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Post by wannarock2 on May 29, 2023 17:57:14 GMT
I’m coming up to my 2-year anniversary of my Gustard x26Pro DAC. I scrolled through a couple of the forums on the site regarding the x26Pro but have not seem from other owners their experience with the heat this unit throws-off. After about 4-5 hours of listening my unit gets as HOT as a cattle branding iron. Anyone else experience this phenomenon?
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Post by MartinT on May 29, 2023 18:26:57 GMT
My X26 Pro today is running at 30C, it's the warmest running component in my system (ambient is 20C). Saying that, it's no warmer than warm. I never switch it off so +10C above ambient is around the limiting temperature and it gets no hotter in operation as there is air circulation around it.
Listening to it today, I remain amazed at its performance. I definitely think it's the right DAC for me: huge detailed soundstage with pinpoint focus, excellent depth, stunning deep bass and dynamics to take your head off.
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alp
Rank: Trio
Posts: 161
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Post by alp on Jun 2, 2023 6:38:17 GMT
My X26 is a similar age but doesn't run hot. I don't leave it running all the time, just when using it. That's probably not optimal for SQ, though.
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Post by kevinb on Aug 21, 2023 19:37:02 GMT
I installed the Windows USB driver on my other tablet and have confirmed that the firmware is vF.1A I understand that this is an old post, but I thought you might be able to help me find out the firmware of my Gustard X26 Pro and/or Update the firmware.
I have downloaded some software for Windows drivers, but they won't run anything when I click on them....
What I am trying to do:
1.) Determine what firmware release is on my Gustard X26 Pro - (I am the original owner and bought it 2 years ago)
2.) How exactly to update the firmware, as I cannot find any instructions.
Thank You!
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Post by MartinT on Aug 21, 2023 19:55:20 GMT
Hi Kevin I have not found a way of determining the firmware version without the updater software. You need to follow the instructions to install the updater and driver onto a Windows machine - I used an old Windows tablet I have lying around, but any Windows laptop would do. Run the software and connect up direct to the Gustard's USB socket with a standard A to B cable. It should report the version found onboard the DAC (it's a long time since I did mine). If yours is running F.1A then it's really worthwhile updating to F2.0 beta for its improved sound quality as well as improved USB functionality. Download and further information here: www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/gustard-x26pro-firmware-release-f20-beta.27242/
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Post by kevinb on Aug 21, 2023 20:24:13 GMT
OK, thanks....... I tried it again and figured it out .......
I was on the 1 version and now it upgraded to 2.0
Thanks for the help ..................
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Post by MartinT on Aug 21, 2023 20:28:34 GMT
I was on the 1 version and now it upgraded to 2.0
Great news, Kevin. Let us know what you hear when you play it.
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Post by kevinb on Aug 21, 2023 21:01:15 GMT
I was on the 1 version and now it upgraded to 2.0
Great news, Kevin. Let us know what you hear when you play it. I hear music !! --- No golden ears here...... Being in the software industry for 30 years, in my career.... I wanted to be on the latest release. I did notice some quirky bugs with this DAC once in awhile. Especially with USB input. Which I have been using a lot more as of late.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 21, 2023 21:06:55 GMT
I wanted to be on the latest release. I did notice some quirky bugs with this DAC once in awhile. Especially with USB input. Which I have been using a lot more as of late. I've never used the USB input on the DAC, I have a Gustard U18 which takes USB in and feeds I2S to the X26 Pro. Fantastic combination - rock solid as well as sounds great.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 26, 2023 6:28:26 GMT
I was chatting with nicholas last night and he said something that resonated with me (with his permission): I have been meaning to restore the X26 Pro DAC to my main system and migrate the R26 back to my office for some time. Installing a tungsten cube in the X26 Pro gave me the opportunity today to execute the move. I somehow survived the wrestling match that was opening and then closing the case on the X26 Pro... not intuitive in the least. And no leftover parts!* Quickly installed the DAC in my main system and BAM the punch and detail that I felt a little subdued with the R26 is back in spades. That 'BAM' there is exactly why I love the X26 Pro. It does detail to the nth degree but without distracting you from the performance. You get used to a highly resolved soundstage with all sorts of percussive minutiae filling it and increasing the level of detail. The rhythmic intensity and huge slam is what makes it such a musically exciting performer. No music is left untouched by the X26 Pro's realism and vividness. It's why I laugh at people who make negative comments about streaming music being 'flat' or 'dull'. You could not use words like that if you heard music played on my system. Soundstage width and depth are there and note decay is really impressive, highlighting again the low level resolving power. It's a great DAC, Gustard really excelled themselves in its implementation. The tungsten cube just gives you more of what it does best, especially the focus and dynamic clout. *I can empathise with opening up the casework, you have to work out which bolts to remove and which to leave in place. At least the top cover comes away cleanly. The U18 is just as tricky but different, as you have to slide the innards out while disconnecting cables.
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 26, 2023 8:29:21 GMT
X26 and R26 comparison at any time !
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Post by MartinT on Sept 26, 2023 9:18:17 GMT
X26 and R26 comparison at any time ! I've already compared, but in different systems. nicholas has both and can give you the detail (as well as above). They are different flavours and I accept that it's going to be down to personal preference.
