I have compared them and need to do so again (my system has been packed up for a month or two, been using my old Kef LS50w actives in the interim)... Both v good when provided clean power and nicely vibration damped (shout out to @rodthebod 's carbon fibre and brass footers) with good clock cables. From my recollection the LB has a more lush midrange and nice flow whilst the OCK-2 is a little more resolving. Coming back from the slightly polite and rolled off KEFs my Focals with their beryllium tweeters is something of an adjustment, some midrange lushness wouldn't go astray. The LB at its price point is extremely good value.
GUSTARD DAC-R26 Balanced Decoder R2R+1Bit Dual Native Decoding Music Bridge
- Thread starter m-i-c-k-e-y
- Start date
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
Haven't come across any problems with thermal stability when using the LB clock outside of its aluminium extrusion case, I also have damping material directly on the clock.
Using the LB clock with the R26 gives a more natural sound, closer to an analogue vinyl sound for me.
The LB clock is a GPS linked clock which makes it a bit different to the OXCO based clocks used in the OCK products. I can't comment on the OCK product sound improvement as I don't own any, more comparisons from Jake, who has both, would be useful.
Any clock would benefit from energy management using Carbon Fibre Isolators these filter any vibrations via the carbon fibre discs, thanks for the mention Jake!
It does make a difference to the LB sound when the GPS is not kept locked, it's detrimental, I do relock and save every few days ensuring the USB cable to a laptop is disconnected when listening so the laptop USB can't interfere with the LB when listening.
I do have a CTI OXCO board (see pic) to try out inside the R26 but haven't had a chance yet, it got good reviews for measurements.
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BShaw
500+ Head-Fier
Speaking of clocks, I'll be listing my OCK-1 this weekend when I have the time to do it. Thought I'd mention it here first so thread members get first dibs. Retail is $450, I'll be listing it for $300.
That's a funny thought, having to achieve GPS lock on your audio equipment
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
Tell me about it, I come from the 1980's hifi appreciation club...........That's a funny thought, having to achieve GPS lock on your audio equipment
BUT it does make a difference to the sound!
Oh I believe it! Just a funny image in my head.
"Hang on honey, I need to acquire a GPS lock on my DAC before I put some dinner music on"
rodthebod
100+ Head-Fier
I love to be GPS locked......... doesn't GPS mean great positioning system........
sorry.....
motberg
500+ Head-Fier
perceptually also ... it's quite a phenomenon , I had a GPS clock with a large 10,000,00... etc readout.... waiting, and watching, for the clock to slowly stabilize and then lock into place for perfect sound was one of the most fun moments.....That's a funny thought, having to achieve GPS lock on your audio equipment
Capri87
100+ Head-Fier
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Hi all, understand that we should use a 3.15A slow burn fuse for R26. But is it ok if we use a 6.3A slow burn fuse instead?
amrutmhatre90
Head-Fier
Guys,
Is R26 a true DSD dac?
How DSD is processed on it?
Is R26 a true DSD dac?
How DSD is processed on it?
sbgk
100+ Head-Fier
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2 x 6.3A fuses in parallel would be better
m-i-c-k-e-y
Headphoneus Supremus
The R26 has a separate discreet 1 bit array DAC for DSD audio (can be found below the ladder DAC for PCM).
However it is in PCM that it trully shines. If you want a dedicated DSD DAC, most users opt to its younger sibling, the A26.
sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
Nobody really knows and information from Gustard is conflicting. Facts: R26 has three ladders:
#1. R2R ladder on the module.
#2. Set of unary resistors next to the R2R ladder on the same module.
#3. Set of unary resistors on the main board, a photo in the post above.
For the PCM playback R2R ladder is used. There are two possible cases:
a) A pure R2R decoding, where set of unary resistors (ladder #2) is not used, or
b) It is segmented architecture decoding which consist R2R ladder for a portion of bits and unary resistors (using different coding scheme) on the remaining bits.
And now about DSD decoding to which there are two modes:
Option 1. Direct DSD OFF. This option is can be implemented in two ways:
a) Conversion in the FPGA to PCM and decoded like PCM R2R (ladder #1), it is what Gustard says that it is decoded on R2R ladder, or
b) FIR-32 processing in FPGA for multi-bit DSD and decoding on a set of unary resistors next to a R2R ladder (ladder #2). I think it is a case, many other brands do the same, but communicate much better than Gustard. Alternatively on the ladder #3 using the same algorithm.
Option 2. Direct DSD ON. Gustard advertise it as one-bit decoding (like a bitstream (TM) in early Sony CD players). It is confirmed by tests that it sounds poor like in early Sony CD players, unless a source is oversampled to at least DSD-256 in HQPlayer. These are facts.
A question which ladder is used is less important, as this type of decoding require only one resistor. Gustard initially says R2R ladder is used, but it can be any ladder from #1, #2 or #3. Later, pushed by the user it is denounced and said something different, still not precise enough.
My bet is that a ladder on the main board (ladder #3) is for a different purpose (not for one-bit decoding) or they tried something ambitious and it didn't work. It could change with a firmware upgrade.
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PitBul34
100+ Head-Fier
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Hi
I use Aune XC1 OCXO clock + Aune XP2 PSU. Sounds much better then LHY Audio OCK-1 in my system. More natural and pleasant, with great soundstage and better microdynamic.
I use also this custom handmade EMI copper shield for R2R ladder and streamer. Great effect too.
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Deleeh
Headphoneus Supremus
Very good,whre you have buy the copper?
