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 ?
@alexberger I Googled the Shanling manual and it says "USB is set as priority for the system. if you want to use a different digital output, please make sure USB Audio Output is not connected". I2s would probably work, but you'd have to figure out the pinout connection. I use a Gustard U18 ddc which converts USB to a Gustard type I2s output. |
Hi @sls883 , So far I found a solution to plug and unplug USB cable into ET3 (I have easy access to do it). It is not a big problem for me because I listen to PCM (CDs and files) 95% of the time. In one month I will receive my old SMSL do300ex (AK4499) DAC from maintenance. It will be my DAC dedicated to DSD. |
I think, altogether, I have put more than 100 hours on the R26. Today, I did a side-by-side listening test using the MXN10 as both a streamer and a DAC. With my Cambridge Azur 851A integrated amplifier, I could switch back and forth between the R26 and the MXN10’s internal DAC, allowing me to hear the differences almost instantaneously. I needed to do a bit of volume matching (+/- 3dB). With MXN10 as the streamer (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. BTW, the R26’s streamer through the mConnect renderer sounds awful—much worse than the MXN10 or iFi ZS, those low-end streamers (price-wise). Well, time to move on. Following the highly raved Eversolo A6, this is the second higher-end streamer/DAC that has disappointed me. |
