Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer

@lanx0003 I recall your post about clicking. Sounds like your R26 has issues. I think I'd send it back if you can.

It sounds like the Cambridge streamer sounds good.  My son's cxa60 has a built-in dac and it sounds really good.  Better than the dac in a Node. And your Cambridge is a big step up from the cxa60. 

This crazy hobby can be a real money pit. I don't want to spend your money for you, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with the X-30. It's as good as I'll ever need.  I could have sent it back to Aoshida, but I opted to keep it. 

Responding to the original post.  I can weigh in on the 2nd question.  I would go with a separate streamer.  I started with integrated like many others and have moved to separates in all my equipment over time.  Bought a used Innuos Zen Mk3 from a local dealer to stream to my Holo Audio Cyan 2.  It sounds better than using my Blusound Node N130 as a streamer.  I like the BluOs app and operating system but the Sense app and system is even better in my experience.  

@sls883  I planned to send it back because of the clicking noise.  It turns out the volume level was not an issue. It was caused by the DSD toggle on/off and I just need to remember to adjust the volume up to 'fixed / maxed' level.  Before sending it back, I want to fully evaluate it to see if I need a replacement or different kind of DAC.  X30 is definitely under my radar but TBH it is outside my budget limit I am willing to spend at this point without fully exploring all options.

@lanx0003 Makes sense.  Have you tried changing the filter setting on the R26?  I prefer the fast setting, but that isn't the default setting. Fast is the most detailed, but maybe not what works best in your system.  There is also a setting for NOS.  

@sls883  I used "med" but tried "slow" to mitigate the brightness. It does have some effect, but not significant enough, and it adversely impacts the details. "Fast" is a bit too much for my system. NOS is not a preferred option for R26 I found.