thick printed circuit board (btw. unfortunately they are no longer produced) the sound is even better.
I no longer use a LAN isolator, now it's better without it. Apparently the mini PC was interfering.
Basically, I think that the sound quality of the R26 significantly jumps out of its price range.
"I no longer use a LAN isolator, now it's better without it. Apparently the mini PC was interfering."
Smart guys separate power supply to audio devices and power supply to digital devices. Never on the same wall outlet.
24 hrs of burn in later and I couldn't resist putting it into my main system and pitting it against the x260 pro. I started off with a lan connection into the r2r whilst the x26 pro received its signal via a u18 plugged into the usb port of a jcat xe USB card in a sotm audiophile motherboard. I linked the two dacs in roon and connected them both to a tube pre with pure silver rca's. This pre has a switch I can flip to go between x26pro and the R26.
Cued up the 24/192 Sting Behind the Sun 2022 remaster and it took just two tracks for me to make up my mind. Flipping back and forth between the two dacs, the R26 was the clear winner inspite of the x26 pro being connected to the u18.
Next I proceeded to remove the x26pro from the system and connected the u18 and LAN ethernet cable to R26. Here, the superiority of the u18 clearly presented itself. The lan connection sounded compressed and noisy compared to the u18's blackest of blacks.
R26 is a keeper. It's quite a step up from the x26 pro in my humble opinion, not at all a side step. The only drawback I find is that volume control will not work in dsd direct or pcm nos mode and these to me are the best way to use this dac.
24 hrs of burn in later and I couldn't resist putting it into my main system and pitting it against the x260 pro. I started off with a lan connection into the r2r whilst the x26 pro received its signal via a u18 plugged into the usb port of a jcat xe USB card in a sotm audiophile motherboard. I linked the two dacs in roon and connected them both to a tube pre with pure silver rca's. This pre has a switch I can flip to go between x26pro and the R26.
Cued up the 24/192 Sting Behind the Sun 2022 remaster and it took just two tracks for me to make up my mind. Flipping back and forth between the two dacs, the R26 was the clear winner inspite of the x26 pro being connected to the u18.
Next I proceeded to remove the x26pro from the system and connected the u18 and LAN ethernet cable to R26. Here, the superiority of the u18 clearly presented itself. The lan connection sounded compressed and noisy compared to the u18's blackest of blacks.
R26 is a keeper. It's quite a step up from the x26 pro in my humble opinion, not at all a side step. The only drawback I find is that volume control will not work in dsd direct or pcm nos mode and these to me are the best way to use this dac.
As to which is the best input, opinions are divided. This may depend more on the quality of the digital front end than on the DAC itself. I don't have DDC anymore so I can't try it. However, for me, the sound quality through the LAN input depends very much on what kind of computer I use and what kind of LAN cables I use.
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but having a Topping D70s now. A little stress from the almost ending sales 
while not sure about the possible hum and how much % 'better' compared to D70s...
