Gustard R26

@soix I was given an amazing opportunity today to purchase the Esoteric Grandioso D1. So I did so. Do you think a DDC is still necessary?

Is the Gustard R26 the most capable DAC coming out of China? Anything else considered top of the line? Has anyone connected a 10 MHz master clock to the R26? I have a SoTM sms-200 neo ultra without clock input. I am trying to decide if I want to replace with the same streamer with a 50 MHz clock input and get a new DAC with 50 MHz input as well. Or simply forgo SoTM altogether and replace with the Gustard R26 streamer / DAC in one unit.

@kairosman How are you liking the LHY OCK-2? I was thinking of getting one of the CyberShaft master clocks.

@soix Thanks for the suggestion. I will take this seriously. Are your connections similar to kairosman’s post above? Thank you.

Understood. I have Legacy Aeris speakers and a distributed bass array ala AudioKinesis. I decided to go with 2 REL 212/SX in front and 2 Rythmik E22 for the rear. So it's possible that my hardware might improve from additional tweaking. Another audio friend came over this past weekend and said Don't spend another dime on anything before treating your room. I live in a large loft with concrete / brick walls and hardwood floors. So it echoes. That's my #1 priority now. When that is done, I will look into the DAC / streamer / clock issue. I think I will replace the SOtM with a  version that has the clock input and then look at a used Esoteric Grandioso D1.

Did you consider spending the purchase price of the R26 only on a DAC since you are not using its streamer? Just curious. But if you have a Lampizator as well, you have DACs in rotation which is a beautiful thing! Lol. A friend sells the Lumin line of products. They are truly amazing.

Thanks so much. I might reach out again after finishing treating my room.

I was looking at the Audio-GD DI-20HE DDC. Will look at the Musician Leo as well. Will reach out to Esoteric. Thanks so much.