Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer

Keeping the streamer separate from the DAC is good (IMO), which appears to be your intention. I.e. If you first upgrade your DAC, you should not sell your NA8005, regardless of whether or not the new DAC has streaming capability.

I already had separate Antipodes server/streamer/PS, which is a big step up from the streamer sections of A26 / R26. Perhaps they are another one to consider in your next round of upgraditis. (Antipodes also have awesome backup support service. I can't comment on Gustard backup, as I have not yet needed any).

@arafiq  I read your review comparing the R26 with the Pontus II. I’m in a similar situation now, more than a year later, and hope you could clarify a few points to help me make an informed decision.

(1) Does the Pontus II you had back then have the original firmware (prior to V1.4)?  

(2) Have you ever updated to V1.4 and, if so, how were the changes in sound signature?

(3) Have you ever tried DDC with Pontus II and, if so, how were the changes in sound signature?

(4) I mainly listening to Jazz and classical music.  How Pontus II handles Complex Instrumentation in Classical Music.  Does the Pontus II perform well with orchestral complexity, capture subtle dynamics and maintain coherence in dense arrangements?  Having a R2R architecture, does the Pontus II offer a natural timbre, making strings and woodwinds feel lifelike, and manage to retain warmth and clarity even in highly intricate compositions?

Appreciated for your feedback.

Hi @lanx0003 Just a few caveats before I respond ... while I kept the Pontus much longer, I only had the R26 for less than a month since I returned it to Amazon during the trial period. It’s quite likely that my perception was biased since I had the Pontus for a longer duration. With that out of the way ...

As far as I remember, my Pontus had the original firmware. I had a chance to upgrade but I heard differing opinions, some negative, so decided not to roll the dice. My thinking was why fix something that ain’t broken :)

Never tried the DDC. In hindsight, I should have done that before selling the Pontus. But based on impressions by a few friends who also own a Pontus, the difference in SQ is not subtle at all. They all feel it was a worthwhile investment. I only sold the Pontus because I dismantled and sold my office system to fund the main system. Otherwise, I had no intentions of selling it.

Overall, I would say the Pontus was sorta like the goldilocks of DACs in its respective price category. The sound was very balanced with a hint of warmth. It wasn’t trying to be the most detailed and high resolution DAC. Instead the emphasis was more at a macro level with musicality as the primary goal. I thought it offered a natural timbre and most instruments sounded pretty good. No, it’s not as good as other high priced DACs, but you will be hard pressed to beat the Pontus within it’s price category.

The R26 on the other hand was more focused on micro level nuances, had a wider soundstage (though not necessarily deeper), and had a more ’hifi’ sound if you know what I mean. In the end, I preferred the warm, slightly lush and organic presentation of the Pontus. But it wasn’t like I could not live with the Gustard. They both offer above average value, but perhaps cater to slightly different sound parameters,

Hope this helps.

@arafiq 

I appreciate your insight. However, I later realized that the Pontus' NOS mode isn't truly NOS until the 15th version. Even the 12th version is an emulation (though close). I’ve decided to pause and dive deeper into this technical aspect before fully committing to an R2R DAC. Regarding the DDC, I’m inclined to skip it and, if needed, consider a higher-end model like the Venus instead. I recall Tarun mentioning that combining the Pontus II with the Iris could offer a Venus-like sound. As I get older, I prefer to have fewer components on the rack.

The R26's sound characteristics continue to improve over time. The initially weaker bass that some people critique has become weightier. I value controlled, nimble bass over quantity, but it still needs to have a weighty initial attack. The R26 is quite neutral, yet not as natural-sounding as I’d like. We'll see.

I also ordered Gustard R26. I will probably get in next week.

I had Chord Qutest for 5 years and now I have an SMSL DO300EX (AK4499 chip). I also have an old Cary cd-303/100 CD player on a Burr-Brown PCM1704u chip. 

I mostly listen to jazz and classical music.

I like my super affordable SMSL DO300EX more than Qutest. It handles better symphonic music with more details, separation and less congestion. It also sounds less sterile.

But it doesn't have the dynamics, energetics, separation and big soundstage of a Cary CD player. It plays music without emotions. Despite both Qutest and SMSL outperforming Cary in terms of details, focus and natural tone of instruments and vocals.

So, I hope Gustard r26 gives me the best of both worlds.