Gustard R26

I'm seriously considering the R26 for my second system. I previously had the Denafrips Ares II that I liked but had to sell it when I sold off my second system to take care of other unexpected expenses. But now I'm back at putting together the second system in my home office once again. Since it's a second system, I don't want to spend more than $1500 on the DAC. I have two questions ...

1. Does the R26 provide meaningful, noticeable improvement over Ares II? I know it's all subjective but still want to hear from someone who has compared the two.

2. I think the R26 can double as a streamer as well. How would you compare it to Bluesound Node (the streamer aspect only) or other streams in the sub $1000 range? Is it Roon-enabled? For some reason, Gustard doesn't highlight the streaming function as much. Is it because it's more of an afterthought or do you guys think it can compete favorably with similar priced streamers?

... also, has anyone compared it with Denafrips Pontus II? Since I already have a BS Node 2i, I can probably use it as a streamer with the Pontus. 

The guy at stereonews.net compares the R26 favorably with the MUCH more expensive Denafrips Terminator 2, so by association it’s superior to the Pontus ll. 

@soix Thanks for the reference. I need to read the review by stereonews.net at some point. One thing I will say though is that Gustard can definitely take a design lesson from the likes of Denafrips or Holo Audio. The R26 looks like a cheap VCR from the early 90's. I know, I know ... it shouldn't matter as long as it sounds good. But still ...

Wondering if anyone compared the streamer section to standalone streamers in this price range.

@arafiq Yup, I hear ya man — looks like straight-up ChiFi, but I trust the guy who wrote the review, and in the end it’s what’s on the inside that counts unless you’re an insecure audiophile who needs the bling to show it off to friends.  I’m not one of those.