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Post by julesd68 on Dec 9, 2022 12:34:52 GMT
One of these is wnging its way here as well, though I suspect after Xmas now Excellent! We await the Coherent verdict ...  |
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Post by MartinT on Dec 9, 2022 12:52:50 GMT
Unless that 'courier' in the big red coat gets involved!  Bet he works for Evri... |
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Post by HD Music & Test on Dec 9, 2022 13:09:41 GMT
Oddly enough I have four dac's on their way here, I thought I would provide a REAL feedback, I have assigned a dac fund for next year budget so I can really get to grips with this influx of BS or are they really good dac's no sponsorship just I thought its about time we had a real world approach to reviews
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New DACs
Dec 9, 2022 16:28:01 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 9, 2022 16:28:01 GMT
Absolutely. I think just a tiny proportion of YT and internet reviews are trustworthy for obvious reasons ...
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New DACs
Dec 9, 2022 21:25:20 GMT
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Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 9, 2022 21:25:20 GMT
Absolutely. I think just a tiny proportion of YT and internet reviews are trustworthy for obvious reasons ... Tots agree, and one of the reason TAS is great forum,we are lucky to be blessed with some experienced people on it,who offer real world views. |
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Post by wannarock2 on Dec 10, 2022 17:34:26 GMT
For those interested, below is a link to the Gustard A26 measurements. The streaming of your own audio files, the UPnP is nice added feature. www.l7audiolab.com/f/gustard-a26/ |
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Post by MartinT on Dec 10, 2022 18:10:54 GMT
Those measurements will tell you little to nothing about how it sounds, honestly.
I do applaud the direct integration of LAN streaming, provided the tools/apps are as usable as BubbleUPnP via OpenHome (DLNA) that I use.
Perhaps those with the R26 can comment on how practical and usable the built-in streaming is? Screenshots would be helpful.
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Post by nicholas on Dec 10, 2022 18:52:16 GMT
A short while back I purchased an R26 owing to a curiosity for both direct streaming and the "ladder" approach to digital conversion. At first I ran the R26 as a replacement for the X 26 Pro DAC in my main system. It sounded pleasant enough but lacked the sound quality characteristics of my X26 Pro that I find appealing.
When I moved the R26 to my office system I connected the direct streaming and, after some futzing with firmware and network, got it to work. And work it did, providing a level of SQ several orders beyond what was previously heard in my office environment. Using the built in support for Roon was as simple as it gets so I'm afraid that screen shots wouldn't provide much insight here.
My takeaway is that direct streaming eliminates the need for the signal to pass through a player to a DDC then on to the DAC. This simplified approach also avoids the significant cost of player hardware and comes remarkably close to the performance of my Sonore Signature Rendu playing into a Coherent modded U18 DDC. I'm surprised and pleased with the result with only one qualification: My main system will remain unchanged owing to its high performance at present. For those with rack space and/or budget constraints, the R26 provides an excellent alternative. I'm enjoying direct streaming far more than I would have initially imagined.
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New DACs
Dec 10, 2022 23:15:20 GMT
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John likes this
Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 10, 2022 23:15:20 GMT
Always interesting to get real opinions on equipment.
The R26 is certainly a unique DAC, it takes a crazy amount of time to burn in,and really responds well when connected to a quality clock, and l'd go as far as saying, the addition of a clock,really does transform the player,to the point,it's night and day difference.
Of course, it's always hard in words to convey that.
l don't know how long your R26 lived in your main system, but you may want to revist further down the line,it would interesting from your perspective to hear if the sound has matured, even if it's not to your preference.
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Post by nicholas on Dec 10, 2022 23:30:00 GMT
l don't know how long your R26 lived in your main system, but you may want to revist further down the line,it would interesting from your perspective to hear if the sound has matured, even if it's not to your preference. You're spot on with the burn in of the R26, Damien. The Tara Labs file helped greatly in that regard and the DAC really sings with a fiber network connection and OCK-1 clock following 3-400 hours of use. Only problem now is focusing upon work when I'm playing it in my office! |
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Post by John on Dec 11, 2022 5:20:40 GMT
Putting an external clock on the R26 is the way to go. It looses that bit of warmth that it sometimes has and it sense of grip and clout is a whole different level, without losing texture (it gains new levels here too). The DAC has authority you need to hear for yourself with a good clock. .
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Post by John on Dec 31, 2022 20:36:54 GMT
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 9:20:47 GMT
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Post by stellabagpuss on Jan 1, 2023 9:20:47 GMT
A lot of buzz about the A26, but l can't say l'm tempted. Give it a 8 months, there will something else.
Shame it's not a review.
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 9:50:09 GMT
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 9:50:09 GMT
I have no desire to change
From his reviews I think the reviewer has different tastes to me. With the LB clock I could not be happier. But those looking for a new DAC the A26 seems to be one to add to your list
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 9:51:16 GMT
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 9:51:16 GMT
It be interesting to hear Tony thoughts
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 9:57:25 GMT
Thll Perhaps those with the R26 can comment on how practical and usable the built-in streaming is? Screenshots would be helpful. I don't rate the internal streamer myself I find it 2D and a bit tiring to my ears Set up is simple and a lot of people like the internal streamer but the zen stream is in a different class |
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 9:59:35 GMT
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 9:59:35 GMT
Set up is simple just press stream on the remote and connect to bubble like you do for any other streamer
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 10:01:14 GMT
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 10:01:14 GMT
I even prefer BT over the internal streamer as more easier on the ears
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 12:51:14 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 1, 2023 12:51:14 GMT
I'm not tempted by the A26 either now.
In terms of new Chi-DACs both Gustard and SMSL have been very busy recently which makes me think something decent from Topping can't be far away...
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New DACs
Jan 1, 2023 13:11:22 GMT
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2023 13:11:22 GMT
Make sure it has an external clock as in the context of my system makes a bigger difference than a DDC
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📶NAS > Gustard x26p DAC > Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amp > NAD M22-V2 Amplifier > Revel F228Be Speakers
