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

[BShaw]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an R26. I know someone here mentioned comparing it to the Bifrost, has anyone got both, especially the BF2/64, and want to weigh in?
It sure seems like this is the best DAC to be had sub $2000. I had been considering the Pontus 2, the Musician Pegasus, Ladder Schumann, Soekris 2541, and MHDT Orchid, but some don't have xlr capabilities, and I'm wary of the Denafrips family.

 

[drspeter]

X26 and R26 side by side, was doing ABX last night, and will continue for a few days to post impressions.

Test bed:
Ethernet -> Allo Signature -> USB -> Hydra-Z -> I2S -> X26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> AMP -> Driver
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> AMP -> Driver

Both devices "grouped" in Roon to output at the same time.
The AVC works as the ABX switch.

Last night I was comparing with a Pentode headamp + HD800.
Today I'm using Elekit 8600S + Omega speakers.
Tomorrow I try it with Quad 909 amp + Solstice speakers (comparing to Zodiac DAC as well)

I only have one impression right now for X26 vs R26:

X26 is warmer than R26. It's actually an aspect I liked about X26, it sounded more analog because it had a slight warm tilt, but that's just it.
It's a technique that attempts to make something analog sounding, but it's not actually that.
R26 sounds analog, but not warm, big difference.
The treble on R26 really sparkles because of it.
It feels alive, while the X26 by direct abx comparison sounds muted and boring.

I still like X26, I think it's tonality over other ESS implementations is amazing. I'd much prefer a bit boring ESS sound, than the harsh treble sibilant sound that most other ESS dacs have. But reiterating, it's more like a band-aid fix for ESS, the R26 doesn't* need such fixes. The tonality and timbre is a gem. Analog sounding without being warm, treble sparkle without being harsh or sibilant. Timbre natural and engaging.

great to hear another impression from someone who has both!
I usually anticipate less forward and warmer sound character from r2r compared to delta sigam, so thought that it's pretty interesting that you heard r26 to have less warm sound. Also the impression that I found elsewhere also described x26 pro as more forward in mid and treble.
do you think that additional components in your x26 pro chain could make some changes in what you're hearing?
Also, do you find that both have each's own charm to make it a keeper or you prefer one over the other completely thus thinking of selling one?

 

[EMINENT]

R26 does get more bass over time. I recommend trying to co pare after 300 hrs.

 

[roncal]

X26 and R26 side by side, was doing ABX last night, and will continue for a few days to post impressions.

Test bed:
Ethernet -> Allo Signature -> USB -> Hydra-Z -> I2S -> X26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> AMP -> Driver
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> AMP -> Driver

Both devices "grouped" in Roon to output at the same time.
The AVC works as the ABX switch.

Last night I was comparing with a Pentode headamp + HD800.
Today I'm using Elekit 8600S + Omega speakers.
Tomorrow I try it with Quad 909 amp + Solstice speakers (comparing to Zodiac DAC as well)

I only have one impression right now for X26 vs R26:

X26 is warmer than R26. It's actually an aspect I liked about X26, it sounded more analog because it had a slight warm tilt, but that's just it.
It's a technique that attempts to make something analog sounding, but it's not actually that.
R26 sounds analog, but not warm, big difference.
The treble on R26 really sparkles because of it.
It feels alive, while the X26 by direct abx comparison sounds muted and boring.

I still like X26, I think it's tonality over other ESS implementations is amazing. I'd much prefer a bit boring ESS sound, than the harsh treble sibilant sound that most other ESS dacs have. But reiterating, it's more like a band-aid fix for ESS, the R26 doesn't* need such fixes. The tonality and timbre is a gem. Analog sounding without being warm, treble sparkle without being harsh or sibilant. Timbre natural and engaging.

I would be interested to understand if your impression also applies to the R26's discrete 1-bit DSD circuit which is more similar to the X26PRO (ESS9038PRO) delta sigma modulator.

 

[comzee]

First Setup:
Ethernet -> ALLO USB bridge Signature -> USB -> Gustard U18 -> SPDIF AES+Wordclock sync -> Antelope Zodiac -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers

Second Setup:
Ethernet -> ALLO USB bridge Signature -> USB -> Gustard U18 -> I2S HDMI -> X26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers

Both Roon endpoints grouped to output at the same time.


