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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
886 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. 

sls883
511 posts
 

The R26 sounds best when using I2s or USB inputs, in my opinion.  The Cambridge only has coaxial and optical outputs if I'm not mistaken. 

I've streamed with the renderer in the R26 using Audirvana software. I certainly wouldn't call it awful. 

 

lanx0003
886 posts
 

I tried Ifi ZS which has isolated asynchronous usb with R26 already and it does not resolve the issue.  MXN10 sounds better (than Ifi) so I stay with it.  

Maybe Audirvana sounds better than MConnect, but I doubt it can make that big of a difference. The reason I call it awful (sorry for the strong wording; how about "at best average" used by the other gentelman here) is that it costs over $1k more yet sounds worse than the MXN10, iFi Zen Stream, and Wiim. Both my primary (humble) and secondary (still humble) systems can easily reveal the sound quality disparity. 

deep_333
1,529 posts
 

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.

a) Sell Linton, not resolving enough...Move up to the Elysian

b) Treat your room, increase room's resolution 

c) Sell Gustard with some mustard. 

d) Get the new Schiit Gungnir 2 dac, all R2R goodness made in America.

e) Make things liquid by getting the Schiit Saga 2 Class A preamp.

f) Bring ultimate glory by getiing 2 Schiit Tyr Class A-ish continuity monoblock amps.

g) Welcome to the world of American Schiit..the Schiitiest world to be in....Hold hands with the other Schiits as we walk into the sunset together.

sls883
511 posts
 

My son is using my R26 with a Cambridge CXA-60 integrated amp (also mine, lol).  He's using a Bluesound Node for a streamer.  It sounds really good, but he's got the system crammed into a small bedroom (less than ideal).  Speakers are Wharfedale Diamond 10.7 which are pretty nice for the money.  He has a huge cabinet between them and the speakers can't be pulled out into the room.  I'd like to hear the system in a larger room.

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