Hello Everybody,
I stumbled about that thread and have already read a lot, but 82 pages are a bit much.
Anyway, the DAC caught my interest and now I'm looking for a final advice. I am studying in China now and could bring a pair of speakers and an amplifier. I couldn't bring my DAC though, because of some restrictions from the airline (it's fully battery powered and I was not allowed to put it in my luggage due to the massive battery pack inside). The equipment, however, is - even it's not my from my main stereo - what I consider very good (all handbuild by a small manufactory in Berlin). First I thought that I just buy a mobile Player (unfortunately I sold my Plenue S a couple of weeks ago), then I thought I'm going to buy an Ifi iDSD micro (which is still an option, though). When I listened for the first time to the stereo, it didn't satisfy me at all, knowing what the equipment is capable of (signal came from my computer via Dragonfly) and now I am concerned, that the iDSD isn't maybe enough either, even temporarily (problem is, that I never heard it by myself and just did some research online).
However, I stumbled about the Gustard while looking for DACs at Taobao, googled it and found this thread and read so much about the necessity to tune it. I don't think that I can do it here. First, I am not good at things like that in general. Second, It's probably kinda hard to get the stuff here (and some proper help).
So assuming, that I don't do any tuning at all - will the Gustard provide a generally a better signal as the Ifi iDSD micro (I think/hope so?!)?
Who does it play out of the box?
As I read that it can be a bit harsh, and that's not to my liking... Is there any other chinese DAC that can be recommended (like the Yu Long DA8 - how do they compare?)?
Would it be "enough" to buy the Gustard by now and just add Singxer SU-1 later?
And finally, is there a good & not to expensive USB Cable to recommend (I will get an handmade cable from Berlin at the end of september at the earliest)?
I am looking for any advice/help/tips! Thank you very much in advance and please consider that I am not a native english speaker!!
Thanks again & best regards from China,
David