*DAC

@jjss49 @yyzsantabarbara They say there are noticeable differences between the X - R & A 26 DACs, so I can see where the confusion lies. I would love to try both the A26 and the Yiggi+ LIM (not to mention a 1/2 dozen others that are out there)

i have not tried (nor am i inclined to try) the gustard dacs other than the r26... i have been fairly skeptical of these chinese companies in shenzhen cranking out endless dac model variations seemingly every month using a common chassis

but about a year ago there was truly a groundswell of positivity about the r26 from all the usual sources of hifi marketing/hype, so i tried one on a lark (bought it used so i could resell in a jiffy if it didn’t please) but to my surprise (and a bit to my dismay), it has, it does -- it is just a wonderful sounding streamer dac that really fits my use case perfectly (roon)

all a long way of saying that even in our lofty world of high end hifi, ’being stuck with a gustard r26’ in one’s system is no hardship in the least -- one truly needs to go deep into nosebleed territory to beat it sonically

@jjss49 👍

I've never heard a Gustard but I stepped up early on to a Chord DAVE and indeed it provided the detail, realism and accuracy that you describe.  My DAVE will be listed for sale as soon as I get around to it as I have moved to the next level with a Lampizator Golden Gate 3.  The soundstage is astounding.  the sounds you hear that have never been resolved before will have you looking up and smiling.  The DHT preamp section will make the music sound more real, more close and just immaculate.  

So if you're the kind that likes to upgrade, save yourself some money and upgrade 2 steps at once.

Jerry

@navyachts  Recent reviews by TAS are the PS Audio Direct Stream Dac MK2 are  that it is an amazing Dac .. It's List Price is $8K  and I believe there is a 30 day MBG. 

My digital setup is an Auralic Aries G2.2, Chord Mscaler and Chord TT2.. cables are Shunyata Sigma USB ,a pair of Shunyata Sigma Spdif v.2  Shunyata power cords.

I took a peek at you system very nice, Except your cables suck. Sorry just being honest.  I'd look at Shunyata for power. Venom EF, or what ever you budget is. Delta NR.. Speaker cables Shunyata's are very good as are AudioQuest, Audience AV, Wireworld.. I truly think you will be blown away by how much performance you haven't been hearing.

Assuming you live in the US, I would strongly recommend that you talk with the folks at The Cable Company. and Borrow some cables to try. You will be very impressed. Ask for John.. good luck!

@carlsbad2 @axeis1 Thanks guys. The Chord products get rave reviews and was considering the TT2 and the Mscaler combo and yes, I will get to those cables...    one day!