Couldn't find in your postings which DAC's you have tested in the past (comparing to the Gustard X26 Pro)
Hi, yes, I confirm you'll not find this since I never written about it
I can say that, my configuration is based on various amps (two Emotiva XPA-1L, one ML-27, a Daub D500A, Naim NAP100 ), speakers (Genelec 8050a active,Aliante Moda Pininfarina passive, B&W 705S2 passive, Monitor Audio Gold 100 passive), room (two) and, of course,
tastes...
The X-26 Pro sounds
better than my previous Emotiva DC-1, Topping D90 (MQA, AKM based), a custom 4 1704K per channel (reference) DAC and a Denafrips Pontus (first edition with upgraded board).
"
Better" doesn't mean a lot, in my personal idea of a
"good sound" is a sound as detailed as possible, without particular emphasis and with a good scene especially in the horizontal field.
Also, it's not warm but not cold either...I can use it on the "vivid" setting even with my active Genelec with great satisfaction.
I really enjoyed the sound of the Gustard as it has a lot of these characteristics and it's more "complete" than other dacs tested.
Obviously, and I repeat because it is never enough, my concept of
good sound is only a personal idea not necessarily shareable ... also I am not an "expert" but only an audio "enthusiast".