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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
alexberger
904 posts
 

Hi @lanx0003 ,

For any DAC I had 100hour of break-in - it is nothing!

For example I run a new Chord Qutest around 200 hours and was sure it plays on 90% of it potential. Then I didn’t listen to it for 2 weeks. But is was plugged in to AC without playing music. When I listened to it again I was shocked how the sound of the DAC was improved.

To make any decision the DAC shod be plugged in AC for 3 weeks + 200-300 hours of playing music.

sls883
311 posts
 

The sound quality of my R26 with my Innuos streamer was excellent.

I also tried the renderer/streamer in the R26 with Audivarna software. The sound quality was quite good, but I had issues with Audivarna. 

frl
24 posts
 

I prefer my CCA via optical to the sound of the R26 internal steamer for Roon.  I do love the R26 sound (have 2 of em), and I utilize the i2s input in my desktop system via ddc with good results.

lanx0003
821 posts
 

As I mentioned earlier, the bass improves, which is the first noticeable change within the first week. The piano notes gradually settle as well, but the timbre and overtones of the violin sound unnatural and somewhat raspy. Sibilance isn’t well-controlled either and I'm not sure if it could be further tamed (feedback please). I have the time and patience, but I don’t want to wait 200–300 hours only to find that the tone is still unnatural, as some have reported. That’s quite a lot of burn-in time for this R2R DAC.

sls883
311 posts
 

And you're certain that the sounds that you hear are coming from the R-26 and neither the Cambridge integrated or Cambridge streamer?  I've not read any reviews that indicate the issues that you've had.  

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