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Post by nicholas on Sept 26, 2023 13:31:25 GMT
I have come to conclude that a preference for either the X26 Pro or R26 DAC is predicated largely by your room and associated equipment. I'm hearing what I would characterize as incredible "grip" on recorded music with the modded X26 Pro.
It is worthy to note that Martin and I have very similar front ends with the Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker, Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer, Coherent modded Gustard U18 DDC, SR Purple fuses, high quality cables and ground boxes being common. For whatever reason the X26 Pro DAC really shines in their company.
Also, when I restored the R26 to my office system it sounded better to me in that environment. Truly a pity that it is so difficult for most of us to have multiple pieces of kit to compare to see which is best for our listening environment.
At this moment I couldn't be more pleased with each DAC in residence in its optimal environment. Gustard has given us three amazing DACs each with its own set of virtues.
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2023 13:56:40 GMT
Gustard don't seem to have released anything new for some time unless I'm mistaken - wonder if they have some new DACs in the pipeline.
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Post by nicholas on Sept 26, 2023 14:08:30 GMT
The latest offering from Gustard is their A26 DAC. It is in the same price range as its siblings and is said to be a mid point between the R26 and X26 Pro. Here is what I lifted from a vendor website:
Dual AK4499EX & AK4191 DAC Chips The GUSTARD A26 DAC combines two AK4499EX DAC chips with one AK4191 modulator from Asahi Kasei Microdevices. With independent power supply and grounding for each channel, separate digital-analog architecture eliminates interferences from the beginning.
FPGA Exclusive Technology & Streamer / Renderer Adopting FPGA exclusive technology, the A26 features signal routing, clock management, 2rd order PLL, DOP decoding, and Depop for PCM & DSD. Besides, utilizing Streamer/Renderer, an easy access to high-quality online streams, the GUSTARD A26 can supports Roon /UPnP /HQ Player NAA at present, and there will be more protocols in the future.
Clock Synthetization & XMOS XU216 Solution Equipped with K2, ultra-low noise clock synthesizer, the A26 DAC features a precision clock from local oscillators or external clock in. It is worth mentioning that the GUSTARD A26 can replace the input signal' s clock with precision oscillators (local or external) and avoid the interference from the input source' s clock. In addition, the A26 DAC applies XU216 from XMOS, supporting up to PCM768 (with MQA-support) and DSD512.
LPF Discrete Circuits Design LPF is specifically designed for the AK4499EX using discrete devices, whose final parameters of the circuit are adjusted with subjective listening. Different from ICs, these discrete circuits provide the possibilities to control every detail in sound and performance. However, these parasitic effects would introduce huge challenges to development experience and device's quality.
Full-Functional Remote Control Except for its excellent configuration, GUSTARD A26 characterizes a sandblasted aluminum alloy case with an OLED display and a touch panel. And users can easily enjoy their music rich in details by using the standard remote control.
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Post by wannarock2 on Sept 26, 2023 17:10:54 GMT
My X26 is a similar age but doesn't run hot. I don't leave it running all the time, just when using it. That's probably not optimal for SQ, though. Thanks Alp, quick question. Are you using the XLR or RCA outs to your pre-amp? EDIT: nvm, i did a little self-help/research and xlr/rca has nothing to do with heat (i thought maybe 2.5volt vs. 5volt may have something to it). The Gustard X26 Pro DAC runs hot for a few reasons: Class A output stage: The X26 Pro uses a class A output stage, which is known for its excellent sound quality but also for running hotter than other types of output stages. Dual ES9038Pro DAC chips: The X26 Pro uses two ES9038Pro DAC chips, one per channel. These are high-performance DAC chips, but they also generate a lot of heat. Compact design: The X26 Pro is a relatively compact DAC, which means that there is less space for the heat to dissipate. i checked a few audio forums and a number of folk have said their x26p run too hot. The consensus is it may not be a long lasting component. i just hope i can get another few years out of it as it has performed really nicely.
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 27, 2023 10:17:04 GMT
The latest offering from Gustard is their A26 DAC. It is in the same price range as its siblings and is said to be a mid point between the R26 and X26 Pro. Ah, yes somehow I had completely forgotten about the A26!!
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 27, 2023 10:40:05 GMT
Question for all you X26 owners - in your opinion, how much difference does the Class A output stage make to the ultimate sound quality?
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Post by MartinT on Sept 27, 2023 11:12:05 GMT
Running with a preamp? Not much.
Driving a power amp direct using digital volume control? A lot. I run mine this way and the increase in transparency is significant. If you don't have analogue inputs, you don't need a preamp. Control over the power amp with a Class A output is superb and bass goes down to subterranean depths without any loss of grip.
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atoz
Rank: Trio
Posts: 128
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Post by atoz on Sept 29, 2023 9:31:39 GMT
I also use x26pro direct to power amp.I, like Martin and others have added an ext clock to my dac. My clock is a LB and I can only say my sound..imaging, clarity and bass is the best I have got out of my system . I have seen 1 or 2 x26pro owners on other forums saying their x26pro sounded better with a pre amp.
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