Just good for your network. IPv6 is the newest version of internet protocol. Helps identify and locate endpoints, Better at directing traffic.
I don’t think SQ will be affected
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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
I don’t think SQ will be affected
cobrabucket
Headphoneus Supremus
Exactly right about the flexibility of the Freya +. I have the Freya + Noval which is exactly the same but uses 9-Pin Noval tubes instead of 6SN7. I think the ability to use passive, solid state or tube modes really is handy because of how easy it is to adjust the sound to synergize with your setup. And that's not even getting into tube rolling (of which the Freya N can use an insane variety of tubes).
I think it pairs beautifully with the R26 in my listening station.
The Freya N is on closeout as it's being discontinued and thus is an incredible value.
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sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
What is specifically better? It has its own problems, slow adoption is a confirmation.
OhHeyItsLou
100+ Head-Fier
I think I’ve reached the peak pinnacle of performance at the price point with the R26.
My Chain:
iMac > U18 w/SR Purple Fuse via Audioquest Cinnamon USB > R26 via IIS Audioquest Cinnamon w/SR Purple Fuse > DDC & DAC > LHY OCK-2 w/SR Purple Fuse via LMR-400 BNC’s (Sine Wave) > Ferrom OOR/HYPSOS w/SR Purple Fuse via SKW BG09 OCC Copper XLR > Susvara via Forza Audio Works balanced Cable.
Realism is the word that comes to mind most. Expansive sound stage both depth and height. Phenomenal imaging, superb accuracy. The DDC definitely elevated the setup in terms of an “in the room” listening experience, more organic timbre, darker background and micro-details. At times the R26 can push the line between detail and sibilance. The U18 removes the listening fatigue from the higher frequencies without removing details. In fact, once the slight harshness is gone - you can focus more on the track without the fatigue. This allows the sonic presentation to be even more resolving. The R2R buttery, tonal warmth and sonically accurate timbre are incredible. The speed and impact surprises me at times.
All-in, between the three pieces of hardware you’re still several hundred dollars cheaper than the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE and several thousand cheaper than the May. If I decided to upgrade my DAC in the future I still have a Clock and DDC than can be used. This is not an option you have with just the Spring 3 KTE.
Every little upgrade made a sonic difference. The SR Fuses, Audioquest Cinnamon Cables, etc…
Sometimes this hobby can become more about chasing the “perfect tone/sound” than it is enjoying the music. While going down this road to the best R26 experience was fun, I’m excited to experience my music in a whole new way.
Onward & Upward Friends.
My Chain:
iMac > U18 w/SR Purple Fuse via Audioquest Cinnamon USB > R26 via IIS Audioquest Cinnamon w/SR Purple Fuse > DDC & DAC > LHY OCK-2 w/SR Purple Fuse via LMR-400 BNC’s (Sine Wave) > Ferrom OOR/HYPSOS w/SR Purple Fuse via SKW BG09 OCC Copper XLR > Susvara via Forza Audio Works balanced Cable.
Realism is the word that comes to mind most. Expansive sound stage both depth and height. Phenomenal imaging, superb accuracy. The DDC definitely elevated the setup in terms of an “in the room” listening experience, more organic timbre, darker background and micro-details. At times the R26 can push the line between detail and sibilance. The U18 removes the listening fatigue from the higher frequencies without removing details. In fact, once the slight harshness is gone - you can focus more on the track without the fatigue. This allows the sonic presentation to be even more resolving. The R2R buttery, tonal warmth and sonically accurate timbre are incredible. The speed and impact surprises me at times.
All-in, between the three pieces of hardware you’re still several hundred dollars cheaper than the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE and several thousand cheaper than the May. If I decided to upgrade my DAC in the future I still have a Clock and DDC than can be used. This is not an option you have with just the Spring 3 KTE.
Every little upgrade made a sonic difference. The SR Fuses, Audioquest Cinnamon Cables, etc…
Sometimes this hobby can become more about chasing the “perfect tone/sound” than it is enjoying the music. While going down this road to the best R26 experience was fun, I’m excited to experience my music in a whole new way.
Onward & Upward Friends.
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cobrabucket
Headphoneus Supremus
Well said. Here's to our ears!
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Nice write-up, sweet setup and and great to hear. Parallels much of my experience with the R26, though I’ve not tried upgraded fuses yet, just little AliX grounding boxes which I can highly recommend as a terrific bang-for-buck enhancement.
Nada
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2008
- Posts
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Are you running the R26 clocking on the I2S U18 clocks or on the R26 synthezised clocking?
OhHeyItsLou
100+ Head-Fier
I have both the U18 & R26 set to Ext Clock running off of the OCK-2.
OhHeyItsLou
100+ Head-Fier
Thanks for the tip. Honestly, the Audioquest Cinnamon USB cable alone was a big improvement. I see people argue about cables and it always surprises me that so many “audiophiles” can’t hear very obvious SQ differences among cables. I have a pretty revealing setup which helps but still baffling as it’s so obvious to my ears.
m-i-c-k-e-y
Headphoneus Supremus
Was running my DAC thru a Singxer SU-6 DDC via Supra Cables Excalibur USB and rest (HDMI, Spdif, AES). However, streaming thru RJ45 came very close. Until this guy, @camrector, started preaching like no end about FMC on this thread. Like a new religion or something. Well, he made me and some guys converts... and my pocket too. So now have my sights on two LHY SW-10 (or ER2 depends). And blame at the guy that you responded..(@Jake2)... 
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Does anybody happen to know what the Gustard r26 weighs without packaging? Gustard website quotes 7kg packaging. Would save me disconnecting and placing on weighing scales. Thanks
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iPhone App Store down load JPLAY
Disclaimer : I know this is an annoying, never-ending, and procrastinating question.
Still, here it is :
Has anyone heard any rumours about a potential next R2R Gustard Dac, successor to R26 ?
Not so dumb reasons for asking:
- Gustard seems to go very fast with they product cycle : In the chip area, A26 came out less than a year (6 months ?) after X26 Pro.
- R26 came out mid 2022 (time flies…)
- R26 has raving reviews. Yet it is Gustard‘s first attempts at R2R architecture.
So, it might make sense that a successor to R26 might just be a few months from now (mid year ?)
Makes sense ? Heard any rumour ?
Still, here it is :
Has anyone heard any rumours about a potential next R2R Gustard Dac, successor to R26 ?
Not so dumb reasons for asking:
- Gustard seems to go very fast with they product cycle : In the chip area, A26 came out less than a year (6 months ?) after X26 Pro.
- R26 came out mid 2022 (time flies…)
- R26 has raving reviews. Yet it is Gustard‘s first attempts at R2R architecture.
So, it might make sense that a successor to R26 might just be a few months from now (mid year ?)
Makes sense ? Heard any rumour ?
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