A. The Story
Gustard R26 is an inexpensive R-2R but the build-quality is great. I never thought it can be at the same or even higher sound quality level than my Holo Spring 3 because the Spring 3 is almost double the price.
A friend of mine sent his R26 to me to see if there is a chance to upgrade. Fortunately, R26 has an I2S/DSD over HDMI input and the internal clock can be off when inputting from external sources except USB and LAN.
After upgrading the R26 with an external re-clock streamer DDC ( FifoPiQ7 with SC-Pure clocks and HdmiPiPro II), and kept it break-in for two weeks, I really got a surprise. The R26 sounds amazing, it plays a very beautiful high range with great details and is smooth like silk , and I found it also has the best clarity among all the DACs I have ever tested. R26's DSD SQ is also great, even better than its I2S.
I still like my Spring3, but I can not decide which is better now. I have to say R26 and Spring 3 have really different sound signatures though they are both R-2R DAC. R26 is really great for piano and guitar and classical music. But the singer's voice likes a little bit younger than the Spring 3. Maybe I should use them for different kinds of music.
I have to ship the R26 back to my friend next week. I definitely will miss the R26.
B. How to upgrade R26 with external re-clock DDC through I2S/DSD over HDMI
1. DDC streamer Option1: #93B + UcConditioner Pro
2. DDC streamer Option2: #91B + #96C
FifoPiQ7II + SC-Pure 45/49 clocks + HdmiPi Pro II + StationPi SMT + MonitorPi Pro
LinearPi Solo 5V + UcConditioner Pro 5V + UcPureMkIII 3.3V(or UcPure Quad)
3: DDC streamer configuration
FifoPiQ: Enable continuous clock mode, Enable 16-32 lossless converter function
4. R26 configuration: PCM NOS=ON, DSD direct=ON, Phase Invert=Disable, anything else default
C. Gustard R26 VS Holo Spring3: Sound Quality comparison after upgrade
Both Gustard R26 and Holo Spring3 got pretty improved over default when upgrading with the same above re-clock stream DDC. The high grade SC-pure clocks and good extreme low-noise passive power supply really make a difference. Under the same conditions, I did listening tests back and forth many times. Here is the comparison result.
4. Useful links
2 comments
I built Ian`s flagship DDC last year to use with the Geshelli Labs J3 DAC and Volumio Rivo+ streamer. I was not happy with the Amanero USB performance and wanted to try I2S from the Rivo+ to the J3 which does not have I2S input. The best way was to add a DDC and output to the J3 via SPIDF RCA. Fantastic upgrade. That is a killer combo. The J3 SPIDF implementation is excellent.
I recently purchased the Gustard R26 to dip my toes in the R2R pool. This is a great DAC on it`s own but adding Ian`s DDC with HDMI output takes it to another level. The difference is not subtle. Imaging improved significantly. That R2R 3D magic really shines now. Soundstage is deeper and more layered. There is a greater sense of instrument seperation and “air”, probably due to the enhanced holographic presentation.
Note that my DDC build has the upgraded SC clocks and is powered by ultracapacitors. Not inexpensive, but worth every penny. I have not heard the Holo Spring 3 but I trust that adding Ian`s flagship DDC brings the R26 on par. This combo is amazing!
I’ve had a super experience with this flagship DDC reclocker from iancanada and used it to upgrade a Gabster TD1 DAC and an Audial 5bs DAC. The result is amazing
A really high-end project with a lot of flexibility and quality especially when upgraded with sc-pure clocks.