I think this is your best review yet. It feels how much you enjoy and do the review with real passion. I haven't seen a thing like this at any other reviewers. Cheers! 🥂

Fantastic review. Well done. You put things into a perspective that I can almost hear without actually listening to the actual device . Well done.

It’s great that Gustard offers these two types of DACs, allowing for system matching and varying tastes. Kudos to them.

Gustard should make an AR26 with an A/B button!

Although I have read many other reviews my decision to go with the R26 was based mainly on your excellent description of the characteristics of the two Gustards. My previous DAC was an excellent Dual ESS 9038 LKS DA-004. While it has taken a while to break in, the R26 is, to my ears, sounding very much as you described it. I don't have the A26 so can't do the comparison. However, in my 25x17x9 room, I am delighted by the 3D roundness of the images, particularly of vocalists. I am currently using Single-ended vacuum tube amplification, and although I also have some pretty good solid-state gear, I am back to tubes. Fairly recently, I upgraded my CD transport to the Audiolab CDT9000, and was gobsmacked by the improvement it made. The transport and the R26 combination have taken my system into an entirely different realm. Certain recordings are astonishingly lifelike. I have some older CDs that are now brand new (e.g. Harry Belafonte in Carnegie Hall). I find that soundstage width, height, and depth are mostly recording-dependent. There are some recordings where the room is transformed into the venue, and others where you can tell the microphone placement was not ideal. The LKS is a pretty quick-sounding DAC, but I don't miss it. Indeed, I don't hear or sense all of the air one does in a live venue, but depending on the recording there is enough to suspend disbelief. Anyway, I suspect my preferences are similar to yours. Great review!

Thanks for the review. I chose R26 for my system. However, the best solution would be to buy both and you have equipment for every type of music 😉 Maybe someday I will buy A26 😊

I have a Bryston BDA 3 that I have owned for 5 years. The BDA 3 uses two AKM 4490 DAC chips. Last year I fell for the r2r craze. I ordered a Holo May KTE and was fortunate enough to borrow several Denafrips DACs. I got to try both current versions of the Terminator DAC, the current Aires and the Pontus. Non of those r2r DACs did anything for me. Late last year one of my business friend asked me to sell two Gustard DACs one was the R26 the other the X26. Both of those DACs I thought sounded pretty good but did not beat my BDA 3. Without having any of the other DACs mentioned above I cannot tell if those others are better. I asked my friend who I sold the Gustard DACs for what he was using and he said the Gustard A26. He said by far the AKM version is the best. Our systems are very similar. We both are using Pass Labs current pre-amps although different models and Pass Labs X260.8 Mono blocks on the same type of speakers. Our systems are very neutral sounding with a tiny bit of warmth. I just ordered a Gustard A26 to see if it is better than the Bryston BDA 3.

It's when I come back and watch your reviews again and again that I realise how exceptionnal they are. Hats off to you Mr!

What an amazing and detailed review! Excellent comparisons as well, exactly what we wanted 👍😁

I tested both in a system that was a little too polite (Pass Labs and Concept 500), and the A26 was the best match. In another system that was more forward (McIntosh and B&W), the R26 was the best match.

Yep. I have a tube amp, and had ordered an R26. Then saw some A26 reviews and thought it would be a better match. I emailed the vendor and got the A26 instead. I couldn't be happier.

This guy is absolutely one of the best DAC reviewers out there...

You are right mate R26 is endgame dac for me I came down from denafrips terminator plus it's amazing dac in Terms of detail....

I recently sold my R26 which I bought right when it came out last year and just bought the A26 about 2 weeks ago because I'm nuts I guess. They are Both excellent and punch way higher than their price tags competing with DACS twice their price. First I have to say I'm strictly a headphone listener. So if you are a speaker person YMMV. I would be happy with either one of these Gustard DACS... but I do prefer the A26 a bit more for my Hard Rock/Metal and Pop type music genres as the A26 is just a faster DAC that delivers the punch and slam I crave. The R26 is a more laid back type DAC and maybe a bit warmer I guess than the A26. They both have good soundstage... but the A26 does it a little better I think. One quick note is that if you care about Bluetooth... the R26 has it and the A26 doesn't for some reason. Maybe that's why it's a bit cheaper? I have the A26 paired with a Burson Soloist 3XP and also a LYR 3 Hybrid Tube amp with a Lokius tone control/EQ in between them. It delivers the impact I like for my favorite music genre's without being harsh. This setup should hold me over for a while

Looks like I made the right choice with R26. Wonderful DAC! Good match for Topping LA90 with Kef R3s.

