DOes this happen 100% of the time, or only sometimes?
ssue:
I’m trying to resolve a track-start cutoff with a Gustard X26 III + U26 DDC on Windows (single PC setup).
The problem only happens in TIDAL. Every time a track starts — even when restarting the same song from the beginning — the first split second is cut off. It breaks the flow of the music.
This does not occur mid-track, and playback is otherwise stable.
I understand this behavior can be common with ESS Sabre DACs, but I did not experience this issue when using the X26 III with my previous DDC (Singxer SU-6). That points to the U26 + handshake behavior rather than the DAC itself.
Current setup:
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Windows PC (single source)
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TIDAL desktop app (exclusive / bit-perfect playback)
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Gustard U26 DDC → I²S → Gustard X26 III
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Both devices set to Gustard Mode 1
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Tested both IIS-G (fixed Gustard port) and IIS-6 (configurable port) on the U26 — no change
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Issue only occurs at track start, not during playback
Question:
Is there a known fix or workaround for this track-start mute / re-lock delay with the X26 III + U26 on Windows, specifically in TIDAL?
Is this a buffer / format-switching behavior, or is there a recommended setting (sample rate lock, ASIO buffer, DDC output mode) to eliminate the cutoff?
I already tried turning exclusive mode forced volume on and off.