Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer

@arafiq 

I appreciate your insight. However, I later realized that the Pontus' NOS mode isn't truly NOS until the 15th version. Even the 12th version is an emulation (though close). I’ve decided to pause and dive deeper into this technical aspect before fully committing to an R2R DAC. Regarding the DDC, I’m inclined to skip it and, if needed, consider a higher-end model like the Venus instead. I recall Tarun mentioning that combining the Pontus II with the Iris could offer a Venus-like sound. As I get older, I prefer to have fewer components on the rack.

The R26's sound characteristics continue to improve over time. The initially weaker bass that some people critique has become weightier. I value controlled, nimble bass over quantity, but it still needs to have a weighty initial attack. The R26 is quite neutral, yet not as natural-sounding as I’d like. We'll see.

I also ordered Gustard R26. I will probably get in next week.

I had Chord Qutest for 5 years and now I have an SMSL DO300EX (AK4499 chip). I also have an old Cary cd-303/100 CD player on a Burr-Brown PCM1704u chip. 

I mostly listen to jazz and classical music.

I like my super affordable SMSL DO300EX more than Qutest. It handles better symphonic music with more details, separation and less congestion. It also sounds less sterile.

But it doesn't have the dynamics, energetics, separation and big soundstage of a Cary CD player. It plays music without emotions. Despite both Qutest and SMSL outperforming Cary in terms of details, focus and natural tone of instruments and vocals.

So, I hope Gustard r26 gives me the best of both worlds.

I read here on this forum that r2r dacs need a very long break in.

But my experience shows that it is true for sigma delta dacs too.

Qutest was playing 200 hours but the sound was improved after it was plugged in AC during 3 weeks. The same story with SMSL DAC it started sound good after 3 weeks plugged in plus more than 200 hours playing music. 

I got my Gustard R26 today.

I connected it to my Shanling ET3 transport by USB and Coaxial cables. When selecting USB input it works, but when I select Coaxial input I can hear music playing for a second and after it is silent. But when I unplug USB coaxial input is playing.

Is it any solution to use a number of cables plugged in and switch inputs with Gustard R26?

You should be able to switch inputs on the Gustard. I did it with my cd player and streamer. 

Are you sure that the Shanling will output through USB and coaxial at the same time?  Maybe try unplugging the USB cable from Shanling and see if coaxial works. I'm guessing, but it's worth a shot