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

[Nuge]

I'm using the LAN input with the Gustard R26 paired with my Eufonika H5 miflex tube amp and the ZMF Auteur. The Gustard in stock form sounds 30-35% better than the Bifrost 2 to me. I'm very impressed with the improvements. Clarity, definition, dynamics and soundstage depth are drastically improved, there is just no comparison. I'm very glad I bought this DAC, this has to be one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" DACs out there. I'm blown away that some people claim DACs are an overrated part of the music chain.

 

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

Now get the FMC mod to add another 20% (or something).

 

[Nuge]

Now get the FMC mod to add another 20% (or something).

FMC mod? Not familiar with that. I'm getting an SR Purple Fuse sometime in the next two weeks so that's coming.

 

[Nuge]

Now get the FMC mod to add another 20% (or something).

Ok, just saw the FMC mod. Does it still make an improvement if I am using a wifi extender?

 

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

Don't know, mine is cabled..

 

[camrector]

Ok, just saw the FMC mod. Does it still make an improvement if I am using a wifi extender?

Most definitely will.

 

[Sound Eq]

well i got the fmc mod and yes it makes a noticeable difference

now since I have alot things for gustard I wonder what should be the best setup so your input is valued

1- eversolo - dm-a6- streamer
2- fmc mod all parts as per first page
3- ifi lan silencer
4- also got an expensive usb cable called phasure lush 2

if you were me how would how u things now, to achieve the best result

if you were me how would do the set up having all the possibilities now

 

[ketosus]

Snap. That is in my cart... Just been asking about it over in the Puritan thread and was pointed to the supposedly even better SR master at twice the price. From what I've read the AM M-1 sounds like a synergistic fit with my R26 in my system where I wouldn't say no to a little more tonal mass/richness in the mid-range.

Edit - the SR Master… a bit rich for my blood right now I feel.
https://highend-electronics.com/products/synergistic-research-master-fuses

OK.... but 550Eur for R26 ... it can hurt

 

[ketosus]

I really like this DAC! I've used a Schiit Modius, Schiit Bifrost 2, and Denafrips Ares II. I'd say it sounds noticeably better than the Bifrost and Ares, not in a huge way, but in a big enough way. If money is tight for you or you don't listen to details too closely I wouldn't call it a must buy, but if you have the money and want more detail and clarity while still having some warmth and musicality I would recommend it.

The I2S HDMI input is a nice bonus if you have an external streamer, and I've heard good things about its internal streamer but have not used it.

About 30% better sound through LAN. Only with LAN can you see what this connection is capable of

 

[LarsHP]

well i got the fmc mod and yes it makes a noticeable difference

now since I have alot things for gustard I wonder what should be the best setup so your input is valued

1- eversolo - dm-a6- streamer
2- fmc mod all parts as per first page
3- ifi lan silencer
4- also got an expensive usb cable called phasure lush 2

if you were me how would how u things now, to achieve the best result

if you were me how would do the set up having all the possibilities now

My understanding is that the LAN connection is superior to at least USB, possibly all other inputs, particularly if you make sure to eliminate electrical noise via LAN.

Regarding #2 and #3, I'd say one of them, not both. The Fiber Media Converter with a good linear power supply should be more effective than the Ifi LAN Silencer since the fiber connection should eliminate electrical noise completely while the LAN "silencer" only reduces it.

 

[Dandoudou]

My understanding is that the LAN connection is superior to at least USB, possibly all other inputs, particularly if you make sure to eliminate electrical noise via LAN.

Regarding #2 and #3, I'd say one of them, not both. The Fiber Media Converter with a good linear power supply should be more effective than the Ifi LAN Silencer since the fiber connection should eliminate electrical noise completely while the LAN "silencer" only reduces it.

The Eversolo is a very good streamer, and may beat the internal streamer of the R26.

 

[Sound Eq]

The Eversolo is a very good streamer, and may beat the internal streamer of the R26.

so u suggest me to isolate the lan input of the eversolo and connect to gustrad via usb and see the eversolo on roon as endpoint

 

[Jake2]

well i got the fmc mod and yes it makes a noticeable difference

now since I have alot things for gustard I wonder what should be the best setup so your input is valued

1- eversolo - dm-a6- streamer
2- fmc mod all parts as per first page
3- ifi lan silencer
4- also got an expensive usb cable called phasure lush 2

if you were me how would how u things now, to achieve the best result

if you were me how would do the set up having all the possibilities now

If I had that gear I would try this: 2 > 3 > Eth cable > 1 (Roon endpoint) > 4 > R26 (A)

Compare it to: 2 > 3 > Eth cable > R26 (Roon endpoint) (B)

And maybe improve on (A) like this: 2 > 3 > eth cable > 1 > USB regenerator etc > 4 > R26

Could also upgrade ethernet cable.

 

[camrector]

The TeraDak T-S212 is a very solid
FMC. (OCXO version)

 

[Dandoudou]

so u suggest me to isolate the lan input of the eversolo and connect to gustrad via usb and see the eversolo on roon as endpoint

Yes, I suggest you to try it. It's impossible to know without trying.