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

[12kurupt]

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.

thank you! good thing I ordered 2 bnc cables.

 

[kumar402]

U18 is a ddc not an external clock

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 ?

 

[ray12345]

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 ?

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.

 

[Highfive99]

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.

What about when using USB, OPT or BT inputs? Then 2nd BNC cable would be needed for ext clock for R26. Correct?

 

[Alcophone]

What about when using USB, OPT or BT inputs? Then 2nd BNC cable would be needed for ext clock for R26. Correct?

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.

 

[comzee]

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?

 

[Giangi]

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

 

[kenjamin0523]

R26 shipped on September have both firmware updates, gustarender and usb mqa

Is it cause of firmware or hardware updating ?

 

[Giangi]

Is it cause of firmware or hardware updating ?

Hardware the same

 

[ThatStKildaGuy]

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

 

[PeteJ]

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.

 

[ThatStKildaGuy]

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.

Many thanks for the reply. Looking forward to it. Happy Days indeed!

 

[pankar0]

Does the R26 plays MQA from USB..????

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

In the Chinese product page there is an icon of MQA and text says "Full Decode" 384K. Needs confirmation for early owners here...

 

[Giangi]

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 suppose