Measurements of Gustard P26 Preamplifier

[DBB]

Gustard told me the swappable socket was still available and that the request must be made to the seller. Shenzhenaudio dropped the ball. They confirmed I would get the swappable op amp version, but sent the non swappable one.

 

[galavoxx]

Gustard told me the swappable socket was still available and that the request must be made to the seller. Shenzhenaudio dropped the ball. They confirmed I would get the swappable op amp version, but sent the non swappable one.

Good to know. I asked them for a swappable version, but will see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[marble]

Hi, this (Gustard P26) or SPL Volume 2 ?
I have no need for remote control and multiple inputs, only good volume control with balanced input/output.
Secondly, I am not totaly sold on multiple discrete relays for volume control .... Your opinion about that ?
Thanks !

 

[galavoxx]

I received my P26 from Amazon. I requested swappable and they sent me the swappable sockets. So they are still available. They also recommended that I not do any swapping.

Gustard told me the swappable socket was still available and that the request must be made to the seller. Shenzhenaudio dropped the ball. They confirmed I would get the swappable op amp version, but sent the non swappable one.

 

[Veri]

They also recommended that I not do any swapping.

Ironic.

 

[galavoxx]

Quick update on the Gustard P26 I recently purchased from Amazon. Like some others purchased on Amazon, my fuse promptly blew after a couple power cycles. I swapped in the spare fuse that was provided and it also blew. I checked with the multimeter to confirm. Both fuses blown. The included fuse is rated to 250v at 1.2A. After contacting Gustard they informed me that they have nothing to do with Amazon sales. They also confirmed that the fuse should be a 250v 1.6A, not 1.2A!! I've replaced the fuse with the correct 1.6A rating and although .4A is not much of a difference, everything is working perfectly. Check your fuse rating before sending back!!

I also got ahead of myself and threw in some Burson V6 Vivid Op Amps. I'm waiting to ge my power amp back from repair, but even with my cheap backup, the Burson's sound is a great improvement over the original Opamps supplied by Gustard. Give it s try. Burson has a 30 day return policy if you don't like the V6s and they also have a lifetime warranty!!

 

[Scrivs]

I’m a bit surprised that Magnius hasn’t been suggested. Mine’s happily been doing what is says on the box for going on 3 years meow. Works great as configured— D10 Balanced SPdif>
DEQ2496>Modius XLR Out>Homebrew NC252MP.

Things I’m not digging about it:
Rear mounted power switch Nuff said. I’m starting to think that it’s a bit Punk-Rock of them.

The heavy 15VAC transformer wall-wart sucks as well.

Only other gripe is that they could have improved labeling of the gain control and input source selector switches. Minor pain though, since I mostly use it as a volume controller.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about the really well measuring headphone amp (4-pin XLR and 1/4”) that I almost never use. I strictly use it as a “Preamp”, and for $200, couldn’t be happier.

Schiit Magnius Balanced Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Schiit Magnius Balanced (input and output) headphone amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by the company and costs US $199 direct plus shipping. The sample I received is in black which gives a serious look to the new amp: There is an input...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Cheers

 

[Scrivs]

P.S Forgot to mention I installed my DEQ2496 analog upgrade board when I had a moment before Christmas. That too works as advertised . I read the excellent review of it the Behringermods DCX upgrade card the other day, and am happy to report a similarly measurably improved performance (REW/ADI-2 DAC)

 

[SiamXIII]

Is there any profit in adding it to Gustard R26?

 

[Welldone]

Is there any profit in adding it to Gustard R26?

Don't think too much. Just go with P26. It is a really good preamp, even you've got R26 with the intergrated preamp function.
I've been using Gustard U18+R26. And then i've received P26 which makes me so happy!

 

[yodog]

Don't think too much. Just go with P26. It is really good preamp, even you've got R26.
I've been using Gustard U18+R26. And then i've received P26 which makes me so happy!

Where’s the best place to get one? I don’t want a counterfeit…

 

[SiamXIII]

Don't think too much. Just go with P26. It is a really good preamp, even you've got R26 with the intergrated preamp function.
I've been using Gustard U18+R26. And then i've received P26 which makes me so happy!

There was issue with P26 shipping, so ordered Topping A90 Discrete to use as preamp. It will be a good pair to my LA90.

 

[Welldone]

Where’s the best place to get one? I don’t want a counterfeit…

You can order from Shenzhen. I had asked my friend in Hongkong to order directly from Gustard. My P26 is a swappable version.

 

[Welldone]

I've bought the P26 for a month. Today, suddenly there is no sound on the left channel. Does any one have the same problem? I'm really confused about the quality of Gustard's products now.

 

[Neob]

I use the P26 in conjunction with the R26 and later with the A26. It's definitely an advantage over the internal Gustard preamps. But not as desired, then I swapped opamps. I give an absolute recommendation for the Sparkos SS2590. The P26 is then a completely different preamp. Even if the sparkos are very expensive, the value for money in the P26 is unbelievable. Without the ss2590 I would have sold the preamp again. now I enjoy it every day

 

[wyup]

I use the P26 in conjunction with the R26 and later with the A26. It's definitely an advantage over the internal Gustard preamps. But not as desired, then I swapped opamps. I give an absolute recommendation for the Sparkos SS2590. The P26 is then a completely different preamp. Even if the sparkos are very expensive, the value for money in the P26 is unbelievable. Without the ss2590 I would have sold the preamp again. now I enjoy it every dayView attachment 293127

Interesting! I also use a Sparkos Pro SS2590 for my Aune X8 XVIII dac.
By curiosity, which power amp & speakers do you use?

 

[Neob]

Interesting! I also use a Sparkos Pro SS2590 for my Aune X8 XVIII dac.
By curiosity, which power amp & speakers do you use?

in this system a DIY power amplifier and SA Pandion 2 speakers. But I don't want to deviate from the actual topic.

Size comparison Sparkos-LME

 

[kbkaran]

Folks, I got my P26 recently and of course promptly the fuse blew out. One observation, with my setup (Chord 2Qute RCA -> P26 XLR -> Wyred4Sound St1000 Power Amp) I am unable to get past 14 on the volume without it getting too loud. I guess my power amp has too much again ?
(I think Gustard should be shipping fuses for 110V regions along with the product and have people replace it when they go from higher voltage mains to lower)

 

[FrankNL]

@WolfX-700

Can you tell me how you opened the case of the P26?

I bought a Gustard p26 preamp and am considering a plan to swap op amps. The problem is, after removing a few screws that appeared to be securing the top, it won't budge. I assumed the top aluminum plate is snapped in, but I see no way of getting a tool in to pop it out. I don't want to scratch it up by forcing a knife or screwdriver in. Is there a trick to this? Help.

The solution might be a slide out after taking off the front knob. I took off the front knob, and some remaining back screws and couldn't slide it. I then started taking out screws from the bottom, but changed my mind. Too many screws. I didn't want to accidentally loosen something important on the board. It is a fine sounding preamp. I don't want to break it.

Remove mid top hexbolt on back. There are six long hex bolts on the bottom that connect to the lid. In mine, the lugs in the lid were a bit loose and one of them remained stuck on the bolt, nothing that i couldnt wriggle loose. lid lifts from back and hinges on front panel with two small tabs.

 

[yllanos]

Meh. Schiit Freya S is better than this.

Can someone care to explain why?