Gustard DAC-X26 impressions and discussions

I suppose that's the usual worry with brands like Gustard ... or hifiman. Let's be real - it's very likely that they'll release a better 4499 DAC at some point. And perhaps an even better one in the future. And then somebody will create a new, better chip - and so the cycle starts all over again.
In my opinion this whole thing is rather simple - don't buy without testing. And if You really, desperately want to purchase a chinese dac using a new chipset - get a used model.

 

Hello, first of all, thank you all for your support and answers. Try it I not can try it. ,And since everything comes from China, I have to decide for one, and what you answer is that I opt for the X26.

From what I am reading, it seems that the Dac AK4499 opens the image more, and even with the comparison between the  ToppingD90 and the Matrix of $ 3,000 the D90 has won. That's why I prefer more for the A22. but by not carrying the Shark chip, that makes me doubt. If I would not be clear. So follow my doubt. In addition, the Magneplanar screens detail the media a lot, and I hope to have the best front image, with the singer singing in the middle for me. 

 

@supersergios FWIW, my experience with Magnepans have been they're dynamically limited so I would rather go for the X26 with your setup to help the slam a bit. I haven't heard the 4499 yet, but the 4490 based DACs I've heard were all slam limited, which would've left you with a pretty wimpy sounding system with a huge soundstage.

 

Ehi Famish, however serious it is not a problem that I have both stereo subwoofers, and I love the medium of the Magneplanar. The 4499 say that it corrects all the mistakes of the previous one and has more punch, vibrant and more musical separation, more 3D sound. The musicians in front of you. (Said of the D90 Topping). That's what I wouldn't want to lose by taking the X26.

Then I understand that you tell me that with 4490 I would have limited sound, but I ask for 4499, with that there will be no problem I understand, And with the X26 better? I don't understand it well

 

Look at the link I put on the comparison of the ToppingD90 VS. the Matrix, the Tooping wins it in everything and no longer has that velvet, the Gustard has two Dacs so I understand that he will still do better 

 

Do you mean that with the A22 I will have a much broader and more detailed image than with the X26? But based on their experience, I will have less punch, although from what they say this they have solved it in the new 4499 .. So the same is better the A22 than the X26 (also telling that the A22 does not carry the Shark chip)  

 

X26 stages decently and has comparable detail retrieval. I would rather pick something I've heard over than buy something over a hypothesized sound unless you're able to demo it first. If I still ran the Maggies, I'd most likely prefer X26 or a Convert-2 or Prism Lyra/Callia.

I did too, but I'd take the sound over my Fortes without subs over the Maggies with subs any day, but different strokes for different folks.

 

https://www.thomann.de/es/dangerous_music_convert_2.htm 2900€

https://funkyjunk.es/tienda/digital/conversores/prism-lyra-2/ 2200€

https://funkyjunk.es/tienda/hi-fi/etapas-previos-hi-fi/prism-callia/ 2450€

Gustard A22 = 960€
Gustard X26 = 1190€

they are different prices

 

See the graph of this link:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...iew-and-measurements-of-gustard-dac-x26.7007/ (Gustard X26 in first position)

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-dac-review.10519/#lg=attachment43475&slide=0
(Gustard X26 is in 10 position)

ToppingD90 with a single Dac AK4499 has won the Gustard X26.

And that's why I think the Gustard A22 with double AK4499 is better

better of X26 (similar price)

 

Yeah with this, I officially give up.

 

Do you think the A20 will be velvety? (for his two 4499)

 

From that logic, the A22 is the worst of the bunch...
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-gustard-daca22-4499-first-show-at-asr.10146/ no one seems to have actually heard one/ listened to one, though. ASR is not for actual listening.

... better close member registrations again

 

Copy and paste:

For the source, PCB, materials, etc. give rise to different sounds in a DAC is that the DAC is bad with desire. For many years now, well-done audio electronics are transparent (-> add nothing to the sound, and therefore cannot have their own sound).

what you have to value is the price / guarantee / features / aesthetics, because we are going to hear what the chip is heard ...

If you are looking for the latest technology you can wait for the AK4499. But do not expect more than better signal noise and dynamic range, almost certainly your ampli, and 100% sure that your boxes will spoil.

\

I am aware that many commercial complete DACs, even if they are made with the same DAC chip, may have differences in sound, given by their different power supplies, their different rear analog sections and circuitry such as the ground plane or "gnd" among others. things, I have designed many pcbs in audio applications and I know that sometimes as you trace the tracks on the pcb there may be very small differences in the signal to noise ratio, distortion and sometimes in the bandwidth, when you then make measurements.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I decide to buy the Gustard A22, which will be the same as the ToppingD90 But with better power supply (double source), and a Dac for each channel, Without exceeding the budget too much.

I hope you have found my conclusion logical, greetings to all thanks for the help ..

Still made my decision I will be open to new readings and opinions, which will be welcome

 

You're probably going to regret this decision, or be too deaf (or dishonest to yourself) to tell, but best of luck.

 

Will this happen to me? Music without force or punch, but a great musical 3D?
But according to that previous text, from one level all are equal. They should not give any different sound.