Pontus vs Gustard?

The challenge with these types of DACs is that the output stage may not be beefy enough or have the ability to push enough current to drive the input impedance of amplifiers.  That is where a separate preamp can come it.  Obviously, this doesn't affect all DACs with volume controls, but there are several amps which can be difficult to drive from a DAC.

Of course, the described problem with Gustard X26 hissing may be something completely different.

The challenge with these types of DACs is that the output stage may not be beefy enough or have the ability to push enough current to drive the input impedance of amplifiers. That is where a separate preamp can come it.

@auxinput  Thanks for your input -- I'm surprised the Gustard wouldn't have enough current in its output stage to drive an amp, since they seem to have paid a lot of attention to their electronics, but that could be the case.  I noticed that you also weighed in on a much older post about LKS, Okto DAC8 Stereo and others (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/has-anyone-auditioned-an-lks-mh-da004-dac?sort_order=asc )  ; do you have any thoughts on how the Gustard DAC might compare with them?

"The challenge with these types of DACs is that the output stage may not be beefy enough or have the ability to push enough current to drive the input impedance of amplifiers”
lol you’ve made my day!

Currently use A22 Gustard DAC (AK4499), which from design standpoint has excellent discrete class A output stages (unlike most DACs Op-amps), and very “beefy” ultra-low noise linear power supplies powered by two toroidal transformers, and it has no problem to beat $$ preamps (x10 price), driving top class amplifiers. 

Has anybody used the XA26 Pro with a 10M clock? Delta Sigma designs benefit frrom better clocking, partcularly in upsampling mode

@antigrunge2 I am looking for feedback on this too. I was hoping that Sandu from Soundnews.net does a follow-up review of the X26 Pro with the clock. That guy is on the money with his reviews. I bought 3 items based on his reviews and I agreed with his findings.

- Gustard X26 Pro DAC
- Matrix Audio Mini-3 Pro DAC
- Topping A90 headphone amp