I have the Schiit OG, LIM and Gustard R26.
The Gustard R26 is new and I am still putting in some hours on it before I start A-Bing with a balance switcher.
Preamp Modwright 36.5 LS
Amp Electrompaniet AW250 R Stereo Amplifier
Speakers Triangle Signature Alphas
It all depends on your system. System matching is very important.
IMO the Triangle with its horns speakers although every detailed can get bright so type of music and quality of the recording in very important.
Initial Impressions:
The OG sounds glorious with good recordings. It has more air than the other 2 DACs. The sound stage is by far the biggest on the OG. The vocals are more forward on the OG than on the R26. If you want a more balance presentation the R26 might be a better option as the vocals are definitely pulled back between the two.
The LIM loses the top end energy in comparison to the OG. The LIM sounds great but I always feel like their is a veil when switching from the OG.
On poor recording I would take the LIM hands down as the OG can get fatiguing on the Triangles. But I do not want to lose that Air and detail on well recorded music I get with the OG
I am trying to get to a balanced sound on this system that will work better with everyday recording.
Quick recap on this system
For me OG is stunning and best with great recordings, not so more for poor ones. More air, Biggest soundstage than the other 2, Vocals take centre stage.
LIM is great and if I was not bouncing back from the OG would say if also is great. But when going back to back in this systems there appears to me to be a veil on the best recordings.
The R26 is very detailed and no veil. The sound stage today is not as big and the air is less than the OG. TheR26 pulls the back the vocals I think I hear more of the music on the stage. Personal preference comes into play on if you prefer a more balanced presentation (R26) or more air and again vocals taking centre stage with the (OG)
Foot note on a different system:
Aesthetix Mimas Integraded
Speaker PMC Twenty Five 26I
On this system the OG is perfect to me. That top end energy is that can be too bright on the Triangles is wonderful on the PMC's. I love this system. Can pretty much play anything and it sounds wonderful. Huge sound stage and not bright..
Both the Schitt OG and LIM are wonderful DACS. I am hoping with time the R26 improves where it might displace the OG. I am looking for more air from it and a bigger soundstage. Really I need both LOL. When playing vocals OG all the way. When playing jazz R26 may be the ticket with a more balanced approach.
I am contemplating trying a Denafrips Pontus ll 12th to see if if this might be the missing ticket on the Triangles.
Any suggestions are welcome:)