I would love to have a listen to BOTH of these DACs! Me…I am anxiously awaiting Denafrips 12th Anniversary firmware update for my Pontus II to be released in April. Gotta love a company that supports its existing customers! Still… I wonder how the Gustards compare!😅

Wow what a passionate and enthusiastic gesture that sparks such a nice and well elaborated review! Kudos!

First time viewer after listening to your evaluations I joined your channel, I had recently borrowed the R26 for an entire week liking it very much , a stupid good price for a high performing dac , returning it i instead placed an order for the A26 I very much like the performance of this dac also I’ll someday borrow the r26 for comparison however it may be just a waist of my time .

I love my A26- its what I can depend on as a neutral precise dac that helps me tune XTC Headphones to perfection

Impeccable review. Bravo.

As always: nice review. But what I miss (all the time in dac reviews and not only yours) is the sound quality using the Dac volume control directly connectet to a poweramp.

Thank you so much for the reviews, for how well you do them, for your explanations and for the honesty with which you do it all. Owing to your reviews I have already bought three devices and I am very satisfied with all of them. One of them R26. Really good sounding DAC. THANK YOU ONCE MORE

To sum it up, if you listen to more electronic, metal or faster beat music, go with A26. If you listen to a lot of blues, jazz, live recordings, etc, go for the R26.

Srboljub, you are on a roll! Thanks for helping me cross the ADI-FS2 off my list. However, I hope you can review the Denafrips Aries 12th edition and compare to the Gustards. I have noticed that some reviewers like it over the R26 in spite of its spectacular top end and wide sound stage.The Denefrips needs a preamp but with a good headphone/ pre it's definitely in the ball park. What I find a little disconcerting is that there is a sense that the best interface of the A26/R26 is the ethernet connection and that even i2s is 2nd best, and the rest, don't expect much.... I know you compared some good streamers. Care to comment? Thanks for what you are doing!!

An A26 or R26 is a tough decision, both DACs have something I like. I have a Primaluna Evo 400 preamp and Classe Audio CA-M600 monoblocks. I chose the A26, I run it with an Innuos Phoenix. Everything is well balanced and I am very happy with the results.

...sigh tough decision. I really want both DACs because I want to rock out but also love my hip hop. R&B and jazz. aaaaargh. Great reviews. Very descriptive.

Great comparison, thanks! Another way I like to describe the sound of a DS DAC like the A26 and an R2R DAC like the R26, is the DS DAC appeals more to my mind where the R2R DAC appeals more to my heart - which is why I prefer R2R.

Of course you need to use your hands to explain sound!!😊. Perect balance between razor sharp review and relaxed infotainment. Spot on! 👌

These DACs seem like they are approaching ... dare I say it ... perfection? Do the R26 and A26 share (essentially?) the same audio renderer/streamer? Do the R26 and A26 share (essentially?) the same analog sections? Are these discrete, or are there (some) opamps? It appears that the A26 has an I-squared-S input? I wonder if a DDC could be used that would make these any better?

Sounds like the R26 is an easier listening experience. Getting lots of fine detail is not needed for pleasurable listening, in fact it can be detrimental especially on pretty average recordings.

I think expensive DAC’s should include their own world class power supply, but not include streamers and headphone amps, which increase their cost and alter flexibility, let alone compromise performance. Better to include more switchable ins/outs, with extensive EQ and level control capability. If I’m spending this much money on a DAC, I probably want as much flexibility as possible in the DAC, but at the same time, I’m going to prefer a dedicated streamer, and may or may not want to purchase a headphone amp depending on other equipment in my system and my private listening needs, or lack there of.

I am a Gustard X26 Pro owner, I'd expect the A26 to be very similar, given their architecture and both being chip-based. When you have a DAC like this, audio nirvana is really close - all you need to do it put it in NOS mode (from what I know, even better in A26 - DSD Direct) and feed it HQPlayer-upsampled signal (especially converted to DSD). I was so happy when I got the X26 Pro, it sounded so much better than both my D90 and Ares II at the time. But this is a different league of sound. These well-engineered Gustard DACs are great on their own but they are also a gateway to mind-blowing audio when you combine them with what current software and computing power offer.

Great review. Great advice. Perfect. Thank you.

Very good review, love the comparison many of us need. Thanks!

