thank you! good thing I ordered 2 bnc cables.When using U18 only, set clock settings of both U18 and R26 to internal.
Internal clocks in U18 is used for reclocking. However it does sends some clocking info via WCLCK in I2S for correct playback.
When adding an external clock (such as C18) connect BNC to U18 AND R26 and set clock settings to EXTERNAL.
EX: External Clock connect to BOTH ddc AND dac, ddc i2s to dac, ddc AND dac set clock settings to EXTERNAL.
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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
Technically U18 has a WCK output so he can use it with 50ohm BNC cable.U18 is a ddc not an external clock
But what’s the point I guess both, this DAC and U18 use same clock ?
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When connected via I2S, the clock of U18 will pass to R26. When connecting external clock (e.g. C18), just connect to U18 and choose ext clock on U18, U18 will pass the clock to R26 via I2S, no need to connect clock to both U18 and R26.Technically U18 has a WCK output so he can use it with 50ohm BNC cable.
But what’s the point I guess both, this DAC and U18 use same clock ?
Highfive99
100+ Head-Fier
What about when using USB, OPT or BT inputs? Then 2nd BNC cable would be needed for ext clock for R26. Correct?When connected via I2S, the clock of U18 will pass to R26. When connecting external clock (e.g. C18), just connect to U18 and choose ext clock on U18, U18 will pass the clock to R26 via I2S, no need to connect clock to both U18 and R26.
It's never needed since it has an internal clock; but it might be beneficial. But even with I2S it might be used since I don't know how it would be able to perform oversampling otherwise.What about when using USB, OPT or BT inputs? Then 2nd BNC cable would be needed for ext clock for R26. Correct?
comzee
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2010
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- 435

Got my R26 in today!
Mine is working right out of the box with LAN + Roon.
I think because mine was delayed from factory, it might have the newest firmware on it...?
Can anybody tell me how to check it's firmware version, and what version I should be on?
R26 shipped on September have both firmware updates, gustarender and usb mqa![]()
Got my R26 in today!
Mine is working right out of the box with LAN + Roon.
I think because mine was delayed from factory, it might have the newest firmware on it...?
Can anybody tell me how to check it's firmware version, and what version I should be on?
kenjamin0523
100+ Head-Fier
Is it cause of firmware or hardware updating ?R26 shipped on September have both firmware updates, gustarender and usb mqa
Hardware the sameIs it cause of firmware or hardware updating ?
ThatStKildaGuy
Previously known as ScuseMe
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2012
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I'd be very interested in knowing how this r26 compares to the Bitfrost2 2/64 and even more so if you have a streamer connected.
Cheers and Beers
Cheers and Beers
Hi @ThatStKildaGuy, I have done extensive research on forums, YT and on here reading opinions/impressions on R26, I have ordered mine and should be delivered tomorrow - happy days 
I cannot remember where I read comparison/mention about Bifrost2 /64 in relation to R26 but it was basically that it can't hold the candle. If you look at Sandu review on YT (Soundnews, the DACman himself
) in his opinion this is the best DAC you can get up to $3.5k... thats something. I'm replacing Topping D90SE, should be able to share my experience shortly if interested.

I cannot remember where I read comparison/mention about Bifrost2 /64 in relation to R26 but it was basically that it can't hold the candle. If you look at Sandu review on YT (Soundnews, the DACman himself

ThatStKildaGuy
Previously known as ScuseMe
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2012
- Posts
- 39
- Likes
- 13
Many thanks for the reply. Looking forward to it. Happy Days indeed!Hi @ThatStKildaGuy, I have done extensive research on forums, YT and on here reading opinions/impressions on R26, I have ordered mine and should be delivered tomorrow - happy days
I cannot remember where I read comparison/mention about Bifrost2 /64 in relation to R26 but it was basically that it can't hold the candle. If you look at Sandu review on YT (Soundnews, the DACman himself) in his opinion this is the best DAC you can get up to $3.5k... thats something. I'm replacing Topping D90SE, should be able to share my experience shortly if interested.
pankar0
100+ Head-Fier
Does the R26 plays MQA from USB..????
m-i-c-k-e-y
Headphoneus Supremus
In the Chinese product page there is an icon of MQA and text says "Full Decode" 384K. Needs confirmation for early owners here...

Yes, after usb firmware update. Only usb I supposeIn the Chinese product page there is an icon of MQA and text says "Full Decode" 384K. Needs confirmation for early owners here...
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