Name: Gustard R26 – DAC
SKU: 24692
Price: 1495 EUR
Availability: InStock

Description

The soul of modern R2R sound

El Gustard R26 it represents the brand's most purist and musical vision.
Its architecture discrete R-2R (without commercial DAC chips) converts the digital signal by high-precision resistor arrays, switched by a system FPGA + CPLD typical of Gustard.
The result is a sound organic, three-dimensional and natural, which combines the smoothness of analogue audio with the resolution of the digital age.

Thanks to their integrated network streamer and to R-2R volume control, the R26 can act as DAC, transport and passive preamp, all in a single machined aluminium chassis.

⚙️ Architecture and design

Conversion discrete dual-mono R-2R, developed entirely by Gustard.
Without DAC chips: each channel uses an independent network of precision resistors.
Digital processing using Dedicated FPGA y clock control CPLD.
Output stage discrete in Class A, with a natural and warm sound.
R-2R volume control via relays → acts as a high-purity passive preamp.
Power supply with dual toroidal transformer (digital + analogue).
Machined aluminium chassis, 430 × 340 × 190 mm, black anodised finish.

The R26 is the DAC that epitomises Gustard’s philosophy: engineering without artifice, musicality without compromise

🌐 Streamer and network connectivity

Built-in features: Roon Bridge / AirPlay / DLNA / UPnP / HQPlayer NAA.
Starter Ethernet LAN (100/1000 Mbps) with web control and OTA updates.
Bluetooth 5.0 with codecs LDAC, aptX-HD, aptX, AAC, SBC.
Compatible with PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit, native DSD512 y full MQA.

It can function as full streamer without the need for external transport,
or receiving a signal from USB, I²S HDMI, AES/EBU, Coaxial or Optical.

⏱️ Clock and synchronisation

internal OCXO high-stability OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator).
Starter BNC 10 MHz for external master clock (compatible with C16 / C18 / Mutec, etc.).
Low-jitter system with Advanced PLL y aislamiento galvánico total.

Ideal para redes audiófilas sincronizadas (por ejemplo, con N18 Pro + C18 + R26).

🔋 Etapa analógica y salidas

Exit	Nivel	Type	Impedance
RCA	2,5 V RMS	No balanceada	100 Ω
XLR	5,0 V RMS	Balanceada	100 Ω

Conversión I/V discreta y filtro paso bajo en Pure Class A,
con una respuesta tímbrica natural y un sonido sin dureza.

🎧 Sonic personality

Aspect	Description
Graves	Profundos, naturales y perfectamente controlados.
Media	Muy humanos: voces y guitarras con cuerpo y realismo.
Treble	Sedosos, extensos y nunca agresivos.
Soundscape	Amplia, tridimensional, con aire y profundidad real.
General timbre	Analógico, cálido y musical, sin fatiga auditiva.

Es el DAC más emocional y orgánico de Gustard, con una escena inmersiva y coherente.

📊 Technical specifications

Architecture: discrete dual-mono R-2R
Maximum resolution: PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD512
SNR: 122 dB
Channel separation: 134 dB
THD+N: 0.003 %
Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.2 dB)
Entries: USB, LAN, I²S HDMI, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical
Departures: RCA 2.5 V / XLR 5 V
Consumption: 35 W aprox.
Weight: 6.8 kg
Voltaje: 115 / 230 V – 50/60 Hz

🏁 Conclusion

El Gustard R26 es un verdadero “todo en uno” high-end, donde convergen:

DAC R-2R discreto de precisión,
Streamer completo compatible con Roon, AirPlay y DLNA,
Passive preview por red de relés,
Reloj OCXO interno y entrada 10 MHz externa,
Bluetooth LDAC de alta resolución.

✅ Sonido natural y tridimensional
✅ Escena inmersiva y timbre analógico
✅ Excelente sinergia con sistemas de gama alta
✅ Compatible con redes audiófilas y relojes externos

El R26 es el modelo que mejor equilibra musicalidad, funcionalidad y precio dentro de la gama Gustard.
Una auténtica puerta de entrada al sonido R2R de nivel absoluto.

Additional information

Colour	Black, Silver

Brand

Gustard

Gustard it is a manufacturer specialising in high-fidelity digital electronics that has successfully combined classical engineering with modern execution.

Their designs focus on understated architecture, oversized power supplies and carefully crafted analogue stages, always prioritising real sonic performance over simplified solutions or passing fads. Along the same lines, Gustard has successfully adapted this philosophy to the modern context, integrating network and streaming functions directly into some of their models, without turning them into a mere secondary add-on. The result is equipment capable of functioning as Pure DAC or as an all-in-one solution, compatible with platforms such as Roon or Audirvana, which reduce system complexity without compromising quality or sound character. https://youtu.be/kYfe3W3ZrFI The company has earned a solid reputation among demanding enthusiasts for offering honest, technically ambitious products with a value-for-money ratio that is hard to match in high-end digital audio.