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 ?
@curiousjim I have not updated my Pontus yet. I’m a little apprehensive after reading the experiences of some people as reported on the other thread here. Looks like some people disliked it so much that they reverted to the original state. It sounds so damn good right now that I keep thinking why fix it if it ain’t broke. I’ll probably wait till the dust settles a bit. |
The Gustard is a very detailed dac for a R2R I thought it should be much warmer ,natural sounding it was more neutral sounding then expected , the streamer side these guys suck at answering emails and slow on needed streamer updates the streamer side degraded the dacs performance a bit ,better to use the dacs features imo, my wife had me sell it,the latest blue sound node has a better streamer just buy for the streamer ,dac not too good. |
Keeping the streamer separate from the DAC is good (IMO), which appears to be your intention. I.e. If you first upgrade your DAC, you should not sell your NA8005, regardless of whether or not the new DAC has streaming capability. I already had separate Antipodes server/streamer/PS, which is a big step up from the streamer sections of A26 / R26. Perhaps they are another one to consider in your next round of upgraditis. (Antipodes also have awesome backup support service. I can't comment on Gustard backup, as I have not yet needed any). |
@arafiq I read your review comparing the R26 with the Pontus II. I’m in a similar situation now, more than a year later, and hope you could clarify a few points to help me make an informed decision. (1) Does the Pontus II you had back then have the original firmware (prior to V1.4)? (2) Have you ever updated to V1.4 and, if so, how were the changes in sound signature? (3) Have you ever tried DDC with Pontus II and, if so, how were the changes in sound signature? (4) I mainly listening to Jazz and classical music. How Pontus II handles Complex Instrumentation in Classical Music. Does the Pontus II perform well with orchestral complexity, capture subtle dynamics and maintain coherence in dense arrangements? Having a R2R architecture, does the Pontus II offer a natural timbre, making strings and woodwinds feel lifelike, and manage to retain warmth and clarity even in highly intricate compositions? Appreciated for your feedback. |
