Measurements of Gustard P26 Preamplifier

[Veri]

One interesting thing.
In Russia p26 cost - 663 usd
schiit freya - 1280 usd

Imo Gustard is perfect if you use balanced. The RCA performance is not as good though, whereas the Schiit has a better single ended/balanced conversion ('Nexus').

 

[bigLP]

As someone who is not an electrical engineer, or even close to it, I'm wondering if anyone can compare the p26 to the freya s in terms of the parts used and how well constructed they are? I guess I'm apprehensive about either company. Ideally I need two rca in, and a couple balanced. Shame p26 only has the one rca input, which seems to lack the performance of the schiit. Or maybe I should just go with a benchmark DAC3L...............I seem to be looking that way more....

 

[robertovich_daily]

As someone who is not an electrical engineer, or even close to it, I'm wondering if anyone can compare the p26 to the freya s in terms of the parts used and how well constructed they are? I guess I'm apprehensive about either company. Ideally I need two rca in, and a couple balanced. Shame p26 only has the one rca input, which seems to lack the performance of the schiit. Or maybe I should just go with a benchmark DAC3L...............I seem to be looking that way more....

need head to head comparison

 

[bigLP]

I wasn't looking for a subjective comparison really. I was curious about the quality of parts used, type of volume control, quality of boards, power supply/regulation etc. . I've found enough internal pics of both and done enough searches on here to gain some idea. I've been trying to post less and read more here on this board. I am nowhere near up to the speed I need to be for this board!

 

[robertovich_daily]

guys, I am faced with a choice. give advice BRYSTON BHA-1 or Gustard p26?

 

[Buster Chestnut]

guys, I am faced with a choice. give advice BRYSTON BHA-1 or Gustard p26?

I mean, one is $2k and one is $600?

The Gustard P26 is a dedicated pre-amp; the Bryston you listed appears to be a headphone amp.

 

[robertovich_daily]

I mean, one is $2k and one is $600?

The Gustard P26 is a dedicated pre-amp; the Bryston you listed appears to be a headphone amp.

Yeah, but p26 is only preamp, and bha-1 headphone amp / preamp

 

[Buster Chestnut]

Yeah, but p26 is only preamp, and bha-1 headphone amp / preamp

Do you need a HP amp? Many great options to be had for less that $1400...

I own the Gustard P26; it’s a great pre. It’s the first relay-based attenuator I’ve owned, so the “clicks” when changing volume can be a nuisance until you get accustomed to it.

I have no experience with the Bryston, so can’t help there other than looking at the price of both units.

 

[robertovich_daily]

Do you need a HP amp? Many great options to be had for less that $1400...

I own the Gustard P26; it’s a great pre. It’s the first relay-based attenuator I’ve owned, so the “clicks” when changing volume can be a nuisance until you get accustomed to it.

I have no experience with the Bryston, so can’t help there other than looking at the price of both units.

i need HP amp and preamp

 

[Buster Chestnut]

i need HP amp and preamp

Then it’s not a choice between the Bryston and the Gustard. Only one of those accomplishes your goal on its own.

 

[robertovich_daily]

Then it’s not a choice between the Bryston and the Gustard. Only one of those accomplishes your goal on its own.

The fact is whether gustard will play better, given that its only and basic task is pre-amplification, and BHA-1 headphone amplifier in the first place, and only then pre-amplifier.

 

[Buster Chestnut]

The fact is whether gustard will play better, given that its only and basic task is pre-amplification, and BHA-1 headphone amplifier in the first place, and only then pre-amplifier.

Define “better.” Have you looked at measurements of each unit?

 

[robertovich_daily]

Define “better.” Have you looked at measurements of each unit?

I see here test s of p26 and its very good, but i have not find test of bha-1

 

[Buster Chestnut]

I see here test s of p26 and its very good, but i have not find test of bha-1

If it were me: comparing one unit costing less than 1/3 the price of the other, and the less expensive unit has published independent measurements which suggest a high quality circuit whereas the higher priced unit does not have such information available.... I would go with the less expensive unit.

One person’s opinion. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Today I got the P26, and the measurement took me a lot of time. Because the preamplifier is very different from the DAC, there is basically no SOP at all. If there are any shortcomings in the following measurements, if you want to know something else, please let me know.

Can you tell me what is used for the physical volume control that operates the relays? Is it an encoder or a potentiometer? Are there any switching noises when changing inputs and/or volume levels? Thanks.

 

[Buster Chestnut]

Can you tell me what is used for the physical volume control that operates the relays? Is it an encoder or a potentiometer? Are there any switching noises when changing inputs and/or volume levels? Thanks.

Definitely switching noises. If you want, I can pm you a video of audibility. Not sure on encoder v digital pot, other than the dial can rotate indefinitely in either direction.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Definitely switching noises. If you want, I can pm you a video of audibility. Not sure on encoder v digital pot, other than the dial can rotate indefinitely in either direction.

Thanks.
Well, I do expect the clicking of the relays to be audible but I meant noises on the signal lines. Also, the infinite rotation suggests an encoder rather than an analog pot.

Of course, what I have in the back of my mind is synchronizing 3-4 of them for multichannel. Is there a user manual anywhere?

 

[Buster Chestnut]

Thanks.
Well, I do expect the clicking of the relays to be audible but I meant noises on the signal lines. Also, the infinite rotation suggests an encoder rather than an analog pot.

Of course, what I have in the back of my mind is synchronizing 3-4 of them for multichannel. Is there a user manual anywhere?

No user manual I’ve been able to locate nor did a manual ship with the unit. I’ll ask the vendor though since I’ve been emailing them about certain things (like how to get the remote to work lol).

 

[bigLP]

No user manual I’ve been able to locate nor did a manual ship with the unit. I’ll ask the vendor though since I’ve been emailing them about certain things (like how to get the remote to work lol).

I'm considering this pre as well. The rotary encoder digitally controls the stepped attenuator? Wolf's volume graph is stepped. That is one thing I haven't been able to figure out. the two balanced and one rca input is kind of limiting compared to the freya s. I should also mention to those lurking/looking for preamps, In another thread JohnYang1997 has said that topping will be coming out with a pre amp too. Does anyone know if the p26 is readily available and from whom? Is see it on Apos, but I'm not sure if it is one you have to wait months for.

 

[Buster Chestnut]

Here is the user manual for those who want to see it