*DAC

It’s funny, different systems, different results..... I bought an R26 simply for streaming, because (I thought), my sample rate converter (Mutec 6) had died.

I’ve owned quite a few DAC’s, Yggy, Holo KTE3, AMR 777SE, and more. I have recently been using a "hot rodded" Theta Gen Va (hence, the Mutec converter). I bought the R26, and was pleasantly surprised with the tonality/musicality, combined with the level of detail. So much "quicker" than the "old" R2R sound.

In my system, the R26 has an abundance of what you are missing in yours. All the "inhales", lips parting, pluck of strings, that initial "stick" of fingers sliding on strings, transients, decays, ALL present in a non "hi-fi", musical way. Plus a soundstage even more expansive than the old/new Theta.

Different systems, different synergies.

(For reference, my system...... Don Sachs DS2, bi-amped, Wells Innamorata II (mids/highs), CJ 2500A (lows), highly modified Tyler H3’s).

Though I haven't heard the X, a friend purchased an "A", so I have heard that one. It is more detailed than the "R", but in a somewhat of a "dry" presentation. It gets all the notes, but with somewhat less "tonality"(?), and less "soundstage". YMMV

His system is different than mine for sure. Parasound JC 1+/JC 2, and Triton 1R's. He also has a "hot rodded" Gen Va.