Hi, You are giving very good reviews here. I strongly suggest You to get a good 10MHz master clock generator to enhancing the sound performance quality even higher. LHY OCK-2 is affordable and it is working fine for this. The K2 clock synthezeiser in side the Gustard 26-line (X26 Pro, R26, A26+ the DDC U18 are excellent and responds very well on a great master clock. I should love to hear a review by You on "a with and without the master clock. Thanks /Jan

Awesome review as always 😀

I'm actually using dual AK4497 and was wondering about R2R but after your review I'm leaning toward A26 since my fav amp is tube amp so it already smooth and add body to the sound. Since I like my sound to be detailed and airy with bite to it simply I think its a better choice

At 7:20. Finally some honesty from oddeeohfile reviewers.

I liked the sound of the dac, it is impressive. I also can not reccommend this dac (personal experience title less than a year). The dac software update process is of the last century, but my main issue was the dac crashed, sometimes multiple times a day. After a crash it could happen the dac was not network accessible. I have done multiple software updates, did send it back to the shop multiple times. In the end I was not willing to introduce this kind of frustration into my audio setup. I've an Auralic Vega now. I'm at peace again.

I went for the A26, as I have been taming down my system a lot over time. Also I did not want to copy my vinyl sound. I believe, I made the right decision. Bags of detail on recordings I know well. Very fast and dynamic. Never aggressive though. I noticed that with the Sharp Roll-off filter everything is super precise. With Super-slow Roll-off (NOS like) you get a more relaxed and (with acoustic instruments and voices) organic sound that is more relaxed and with slightly deeper but also slightly more diffuse sound stage. So there is some adaptability to music genre and/or taste. The only thing that bugs me is that the streamer disappears from the network (at least with Roon) when you switch to another input. My other streamer/dac products could be switched from other inputs back to a stream by just starting a UPNP/ DLNA stream… the A26 needs to be switched to LAN and will first after 1-2 minutes appear again in Roon… minor hangup, but annoying. Maybe, they will fix that with a firmware update.

Nice review thx i like youre channel iam a fan . Listen if u ever got hold of the Kemp QA plug and u plug it in youre power block u will be surprised by the improvement ,its a miracle ...almost . Keep it up mate

Great review and impressive Rs and Zs!

i selected A26+XC1, really satisfied

Before i got the R26 I had several serious CD player's- including (but not limited to) the Phillips CD80, Naim CDS, Naim CDS2, Naim CDS3, Teddy Pardo VR DAC. The R26 is by FAR the least colored and most transparent. I only had a Naim CDS3 to compare side by side, and the R26 was better in all ways important to me...maybe a less extended in the LF but with more pitch accuracy. The Naim oudid the straight R26 in terms of dyamic verve- a result of its massive outboard power supply. BUT...when i added the U18 D2D converter and a LHY OCK-1 clock, the R26 easily bested the Naim player by a wide margin . Seiing that the Naim.player would cost 20k$ in todays market ( I paid around 13k in 2003) the R26 is obscenely good value.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to comparing it to the new Topping D90 |||

your description of the difference between r26 and a26 reminds of the difference I hear between ultra linear and triode mode on my LM 216 amp

Excellent review. I have been using the R26 for half a year now, and am very pleased with it. The new product is very good, but I choose R2R. It has some magic in it. Great sound for my system-Gustard R26 + Тrafomatic Head 2 + HE1000SE. I don't see the point in wanting more just yet. Thank you, brother Serbian, for your work. One question and wish. Why don't you tell people about the Serbian miracle called Trafomatic audio. You have looked at many dacs and amps of different prices from different countries, but these headphone amps are not on your channel. They are made in Serbia! I advise you to call the manufacturer Saša Čokić and take the Head 2 headphone amplifier for listening, I assure you that you will lose your head and the level of your impressions will change dramatically. I owned a lot and listened even more, but this is beyond my understanding. Judging by your feedback, we have the same taste and understanding of sound, I assure you, it's worth a lot.

After long burn in some complain that R26 sounds a bit dry. That tells me it is not as extended as A26.

This Review was very nice, sincere and gives a Idea of the product as if we had a listening experience. That's really well appreciated. Coming to my query are there any similarities between Gustard A26 Vs Chord TT2 , Dave Signature sound stage and synergy being different Dac constructs. Thanks in Advance

Love your reviews,😊 buying any audio digital piece of gear these days seems like a very bad investment. Look at how the new ones are popping up and each one is better than the other at more affordable prices. My denafrips ares ll was hailed all around one or 2 years ago, now being challenged by miniature, portable miniature R2R dac's. So I'm listening to reviews and to music processed by the ares until one day I'll replace something 😊

Thanks for sharing.