TLDR: I compared DAC's #1 Antelope Zodiac Gold #2 Gustard R26 #3 Gustard R26 with a Quad 909 AMP and Solstice speakers

(copied from discord might look weird)


Ok, R26 biggest strength vs X26 is more air
X26 feels very stuffy in direct abx
Bells, whistles and cymbals just appear and disappear into space just floating delicately
long trail
not sure if that's what they call transients or not
but it's the biggest difference between the two
Then I also think R26 has better timbre + texture, not massive, but easily noticeable
I think this is part has to do with sounds having room to breath, and having air
R26 stage just acceptable enough for speakers I'd say
If I had to rank that one aspect
soundstage
Zodiac 9/10
R26 7/10
X26 5/10
So R26 has nice bump over X26, but no giant killer in that category
Instrument separation is better with R26, or at least things sound more defined between each other
X26 slams things together slightly
Tonally
I think X26 is a hair more warm
I think R26 might immediately sound brighter, but it's more that R26 has treble sparkle and air that X26 doesn't
tonally they're pretty close on the warm/neutral/bright spectrum apart from that, again I think R26 is just a hair brighter overall
Zodiac has better separation and tactility than both
R26 has better texture, but Zodiac is more tactile
if that makes sense
anyway, I think R26 is a straight upgrade over X26 imo
R26 and Zodiac more trade blows, more depending on what you value more for that VS

edit:

@roncal missed that question, all the SQ impressions I've posted have been pcm.
I only care enough about mqa/dsd to test they work, for the community.
I will perform no SQ tests with either format, my apologies.

 

[pankar0]

Basing to the picture and your test guys... I understand that plays MQA... but is rendered or full decoder...
Can anyone knows what this picture says in Chinese language

 

[Giangi]

Basing to the picture and your test guys... I understand that plays MQA... but is rendered or full decoder...
Can anyone knows what this picture says in Chinese language

It's a mqa full decoder

 

[mantraone]

First Setup:
Ethernet -> ALLO USB bridge Signature -> USB -> Gustard U18 -> SPDIF AES+Wordclock sync -> Antelope Zodiac -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers

Second Setup:
Ethernet -> ALLO USB bridge Signature -> USB -> Gustard U18 -> I2S HDMI -> X26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers
Ethernet -> R26 -> AVC (abx switch) -> Quad 909 AMP -> Solstice Speakers

Both Roon endpoints grouped to output at the same time.


TLDR: I compared DAC's #1 Antelope Zodiac Gold #2 Gustard R26 #3 Gustard R26 with a Quad 909 AMP and Solstice speakers

(copied from discord might look weird)


Ok, R26 biggest strength vs X26 is more air
X26 feels very stuffy in direct abx
Bells, whistles and cymbals just appear and disappear into space just floating delicately
long trail
not sure if that's what they call transients or not
but it's the biggest difference between the two
Then I also think R26 has better timbre + texture, not massive, but easily noticeable
I think this is part has to do with sounds having room to breath, and having air
R26 stage just acceptable enough for speakers I'd say
If I had to rank that one aspect
soundstage
Zodiac 9/10
R26 7/10
X26 5/10
So R26 has nice bump over X26, but no giant killer in that category
Instrument separation is better with R26, or at least things sound more defined between each other
X26 slams things together slightly
Tonally
I think X26 is a hair more warm
I think R26 might immediately sound brighter, but it's more that R26 has treble sparkle and air that X26 doesn't
tonally they're pretty close on the warm/neutral/bright spectrum apart from that, again I think R26 is just a hair brighter overall
Zodiac has better separation and tactility than both
R26 has better texture, but Zodiac is more tactile
if that makes sense
anyway, I think R26 is a straight upgrade over X26 imo
R26 and Zodiac more trade blows, more depending on what you value more for that VS

edit:

@roncal missed that question, all the SQ impressions I've posted have been pcm.
I only care enough about mqa/dsd to test they work, for the community.
I will perform no SQ tests with either format, my apologies.

I my opinion, the Gustard U18 DDC need to be used in this comparison for both DAC. I think the Ethernet can perform in a different way related to your network noise and jitter.

If you like listen the best sound quality from X26 pro and R26 you have to be fair and put the 2 DAC in the same working condition.

 

[comzee]

I my opinion, the Gustard U18 DDC need to be used in this comparison for both DAC. I think the Ethernet can perform in a different way related to your network noise and jitter.

If you like listen the best sound quality from X26 pro and R26 you have to be fair and put the 2 DAC in the same working condition.

While I don't disagree, it's likely somebody will pair U18 with X26, and that's the performance tier.
It's likely somebody will use ethernet on R26

So eh, good enough for me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Jake2]

While I don't disagree, it's likely somebody will pair U18 with X26, and that's the performance tier.
It's likely somebody will use ethernet on R26

So eh, good enough for me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This is still a useful comparison, thanks for taking the time to do this and share your experiences.

Being familiar with the typical beneficial effect of inserting the U18, espec on soundstaging, I'm inclined to allow for this by subtracting a point or two from your scores for the X26 and Antelope. Certainly for my intended R26 use case of ext streamer > U18 > R26.

