can i get a significant dac upgrade over my Lumin d2 for 2k?

I ordered the Gustard R26 last night. I have been reading looking snd driving my self nuts for more than a year. I came down to Holo Spring, Denafrips Pontus, Gustard x26 pro, Sokris, and the I heard about Gustard doing r2r discrete. In my search the first eliminator was no balanced xlr. This removed some very well like tube dac’s. Tubes were not a big deal as my pre is a tube unit. Check the net nightly for reviews on the R26 and it finally showed up last week. That was all in needed to end my search. I also feel in this hobby spending more money does not always result in the equal amount of improvement. To spend 100 times more for only a 20% improvement does not add up for me. If the R26 holds up to 3/4 of the review I will be a happy camper. Only hope the new shut down in china does not cause me to be sitting here waiting until Christmas for it to come.

@baylinor

My quest for a quality dac is not about trying to replicate analog sound. For me it is just trying to have multiple ways to enjoy music any way I can get it. I still run my Nakamichi tape deck in my system and think it sounds good. Streaming for me has led to discovery of new bands I would have never found without my access through Qobuz and Austin Blues Radio station. The convince of putting on a stream and being able to sit for hours and enjoy it without having to leave my chair is nice. While this is my first attempt at a high end dac I have heard others snd will say to my ears streaming does come very very close except for drums. That just seems to be where digital can’t keep up. Granted I am not saying it is bad just vinyl is better here. Thanks for the reply and remember to enjoy and love the music not your system. Music will love you back your love of system will eat you alive!

@soix

usb to dac will be Kimber as well as balanced xlr to pre. Pre is balanced xlr to mono blocks. All lengths are 1 meter. Am nervous for arrival of dac as payment made through pay pal but it has been three days and it is crickets from china. No confirmation at all!

@soix 

Order placed with Aoshi. I used them as I saw they we the same if I went through Amazon. I received confirm email from pay pal snd charge is showing pending on credit card, but nothing from Aoshi. No email confirm, I sent them an email asking for status and zero reply. Guess I just sit and wait for some sign that they received order snd will process. Main reason of concern is their site said all orders are processed within 48 hours and I am well past that. I do not have any confidence in pay pal to protect my interest but I do have a confirm from them at least. Thanks for reply.

Heads up to anyone looking to order Gustard R26. I received email on my order and the distribution center is in full ccp lockdown. They are setting an eta before they can get the units to process the order at 14 to 21 days. Nothing to do but sit and wait.