Which DAC to get? (Gustard A26/R26 vs Topping DX9)

[Your_Toilet]

Hi everyone!

I am planning to get a DAC to pair with my ZMF Atrium headphones and HD800s with the Feliks Euforia 20th Anniversary. I also have the Kali IN-8 studio monitors.

Is the Gustard a big improvement in overall sound quality in general over the Topping DX9?

I really love the aesthetics of the Topping but if the sound is a big improvement on the Gustard then I'll run with that. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for aesthetics if the difference isn't big enough.

And from what I've heard, is there a big difference between the delta sigma version vs the R2R version in terms of overall sound stage? The A26 is considerably cheaper at $1800 AUD vs R26 at $2300.

Thank you!

 

[pma]

DX9 has the best parameters from the DACs that you have mentioned, R26 worst. Audibly you will hardly find the difference.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

is there a big difference between the delta sigma version vs the R2R version in terms of overall sound stage?

Hello and welcome!

The soundstage is mostly only affected by how it is recorded and sometimes on how the room works with speakers on playback. Any DAC which measures well, should not impact soundstage.

 

[JayGilb]

Welcome to ASR ! Glad you found us.

As other have mentioned,. you will likely not find an audible differences between those DACS, so it is recommended to base your purchase on budget, aesthetics and functionality.

 

[Palladium]

In this golden age of audio affordability, you can get audibly equivalent performance for much cheaper, FYI.

 

[Your_Toilet]

Nice to meet everyone! and also I would like to thank everyones responses aswell. Everyone is so nice here

Since there isn't a big difference between the more expensive dacs, is there something you guys would recommend at a cheaper price point that can support my headphones, amp, my active speakers and a possible subwoofer in the future?

Maybe a used RME for it's parametric EQ, or the new VMV D2R. Preferably anything that is black to match my setup and something that I can keep for years to come <3

 

[Dunring]

I've had some Gustard stuff like the X26Pro, X18, and U18. It's really heavy and the X26Pro runs so hot it warmed up the room if you left it on. Audibly it wasn't any better than my Topping stuff. I just put together a Topping A70Pro/D70 Octo and an SMSL SP400/M400 and I'm sure the DX9 will be just as nice.
I won't get Gustard stuff again since I don't think a DAC has to weigh 16lbs and give off that much heat for home use.