Buy based on looks and feature set, there is no wrong answer to that question.Now, the dilemma is Gustard DAC-X26 ($ 1,289) vs RME ADI-2 DAC (€ 989 at home -> $ 1,112, in EU).
According to their description, it's class a discrete.What type of op-amps use it ?
I believe he meant adi2dac which is cheaper tham pro and doesn't have adc.Not sure its a dilema. The ADI has a superb ADC, is cheaper and has performance that is very close on its DAC.
Cant knock the Gustard though as I think its the first implementation of a 38pro that I have seen that hasnt been completely ballsed up
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Should be just distortion. Probably due to their discrete iv stage or output.I`d like to see the sectrum of 5khz & 10khz @90khz. What`s going wrong here?
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Well one thing is that there is supply noise. Not 100% it's from usb or the power supply itself.Glad to see a "Chi-Fi" brand with all these marketing codes: "double ES9038 Pro", "Double toroidal transformer"... But at the end nails ALL the tests.
Plaudits to Gustard. This is true engineering!
I think it is a fair point that the RME is cheaper, but it is also true that you can get a transparent DAC for much less than the RME too. As expensive hifi goes this Gustard is not over the top (the high end enthusiasts would probably deride it as mid-fi). My own view is I see no reason to spend so much on a DAC but I also think that the measurements at least show a genuine depth of engineering and it does perform extremely well. I think once you reach audible transparency that further improvement is slightly moot but I also understand the attractiveness of seeking ultimate performance even if it is not necessary in audible terms. However, I really don't see why being made by a Chinese company is a reason to judge a product. Good performance and engineering is good performance and engineering regardless of the point of origin.
I think you are looking at the Khadas Tone Board graph.I`d like to see the sectrum of 5khz & 10khz @90khz. What`s going wrong here?
bothI think you are looking at the Khadas Tone Board graph.
Oh just take a look at multitone. It's indeed the distortion there (10-20k). It's really useful that they amirm provided multitone measurements.I`d like to see the sectrum of 5khz & 10khz @90khz. What`s going wrong here?
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Now, the dilemma is Gustard DAC-X26 ($ 1,289) vs RME ADI-2 DAC (€ 989 at home -> $ 1,112, in EU).
in terms of thd+n they are quite similar.
How about Gustard vs. Chord Qutest? Is there a way to compare them based on their measurements?
Yep already pointed out, I mis read Matys post assuming his comments about the ADC presuming he was referring to the proI don't believe the RME ADI-2 DAC has an AD converter. The ADI-2 Pro has an AD converter, and costs substantially more than the Gustard.
Nothing to apologise forOops, sorry, I hadn't read all the way down. My apologies.
On visual inspection the Chord has the the best measurements IMO.in terms of thd+n they are quite similar.