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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
lanx0003
856 posts
 

Alright, I’ve had the R26 for about three weeks now, with at least 200-250 hours of playback time. It sounds pretty good—neutral and rich—but not as natural-sounding as I’d prefer.

That said, the other two DACs I own—the Cambridge MXN10’s internal DAC and the SMSL D6s—perform just as well as the R26 in areas like detail, tonal balance, soundstage, instrument separation, and bass. To my ears, all of these traits range from very good to excellent.  All these three DACs are able to preserve these sound traits in the recording pretty well.

However, when you consider the price, there’s an almost ninefold disparity between them. So, is the SMSL D6s exceptionally good for its price, or is the R26 just comparable to a highly capable entry-level Delta-Sigma DAC? Is the R26 simply overhyped?

My signal chain is mxn10 -> DAC -> Cambridge Azur 851A or Parasound A23 -> Wharfedale Linton or Buchardt S400 mkII.

alexberger
916 posts
 

I have a question about the new LHY - OCK-2"S" master clock.

Does anybody tried it with Gustard R26 or another DAC or streamer?

I tried to buy the old OCK-2 model on Aliexpress and eBay. But each time I ordered it sellers told me the old model is sold out and out of production.

alexberger
916 posts
 

The truth is the extra $400 is too much for me. I have Gustard r26 DAC and a $1100 master clock looks like an too expensive gadget for $1600 DAC.

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