m-i-c-k-e-y
Headphoneus Supremus
Or any other player (streamer, smartphone, TV Box, CD etc.) using the USB protocol.
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GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge
- Thread starter m-i-c-k-e-y
- Start date
Or any other player (streamer, smartphone, TV Box, CD etc.) using the USB protocol.
NoaHimesaka
Head-Fier
For those who are curious, here's decompiled device tree file:
Also read here: https://linux-chenxing.org/infinity2/
Tried poking at serial console, nothing returned.
Also read here: https://linux-chenxing.org/infinity2/
Tried poking at serial console, nothing returned.
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
Well I've been trying to update the firmware with no joy. I get as far as running the USBmanager 1.0.8 having copied the firmware Release_1.21.img.gz to the desktop. I point to the firmware in the top box then I try to find the R26 which I've connected with a USB C to USB C from the Windows laptop but nothing shows up. The R26 is in standby the power switch is flashing twice then pauses then flashes twice. What could be wrong, any ideas guys?
roderickvd
500+ Head-Fier
That’s interesting. Can you see what software it runs? Open source ropiee, librespot, minidlna, and so on?
Does your LAN mode work? it is just a sdcard inside the R26 in a card reader, I have experienced the sdcard fall out when moving the R26 from one place to another to test .....
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
No the Lan mode doesn't seem to work, I can't see the R26 on the network or via the router client list which I thought was odd, will check the card inside. Thanks for the tip!
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
Just tried to lift the lid on the R26 I have taken the three top countersunk Allen screws out but it doesn't budge..... what am I doing wrong please?
NoaHimesaka
Head-Fier
It has shairport-sync, and Roon Bridge. I have to dive in deeper so I can eventually get shell access, update packages, and connect it to my Wireguard VPN.
comzee
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I found a DSD album I purchased a while back from HDtracks. DSD64 format. I downloaded foobar and added the plug-ins I believe I need to play the DSD files through the R26. The files played, but the R26 displays USB-PCM. I enabled DSD Direct in the R26 menu, but I'm not sure if that's what needs to be done or if Gustard products display DSD on the display at all. Anyone that has experience with DSD + Gustard products know what I'm missing in the process to play DSD?
The Gustard R26 DAC
Introduction
I have been worried on purchasing an R2R DAC after reading reviews on the Denatrips and Holo DAC’s. I thought they probably would not appeal to the rocker in me. It was not until I heard the Rockna Wavelight that I changed my mind. The plan was to save and save until I could purchase one. A 15% sales increase changed my mind.
I then decided to wait for the latest AKM chip-based DAC. But a description “Sounds like velvet” put me off. Too much in the smooth side was how I imagined the sound to be. So, I just thought it would take time for me to purchase a new DAC.
Build quality
This has a new case but same dimensions as the A22 DAC. It feels a bit heavier than the A22 and has a bigger display that turns off when listening to music. At the back it has a whole bunch of connections Inputs USB AES SPDIF Optical and Ethernet. It also has an input for an external clock. I have chosen Black to match my other equipment, but I like the design of the silver unit. It can go either XLR or RCA out.
Internally it has two power supplies, one for the analogue section and one for the digital section, this might explain the extra weight of the unit. Basically, similar in design to the X26pro but with a ladder-based approach rather than the sabre chip. Looking at the pictures it looks well built with quality parts. It has a K2 ultra-low noise clock with a Femto Clock to ensure low jitter and quality discrete components.
My DAC Background
My first DAC was a PS Audio digital link 3 and have been through most of Stans Beresford DACs which offered good value for money and few Chinese DAC ‘s including the Topping D70 and the Gustard A22 which has been in my system for about two years.
The A22 is a nice DAC. It many ways it reminds me of Caiman but with more detail and depth. A sound that is easy to live with, no nasties in terms of highs that hurt the ears, but detail enough to give a convincing feel to the music.
The R26 present music differently in terms of detail retrieval, bass impact, separation and harmonic clarity.
So how does it Sound
I guess compared to the A22; it has more balls. I never felt the A22 could not rock; it is just that the R26 has more impact in the bass and mid’s, but it never overwhelms me. The treble has more detail but does not become harsh. However, the real surprise is the improvement in harmonic detail. This adds a new dimension to my system. It has a good sense of coherence. I could see Jules liking the way a violin sings, and Martin would like the way it controls bass. The music has a real sense of ease, this dose not mean that it sugary, far from it. Here it means that I lose track of time, the music just flows in effortless fashionI feel the dynamic swing. It sense of swing is excellent. For me, it just allows me to sink deeper into the music. It copes well with my music and does that wonderful trick of pulling new information I never heard before.
I have not tried the streamer still waiting for some cables before I give this a try. I am not sure what to expect from it as a streamer I have no real expectations.
