All Benchmark System Question

@mrpsync I was using the Topping pre90 for 2 to 3 weeks straight on my floor standers which were driven by the AHB2 monos. It sounded awesome. I do not miss the HPA4 since the Topping pre90 sounds like it. I may have mentioned it on this thread that the HPA4 has way more useful features than the Topping pre90. The pre90 is really bare bones but that is all I need.

Today I have the CODA 07x back in the mix and it is also amazing. Every time I switch preamps I tend to like the new one more. Which is a good reason to keep both.

My CODA #8 is finally built and is being burnt in at CODA this weekend. It will ship on Monday. I had SpeakON speaker connections added to the #8 to play with my Audience FrontRow cable which is used by the AHB2 SpeakON terminal. The SpeakON’s added some delay to my amp delivery.

I use my DAC3B regularly because I find it a bit more detailed than the Gustard. I definitely tested this out a few days ago with my RAAL SR1a. I love both DACs and have come to appreciate the DAC3B even more now.

I always prefer a preamp for my DACs. I have not spent mega bucks on DACs so I do not know if other DACs have better preamp capabilities, but the DACs I have listened to have benefited with a preamp.

One of the top 10 DACs these guys ever measured.
Gustard X26Pro Review (Balanced High-end DAC) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

@mrpsync:
I did receive the x26pro and I agree with yysantabarbara, it is an amazing DAC. It is a touch warmer than the DAC3b but I haven’t decided whether to keep it yet-I am very addicted to the DAC3b, which I think is slightly more detailed. To be honest though, I am not one of those people who hear dramatic differences in DACs-though I have never tried one of the Halo or Denafrips DACs. In my system with Harbeth P3’s I think I would probably hear the most difference with a Sub. Since I don’t have measuring equipment though, I don’t know if I could set a sub up properly. I would highly recommend trying the x26 pro-in your system it may sound great and if you buy it on a trial you can return it.

@yyzsantabarbara Again thanks for your input. I think maybe  the topping pre90se for Xmas gift to myself may be in my future regardless of which dac I keep :)

 I confess I'm still struggling with which Dac to keep though. Like your impression when switching preamps (liking the latest one more every time you switch).
Also, may I ask where you sell your equipment? I got a quote from one of the used market retailers for $1200. But think I can do better.....maybe? There is something to be said about hassle/ risk free transactions.

@regg thanks for replying. I totally understand your addiction. When the Dac3 is at it's best with the AHB2,  it just seams to provide more than just a terrific musical presentation. It kind of lets you peak behind the curtains of the recordings themselves....warts and all. 

With that said, I think the Gustard gives a "prettier" presentation. Particularly in some harsher/ edgy / brighter recording when using the NOS filter or Composite.

Thanks

@mrpsync, I agree with you completely, The Gustard is “prettier” and it is great with the filters. On a good recording though, the Dac3b is astonishing in its presentation. Probably also has a lot to do with the synergies with the AHB2 and HPA4. So many choices!

@mrpsync The Topping pre90 sounds good with the DAC3B and the Gustard X26 Pro. If you can swing it keep both. They sound different. In my case, with the RAAL SR1a headphones the Gustard X26 Pro was a must. However, that gap has closed recently with a Convolution filter for the SR1a. I totally agree with the comments you 2 guys above have made about the DAC3 and the Gustard X26 Pro. I hear it the same way.

I sold the DAC3B 2x before and regretted it both times (I moved, had kid, etc...). I am never selling the DAC3B. Not sure how long the Gustard X26 Pro will last (it runs warm), but I will enjoy until then.

I am not sure about what you are referring to with the $1200. If it is the Gustard buy it from the Chinese retailer
GUSTARD X26 PRO Full Decoding ES9038Pro*2 Chip DSD512 Bluetooth 5.0 X (shenzhenaudio.com)

If anything goes wrong they will replace it.