 

[BShaw]

Is anyone familiar with the Sonnet Morpheus and able to comment on the comparison to the R26? I’m trying to decide between the two (used Sonnet).
Thank you

 

[comzee]

This is still a useful comparison, thanks for taking the time to do this and share your experiences.

Being familiar with the typical beneficial effect of inserting the U18, espec on soundstaging, I'm inclined to allow for this by subtracting a point or two from your scores for the X26 and Antelope. Certainly for my intended R26 use case of ext streamer > U18 > R26.

Hmm, I used the U18 with Zodiac, so that should be apples to apples with X26.
Also, the reason I didn't use U18 on R26 is because I think the R26 ethernet built in roon bridge is better than U18...

I had a massive DDC roundup post from another thread a few months ago.

My ranking:
DI-20HE/Hydra-Z+ZPM (pending more compare) -> Gustard U18 -> pi2aes / Lynx AES16e (interchangeable based on preference) -> Singxer SU-6 -> Gustard X26 internal USB -> Schiit Eitr -> Singxer SU-1 -> Singxer F1 -> Audio GD U8 -> Audio GD DI-2014

I think built in ethernet roon bridge on R26 is as good, if not better than DI-20HE/Hydra-Z, which I already thought were better than U18.

I think this is one of the biggest selling points to R26, if you use Roon, you do not need a DDC. U18 will not improve it.

edit:
Having an ALSA (linux) Roon endpoint within R26 feeding i2s internally is the absolute ideal scenario for any DAC.
The integrated clock/synthesizer in R26 is already massively good.

Thru all my digital transport experiences, and testing, I've found having some uber amazing clock doesn't make as much difference as other factors.
USB carries power, it's a goofy protocol not well suited for carrying audio. Having Roon feed R26 directly via network cuts out so many intermediate conversion steps, I'm telling you, it's scary good. I won't be using any DDC with R26, and yes, I've tried U18 and Hydra-Z with R26 already. I'll be trying my DI-20HE with R26 in about a week (it's at a friends place for loaner).

 

[Jake2]

Hmm, I used the U18 with Zodiac, so that should be apples to apples with X26.
Also, the reason I didn't use U18 on R26 is because I think the R26 ethernet built in roon bridge is better than U18...

I had a massive DDC roundup post from another thread a few months ago.

My ranking:
DI-20HE/Hydra-Z+ZPM (pending more compare) -> Gustard U18 -> pi2aes / Lynx AES16e (interchangeable based on preference) -> Singxer SU-6 -> Gustard X26 internal USB -> Schiit Eitr -> Singxer SU-1 -> Singxer F1 -> Audio GD U8 -> Audio GD DI-2014

I think built in ethernet roon bridge on R26 is as good, if not better than DI-20HE/Hydra-Z, which I already thought were better than U18.

I think this is one of the biggest selling points to R26, if you use Roon, you do not need a DDC. U18 will not improve it.

Very interesting, appreciate your further clarifications. I'll defer to your far more extensive experience of DDCs (mine is limited to the U18, SU6 and very recently adding the LHY OCK-1 to the U18). The R26 sounds quite the one box solution for Roon users.

I look forward to receiving my R26!

 

[EMINENT]

Hmm, I used the U18 with Zodiac, so that should be apples to apples with X26.
Also, the reason I didn't use U18 on R26 is because I think the R26 ethernet built in roon bridge is better than U18...

I had a massive DDC roundup post from another thread a few months ago.

My ranking:
DI-20HE/Hydra-Z+ZPM (pending more compare) -> Gustard U18 -> pi2aes / Lynx AES16e (interchangeable based on preference) -> Singxer SU-6 -> Gustard X26 internal USB -> Schiit Eitr -> Singxer SU-1 -> Singxer F1 -> Audio GD U8 -> Audio GD DI-2014

I think built in ethernet roon bridge on R26 is as good, if not better than DI-20HE/Hydra-Z, which I already thought were better than U18.

I think this is one of the biggest selling points to R26, if you use Roon, you do not need a DDC. U18 will not improve it.

edit:
Having an ALSA (linux) Roon endpoint within R26 feeding i2s internally is the absolute ideal scenario for any DAC.
The integrated clock/synthesizer in R26 is already massively good.

Thru all my digital transport experiences, and testing, I've found having some uber amazing clock doesn't make as much difference as other factors.
USB carries power, it's a goofy protocol not well suited for carrying audio. Having Roon feed R26 directly via network cuts out so many intermediate conversion steps, I'm telling you, it's scary good. I won't be using any DDC with R26, and yes, I've tried U18 and Hydra-Z with R26 already. I'll be trying my DI-20HE with R26 in about a week (it's at a friends place for loaner).

Have you got HQP working in Roon with ethernet on the R26?

 

[Giangi]

Just received the R26. Ethernet better than usb