I am not able to assess NOS as I do not have a balanced preamp. I might get a Topping A90 discrete when I have funds.
Best DAC under £3500. Who knows? I just have not heard enough DAC's to make an honest comment. Has it lived up to my hopes…. yes, it has.
What next
Audio magic fuse if I can find one to try internal to the DAC.
An external Clock at some point.
Digital front end
Ifi Zen Stream
USB out to R26 with a Gustard supplied cable
R26 on four Black Ravioli
Power Amplifier
XLR Temple monos with supercharger
Speakers
Gold Note A3
Introduction
I have been worried on purchasing an R2R DAC after reading reviews on the Denatrips and Holo DAC’s. I thought they probably would not appeal to the rocker in me. It was not until I heard the Rockna Wavelight that I changed my mind. The plan was to save and save until I could purchase one. A 15% sales increase changed my mind.
I then decided to wait for the latest AKM chip-based DAC. But a description “Sounds like velvet” put me off. Too much in the smooth side was how I imagined the sound to be. So, I just thought it would take time for me to purchase a new DAC.
Build quality
This has a new case but same dimensions as the A22 DAC. It feels a bit heavier than the A22 and has a bigger display that turns off when listening to music. At the back it has a whole bunch of connections Inputs USB AES SPDIF Optical and Ethernet. It also has an input for an external clock. I have chosen Black to match my other equipment, but I like the design of the silver unit. It can go either XLR or RCA out.
Internally it has two power supplies, one for the analogue section and one for the digital section, this might explain the extra weight of the unit. Basically, similar in design to the X26pro but with a ladder-based approach rather than the sabre chip. Looking at the pictures it looks well built with quality parts. It has a K2 ultra-low noise clock with a Femto Clock to ensure low jitter and quality discrete components.
My DAC Background
My first DAC was a PS Audio digital link 3 and have been through most of Stans Beresford DACs which offered good value for money and few Chinese DAC ‘s including the Topping D70 and the Gustard A22 which has been in my system for about two years.
The A22 is a nice DAC. It many ways it reminds me of Caiman but with more detail and depth. A sound that is easy to live with, no nasties in terms of highs that hurt the ears, but detail enough to give a convincing feel to the music.
The R26 present music differently in terms of detail retrieval, bass impact, separation and harmonic clarity.
So how does it Sound
I guess compared to the A22; it has more balls. I never felt the A22 could not rock; it is just that the R26 has more impact in the bass and mid’s, but it never overwhelms me. The treble has more detail but does not become harsh. However, the real surprise is the improvement in harmonic detail. This adds a new dimension to my system. It has a good sense of coherence. I could see Jules liking the way a violin sings, and Martin would like the way it controls bass. The music has a real sense of ease, this dose not mean that it sugary, far from it. Here it means that I lose track of time, the music just flows in effortless fashionI feel the dynamic swing. It sense of swing is excellent. For me, it just allows me to sink deeper into the music. It copes well with my music and does that wonderful trick of pulling new information I never heard before.
I have not tried the streamer still waiting for some cables before I give this a try. I am not sure what to expect from it as a streamer I have no real expectations.
I am not able to assess NOS as I do not have a balanced preamp. I might get a Topping A90 discrete when I have funds.
Best DAC under £3500. Who knows? I just have not heard enough DAC's to make an honest comment. Has it lived up to my hopes…. yes, it has.
What next
Audio magic fuse if I can find one to try internal to the DAC.
An external Clock at some point.
Digital front end
Ifi Zen Stream
USB out to R26 with a Gustard supplied cable
R26 on four Black Ravioli
Power Amplifier
XLR Temple monos with supercharger
Speakers
Gold Note A3
Very nice review and funny....
so let me suggest to try a DDC like Gustard U18 before add an external masterclock.
Also could be interesting make some test with different USB cable.
Ifi Zen Stream is for sure a interesting streamer with high price/quality but DDC can add more instrumental separation, super silent background, improuve soundstage depth and size if this is an issue in your system.
You actually need to unscrew the bottom long screws that hold the top lid, 6 long bottom screws altogether. There is also a top middle screw at the back you need to unscrew, altogether 7 screws to lift the top.
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9bphillips
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So if I was using my dx300 the u18 would be useful? I'm so lost reading this thread.i know nothing of ddc and all that stuff! Lol. I am interested in this dac though.
curious, for those running Windows, what setting do you set your dac to? 16/24/32 bit x kHz? if in wasapi exclusive mode, the PC overrides that, but when not in exclusive mode the audio will just default to what the setting the dac is allocated to in sound settings on windows. Does any of that matter? I've never paid attention to any of these settings until now. Trying to optimize and take full advantage of my audio equipment.
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