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

[rodthebod]

I configured to for a single output, and it makes a difference.
It seems to work better this way;

One thing that's really awkward for me to try is to disconnect the GPS antenna, as the LB is inside the R26, and see if that makes a difference?

 

[camrector]

After about a week of burn-in, I tested the LB clock and compared it to the OCK-1 with two devices: the R26 and the AGD DI-20HE.
I used for the trials the Gustard C2 cable, and a LMR400 cable to which I applied the copper/Faraday tape tweak.
The LB was powered by the 5V/3V output of a Shanti.

With the DI-20HE, the LB does not improve the sound over the internal clock. On the contrary, with the 10 mHz input of the LB, the sound is flatter than with the internal clock. On the other hand, the OCK-1 improves the sound of the DI-20HE with an additional relief/depth.
The LB does improve the sound of the R26, but not as much as the OCK-1.

I don't have a LPS of 7.5V.
Do you think that there's something else that I should try, before asking for a refund?

Not suprised at all here.
LB clock -70 dBc at 1Hz
OCK1 (measured) -91dBc at 1Hz

With the Leo clock not being a hifi device, outputting a square wave for a paltry $200, who knows what internal impedance mismatches are occurring as well.

Unless you’re spending big dollars on a clock, stick to Sine wave and use a low pass filter.

 

[Dandoudou]

One thing that's really awkward for me to try is to disconnect the GPS antenna, as the LB is inside the R26, and see if that makes a difference?

I plugged the antenna only for the configuration of the LB.
I do not plug it when I stream music.

 

[Stellabagpuss]

Also don't forget to enter sleep mode as last step!

 

[Stellabagpuss]

I plugged the antenna only for the configuration of the LB.
I do not plug it when I stream music.

You need to keep the antenna in ,its works off GPS

 

[Stellabagpuss]

Not suprised at all here.
LB clock -70 dBc/Hz at 1Hz
OCK1 (measured) -91dBc at 1Hz

With the Leo clock not being a hifi device, outputting a square wave for a paltry $200, who knows what internal impedance mismatches are occurring as well.

Unless you’re spending big dollars on a clock, stick to Sine wave and use low pass filter.

Interesting view, but let's wait,rather than assumptions, let's hear Dan's views, once he set the clock correctly for use.

 

[Dandoudou]

You need to keep the antenna in ,its works off GPS

I'll try with the antenna.

 

[rodthebod]

You need to keep the antenna in ,its works off GPS

But if the unit is in sleep mode, as recommended and proven to be better, all logic/configuration circuitry is off so how can the GPS be actively working? It will only work when the app is showing the unit is connected (green rectangle as opposed to red).......

 

[Jake2]

I have an LB left on my doorstep apparently. If it's still there once I get home from the pub, I'll be a few days behind following @Dandoudou 's footsteps, albeit comparing to both the OCK-1 & 2

 

[Clivem2]

But if the unit is in sleep mode, as recommended and proven to be better, all logic/configuration circuitry is off so how can the GPS be actively working? It will only work when the app is showing the unit is connected (green rectangle as opposed to red).......

Is it all the logic / functions though? The LB site says sleep turns off the micro controller but without more knowledge we can’t be sure whether GPS operates in sleep mode.

 

[camrector]

“Operation requires continuous presence of GPS signal, however temporary loss will be tolerated seamlessly. Active or passive antennas are supported. An active antenna with 5 metre cable is provided with the device but can be substituted if necessary.GPS acquisition time after power-up is around 30 seconds. If GPS signal is lost, digital PLL will maintains best estimated output frequency based on historical data. On reacquisition of GPS lock, output is seamlessly brought back in sync with GPS reference. Entry and exit of frequency hold is glitch-less.”

How do I tell if the unit is locked onto a GPS signal?​

The two status LEDs on the front of the device will be constantly on.
Also if the device is connected to the software the two warning messages will not be show.

I’m surprised you guys don’t know how your clock works.

 

[rodthebod]

Is it all the logic / functions though? The LB site says sleep turns off the micro controller but without more knowledge we can’t be sure whether GPS operates in sleep mode.

All we can do is try the antenna in, which is how I have always used it, and then with it disconnected to hear any difference.

 

[Dandoudou]

I don't have the impression that the antenna changes the sound…

Anyway, with a single output, there is an improvement.
I would say that the sound is a bit smoother for the DI-20HE. It is a subtle improvement. It is not as obvious as with the OCK-1.
I try it with my best cable: the Gustard C2.

 

[Clivem2]

My guess is the plugging in or out of the antenna will make little difference until the clock drifts. This could take 30 mins or 30 days for all we know.

 

[Stellabagpuss]

“Operation requires continuous presence of GPS signal, however temporary loss will be tolerated seamlessly. Active or passive antennas are supported. An active antenna with 5 metre cable is provided with the device but can be substituted if necessary.GPS acquisition time after power-up is around 30 seconds. If GPS signal is lost, digital PLL will maintains best estimated output frequency based on historical data. On reacquisition of GPS lock, output is seamlessly brought back in sync with GPS reference. Entry and exit of frequency hold is glitch-less.”

How do I tell if the unit is locked onto a GPS signal?​

The two status LEDs on the front of the device will be constantly on.
Also if the device is connected to the software the two warning messages will not be show.

I’m surprised you guys don’t know how your clock works.

That's why we trying help out in a positive manner, we all humans, and all have different skill sets