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Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer

Hi,

I have in plan to upgrade the source of my system:

Source: Newtork streamer Marantz NA8005
Amp: Arcam A32
Speakers: build to me
Headhone: Denon AH-D5000

Actually the options are:

1) Purchase a DAC like Gustard R26 or X26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail (I’am bit undecided to choose one of these DACs).
2) Replace my Newtork streamer with a Hi end Streamers like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose or coming soon new Marantz that replace ND8006.


I have a preference for a sound relaxed, warm, analog, with a deep bass, I listen only FLAC files with USB disk and no others, so I’am not interested to streamer services.

My actual Marantz match my sound preference, but lack of details, soundstage, etc...

The ideal is upgrade the Newtork streamer, but for what I read on many forums, an exterenal DAC like Gustard R26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail sound better of every integrated streamer like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose, etc.. and apart this is also a cheap option.


To match my sound preference do you suggest to wait the next Marantz models or consider directly an external DAC like Gustard or Schiit ?

marco777
lanx0003
1,200 posts
 

I think, altogether, I have put more than 100 hours on the R26. Today, I did a side-by-side listening test using the MXN10 as both a streamer and a DAC. With my Cambridge Azur 851A integrated amplifier, I could switch back and forth between the R26 and the MXN10’s internal DAC, allowing me to hear the differences almost instantaneously. I needed to do a bit of volume matching (+/- 3dB). With MXN10 as the streamer (Wharfdale Linton & Burchardt S400 mkII), both have quiet background, sound transparent, good SS, decent bass BUT R26 does not outperform my $400 MXN10’s DAC.

BTW, the R26’s streamer through the mConnect renderer sounds awful—much worse than the MXN10 or iFi ZS, those low-end streamers (price-wise). Well, time to move on. Following the highly raved Eversolo A6, this is the second higher-end streamer/DAC that has disappointed me.

alexberger
945 posts
 

Hi @lanx0003 ,

For any DAC I had 100hour of break-in - it is nothing!

For example I run a new Chord Qutest around 200 hours and was sure it plays on 90% of it potential. Then I didn’t listen to it for 2 weeks. But is was plugged in to AC without playing music. When I listened to it again I was shocked how the sound of the DAC was improved.

To make any decision the DAC shod be plugged in AC for 3 weeks + 200-300 hours of playing music.

sls883
781 posts
 

The sound quality of my R26 with my Innuos streamer was excellent.

I also tried the renderer/streamer in the R26 with Audivarna software. The sound quality was quite good, but I had issues with Audivarna. 

frl
29 posts
 

I prefer my CCA via optical to the sound of the R26 internal steamer for Roon.  I do love the R26 sound (have 2 of em), and I utilize the i2s input in my desktop system via ddc with good results.

lanx0003
1,200 posts
 

As I mentioned earlier, the bass improves, which is the first noticeable change within the first week. The piano notes gradually settle as well, but the timbre and overtones of the violin sound unnatural and somewhat raspy. Sibilance isn’t well-controlled either and I'm not sure if it could be further tamed (feedback please). I have the time and patience, but I don’t want to wait 200–300 hours only to find that the tone is still unnatural, as some have reported. That’s quite a lot of burn-in time for this R2R DAC.

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