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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
frl
24 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
821 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.

sls883
311 posts
 

And you're certain that the sounds that you hear are coming from the R-26 and neither the Cambridge integrated or Cambridge streamer?  I've not read any reviews that indicate the issues that you've had.  

alexberger
904 posts
 

DACs use electrolytic capacitors in power supply that need a very long burn in. Amplifiers need less time. In my experience with Chord and SMSL DACs it was 3 weeks plugged in AC. And height frequencies finally improved at the end of this period.  

lanx0003
821 posts
 

Both Cambridge int amp and streamer are endorsed by Stereophile so there is no need for concern.  I stand by my previous statement, i.e., at this point, R26 sounds good but performs at most as well as MXN10 internal DAC.  Both are neutral but I expect the R26, with its r2r topology, to sweeten / smooth the midrange / treble better than the ESS-based delta sigma DAC in MXN10 but it doesn't.

Give Maria Duenas's II. Larghetto Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61, in her 'Beethoven and Beyond' album a listen (24/96 in Qobus) and let me know how you feel about the violin timbre. 

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