I have the Pontus II and Gustard X26 and have been A/B comparing them with different inputs and settings for about a week. The only configuration where one is clearly better than the other is using Roon upsampling to PCM 768 kHz connecting to the Denafrips Iris and then over I2S to the Pontus II. In that specific configuration the Pontus II outperforms the X26 connected to the Iris over AES (it isn't compatible with the Iris's I2S pinout), the Pontus will have a slightly better soundstage and noticeably better bass. In every other configuration I have tried there is essentially no difference between the DACs that I can hear. I still need to test each DAC in its NOS mode. Personally, having owned 5 DACs now I think most users would be better served spending money elsewhere. But maybe if you head up toward the $5K level things change though my guess is modern DACs are just very good in general.
Pontus vs Gustard?
I'm looking to upgrade my Benchmark 1, and am very interested in the Gustard X26 Pro. My only concern is the dearth of reviews (one, excellent performance and value) and Agon posts (one member, yyzsantabarbara, has it in his excellent system and loves it). Before looking at the Gustard, I was interested in the Pontus, which is similar in price and has many high marks from users on this forum. Has anyone here had a chance to compare them, side by side after burn-in?
Showing 2 responses by pinwa
@yyzsantabarbara Having listened to the Pontus II and Gustard X26 for another couple of weeks I am beginning to think the Pontus II introduces just a touch of glare when I use Roon upsampling to PCM 768 kHz. That appears with some female vocals or brass. It is subtle and obviously the issue could have more to do with Roon than the Pontus but it seems to be less of an issue with the X26. I haven't decided if the benefits of upsampling are worth it. |