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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
nevada_matt
155 posts
 

I have the Gustard R26.

I have yet to see the firmware for the streamer portion for which it is supposed to be capable.

i have paired it with an innuous pulse mini.

I do like the r2r sound over a delta sigma type dac for almost everything I listen to.  But with the pulse mini, you can have multiple dacs, so I may either get my smsl 10 fixed or get another for electronica type music.  I did consider a couple other streamers, but they were limited to output to a single dac.  Just a choice..

soix
8,780 posts
 

Your assessment of the Marantz house sound echoes my own in that it’s full and rich but lacks upper octave detail and “air.”  IMHO it’s best to keep DAC and streamer separate as they’re both equally critical to get the best sound and combining them in one box invites both compromise and lack of future upgrade flexibility.  For your tastes I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus ll R2R DAC and the Innuos Pulse Mini streamer with their separate linear power supply (I think they may be about to introduce a new linear power supply for the Mini).  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

marco777 OP
24 posts
 

Thank you, someone have compared Denafrips Pontus ll vs Gustard R26. ? I have read some reviews that suggest to choose Gustard R26.

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