The Gustard A26 may be best choise to match with a tube amplifier? I have come to this conclusion

Hi! Ćao! Loving your content! Have you considered getting your hands on an AudioByte Vox? Would love to hear your take on it. Keep up the good work!

Nice review as always, thank you very much. I have the Eversolo DMP-A6 in my system as a streamer and DAC matching with my Musical Fidelity M6SI integrated amplifier. Do you think that the Gustard A26 could be a value add to my system using it as a DAC instead de DMP-A6 DAC and leave the DMP-A6 only as a streamer connected to the Gustard A26? Is the A26 a better device with better sound strictly speaking as a pure DAC? Thank you again, kind rergards!

Looks like the 3-4 seconds delay is also observed when IR port is used from a TV (maybe that is why ARC port is out of question). Feels like (not an expert) that it is related to AKM chips - I have not had any experience with ESS but main-stream dac/integrated amps well-known manufacturers are mainly (per my observation only) using ESS chips (perhaps those are quicker to process the signal). Not sure but I am not impressed with the delay when TV songs come into play. Other that this - the sound is great even via Sonos amp (both connect and the latest one).

Nice review!

Hi! Thank you for the review! I’m trying to decide between r26 and the new eversolo dmp-a8. All I’m interested in is the best sound quality for streaming tidal through tidal connect from the iphone app. But they are in the same price range here and I cannot test them. Another option might be, but still not sure if possible, a6(standard)+r26. Is the difference in sound quality between them so impressive? Thank you so much!

Me personal would take the R26 based on your opininon and my system. It is an R2R dac right and the A26 not? Ok, that was not a question. i just watched a youtube video of Tharbamar. He have used a Denafrips Iris DDC converter. This is not a dac but a digital to digital converter basicly cleaning up the sound that goes in the dac. Based on his experience it is worthwhile to use this with R2R dacs to clean up the sound and lower the noise floor. He also mentioned it would make the "cheaper" R2R dacs on a a level of that on the Pontus II. Not knowing how it would perform with the R26 it would de great to see you using one.

Thank you!

Had both, returned both. Sticking with the DAC in my Denon PMA-1600NE amp. Sounds great with the KEF LS50 Metas.

REALLY want to try my first r2r. BUT with linton heritages I do think they are thick and full already. It's transient response is average, in a complex multiple instrument passage in song you can hear the amp (A-S1100) leading them by the hand with the Lintons kind of sounding like they're trying to keep up. I therefore think actually I need something like the A26 or a Chord DAC to kick them up the ass a bit! Listen to a lot of genres but love rock and metal too. Using Arcams well regarded irDAC burr brown topology. Thanks for review

Thank you for this review! I listen a lot of well-recorded electronic music, but also older stuff with poorer quality. I'm looking for the DAC that would give me the best in both listening situations, whether it's good in electronics, pop, rock but also when it's older. My preamp and amps are Rotel, my HP are Totem Forest. Which DAC do you think would be best, A26 or R26? Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻

Seems like the A26 would pair well with a Tube preamp.

Excellent review ! Thank you very match !!! Is it possible to stream music from Spotify on my iPhone through the Bubble UPnP application to the Gustart A26 ?

Some say that the A26 is better for rock music but a lot of classic rock is on bad recordings where the R26 might possibly be more forgiving. Personally I hate any digital glare on bad recordings and would be afraid the A26 would be less forgiving. Any opinions in that regard? I listen to mostly classic rock and female vocals on very revealing solid state and Magnepan speakers. Thanks

Very detailed and informative presentation , I 'd like your opinion on the DENAFRIPS Αries 12th in comparison to the GUSTARD R 26[which is out of reach for me] , Thanks in advance

Hey nice review. I don't think I caught it. Nor was it in the written review but, did you mention what filters you were using? The depth perception of an AKM comes with the super slow roll off filter.

Hi, very informative review as usual, especially the comparison with other dacs, very valuable. What do you think about classical music? What would be the Better choice? What about tonality? Which Is the more realistic? Thanks

Thanks great review! A26 great car great detail and control! lacks fluidity!

HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL SRBOLJUB …🤗👍💚💚💚

Love the r26

Great review! I'm planing to get the R26, but the only thing that no one talked about in most of the forums is the preamplifier section.. Is it a good idea to directly connect to my power amplifier? I know that I can set it to variable and use the volume but will it drive my power amp to its full potential ? Or still advisable to get an analog separate preamplifier? Thanks

Thanks

Hi, Can you help. I currently have a Topping D90SE DAC and would like to change it to something that might be better. How do you compare this Gustard A26 and R26 to my Topping D90SE and would consider SMSL SU-10 DAC as well. Out of the DACs mentioned, which in your view is the best for all genres of music? TIA.

Hi Srboljub, great review👍👍, thank you, I have one question, is there a difference in SQ rca vs xlr output? many thanks in advance for info..

좋은설명입니다. 감사합니다 재미있습니다. ^^*

If you compare EverSolo A8 internal DAC vs Gustard A26, what are differences? That is interesting comparison because both uses the same AK chips.

Hello, thank you for your introduction and comparison of the devices. I would be interested in a comparison between the Gustard A26 and the SMSL VMV D2. I've been using an Oppo Sonica Dac with ES9038Pro for years, what do you think is worth upgrading to the Gustard A26 or SMSL VMV D2?? I would be happy if you can give an assessment here

I'm struggling to decide on whether I should get the R26 instead after I just bought the A26. How much better does the A26 get after break-in? I think what is drawing me more to the R26 is the deeper soundstage, more smoother sound, and organic presentation.

Great review as always but how do both of these compare to any of the popular Denafrips models? Thanks

Bass stop when they are supposed to, they are fast and quick ... You are using the vocabulary I would use for a cervo woofer.

I ordered A26 and S17.

wow.tough decision.I wonder if the r 26 would be enhanced in 3d/air with a quality tube kt88 amp? My current ds dac seems a little harsh on some vocals.

Against a burr brown dac is the a26 more lively sounding i'm very much tempted

I have the R26 with the u18 feeding my Woo Audio Fireflies gen3 tube amp being used as a pre-amp to my Burson Soloist 3x GT amp and it is an absolute joy with my LCD-5 headphones. I used to have the Schitt Yggdrasil OG as my DAC and it was fantastic however, the R26 is just so much better dynamically, richer and more 3D sound stage. No regrets going to R26 and I believe this is my end game DAC.

What effect would a DDC have on the presentation. I’m thinking it could be a great match with the R26?

Watching KZfaq videos or music from computer over USB - produces 3-4 seconds delay. Video and voice are out of sync. Is there anything that can be done to sync video with vocals/sound?

How about if you compared it to a Ladder Schumann both R26 and A26

This dac is a market wreck I listen to music with this dac There were two feelings of surprise and anger Because of the fact that I've been buying bubble audio equipment and the great expression of this dac

What amp and system were you using? A humble DAC can only do so much..

Great review man

Match the DAC (R26 or A26) to your Favorite Speakers... If you don't KNOW what I mean then you are NOT an Audiophile

Had R26...it's good but too warm and lacks detail...Gustard A26 or should I go all out for the Aqua La Scalla mkll❓this way i feed my Linn Klimax pre amp with some tubes before the Yamaha M2 amp🤔❓

No Chromecast support? Then I would rather they leave the streamer out, make it optional. I think you should never sell your soul in the endeavour towards perfection so the R26 for me (if I were willing the spend so much. At a moment my system would be better served with speaker and amplifier upgrades).

Hi Iiwi, how does these two compare with Laiv Harmony, will you do a review? Thanks.

I have a MacIntosh MA 252 matched to a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G. Which of these DACs would you recommend for my system?

It was mentioned that A26 can do MQA. Would that be true for the R26 also?

All the dac converters that I listened to that and contained the ESS sabre chip,always started to bother me after a while and literally cut my ears while listening. All the music that I played through this chip sounded disgustingly artificial and everything that was in the song was as if it was forced in the front and in the one plane without resolution...really bad Well, all the dac converters that I have heard and there was an AKM chip, so the music from this Dac converter played beautifully and sounded and the music had resolution. I will never buy anything again that will have an ESS chip in it, ESS sabre it is shit. I will always buy only that which will contain the AKM chip from which the music really sounds.AKM sounds absolutely great! ( translated in google)

Are they ever going to address the dropouts with the R26 using the LAN connection? I get terrible dropouts and have to use i2s via outboard streamer to avoid them.. Does A26 have this problem too?

Hi have x26 pro. What about the differences and does it make sense to change?