2. digital
  3. 184192-19245

Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer

Hi,

I have in plan to upgrade the source of my system:

Source: Newtork streamer Marantz NA8005
Amp: Arcam A32
Speakers: build to me
Headhone: Denon AH-D5000

Actually the options are:

1) Purchase a DAC like Gustard R26 or X26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail (I’am bit undecided to choose one of these DACs).
2) Replace my Newtork streamer with a Hi end Streamers like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose or coming soon new Marantz that replace ND8006.


I have a preference for a sound relaxed, warm, analog, with a deep bass, I listen only FLAC files with USB disk and no others, so I’am not interested to streamer services.

My actual Marantz match my sound preference, but lack of details, soundstage, etc...

The ideal is upgrade the Newtork streamer, but for what I read on many forums, an exterenal DAC like Gustard R26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail sound better of every integrated streamer like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose, etc.. and apart this is also a cheap option.


To match my sound preference do you suggest to wait the next Marantz models or consider directly an external DAC like Gustard or Schiit ?

marco777

Showing 2 responses by deep_333

deep_333
1,831 posts
 

Wharfdale Linton & Burchardt S400 mkII), both have quiet background, sound transparent, good SS, decent bass BUT R26 does not outperform my $400 MXN10’s DAC.

a) Sell Linton, not resolving enough...Move up to the Elysian

b) Treat your room, increase room's resolution 

c) Sell Gustard with some mustard. 

d) Get the new Schiit Gungnir 2 dac, all R2R goodness made in America.

e) Make things liquid by getting the Schiit Saga 2 Class A preamp.

f) Bring ultimate glory by getiing 2 Schiit Tyr Class A-ish continuity monoblock amps.

g) Welcome to the world of American Schiit..the Schiitiest world to be in....Hold hands with the other Schiits as we walk into the sunset together.

deep_333
1,831 posts
 

@deep_333 

I am not sure if you actually own Linton or had given it a fair trial.  The trerrific soundstage, flat response (see below) and nimble bass are the three main reasons I kept them for a good two years and might be many more years to come.  Look at the flat in-room response from Erin's measurements.  Lack of details, might be, but that is not the trait I had concern with. 

The concern I am having is related to the elevated treble beyond 10khz.  The tactic is to mitigate it is to toe them out a bit but that does not fully address the issue.  That is why I am looking for a DAC that could do the trick, starting with r2r DAC.  I acquired Saga 2 when it was announced and like it.  But the Cambridge Azur 851A's preamp could sweeten the sound as good as Saga 2 if not better.  I had tried AKM chips-based DAC but sound is a bit too warm for me.

I will give R26 one more week and, if not working, move onto the next which might be Qutest, gumby (as you have suggested) / yggi or hybrid or pure tube DAC like Black-Ice.

I could eq the treble region too but not really like what wiim pro + sounds in comparison (w/ MXN10).  Additionally, eq sound does not really sweeten / liquify the sound I found.

@lanx0003 

Yes, i've heard the Linton, opened it up, etc. P. Comeau never engineers a bad speaker. It is well designed, but, constrained by the budget he worked with. Elysian 2 or higher (3-way Elysians) is his high end, bigger budget item. The latter's AMT tweeter integration with mid driver, choice of crossover, crossover parts quality, etc sum to a higher resolution speaker than the Linton. 

The resolution bottle neck is always the aft end, i.e., speaker and room...and dacs hit diminishing returns a lot quicker, i.e. within a couple of hundred bucks when the aft end bottleneck didn't get any better.

Inadequacies ( digitosis, whatever) in the front end can be salvaged to some degree, made to sound pleasant with class A-ish linestage/amps. I suggested the Saga 2 class A as it is at a charity price from the Schiitr for what it is. I've been using it with my headphones in recent days. Since you don't seem to be a purist guy, lots of things open up for you. Wiim Ultra full PEQ...adjust to taste...sweeten/liquify it up with some class A-ish aft end...Gungnir plays well in the middle there, etc (not to mention the  5 year Schiit warranty and ease of getting things fixed with local shipping to Texas, if needed. Chifi, Euro stuff....no such luck)

More to discover