Gustardx26 pro vs RME ADI2FS

RME uses a "wall-wart" power adapter, which is a small switching power supply.  It gets the job done, but switching power supplies are very noisy and don't provide smooth strong current.

Gustard has 2 transformers which means at least two separate linear power supplies (probably one for digital section and one for analog section).  Linear power supplies have much cleaner and smoother current.  This results in much higher sound quality.

I love the Gustard X26 Pro. I saved a ton of cash getting this over a $6K DAC I had originally considered. The following review discusses the power supplies.

The One to Beat: Gustard X26 PRO DAC Review (soundnews.net)

I came across this article on the net and remembered that Nelson Pass said the same thing once about the sound effect of transformers used, rather than the actual tubes.

http://www.hawestv.com/amp_projects/amp_solid_tube/tube_sound1.htm

This site also mentions that transformers impart warmth or a mid range boost(sounds almost like an EL34 description).

"Audio transformer effects:"

"Audio transformer sound may be the most important component of so-called “tube sound.” The transformer launches a midrange boost, slight ringing, and even harmonics."

I then realized that all of the equipment that Ive liked and kept had a transformer.

In my case, the RME DAC makes the violins in an orchestra sound monotone and from a much smaller soundstage. Im wondering if it is because it lacks a toroidal transformer or linear power supply.

Also DIY audio's desription of the F6:

"The transformer greatly contributes to the overall sonic character of the amp which is very highly regarded and considered to be similar and having all the benefits and positive characteristics of a tube amp... making some observers speculate that much of the positive 'tube amp' sound is the transformers, not the tubes"

https://diyaudiostore.com/products/f6-board-transformer-kit

The transfomers referred to in that article are output transformers, not power transformers. They will affect the sound because they are coupling the output tubes to the speaker.

Linear power supplies are noisy too. They can sometimes cause hum or buzz in the output of the amp due to the power transformer. For the switch mode power supply, the frequencies are out of the audio band so you won’t be able to hear them.