1 - Turntable to phone preamp, not needed for ADI-2/4 Pro but in exchange DSD Direct would not be allowed because this device is EES based.
2 - Phone preamp to ADI-2 Pro analog input
3 - ADI-2 Pro USB (out) to HQPlayer Embedded station, where digital audio is processed and then back to the ADI-2 Pro to the same USB link (full duplex or bi-directional stream).
4- ADI-2 Pro analog output to power amplifier + loudspeakers.
In the second example scenario (768/32 PCM in and DSD512 out), because of ADI-2 Pro does not support DSD512, would it mean that after HQPlayer stage you would go via USB to a second DAC (DSD Direct)?
Iām looking at the Gustard A26 which could perhaps replace my RME ADI2 (AKM4493).
It will of course be connected via DSD Direct.
When I read different forums, it is indicated that the Gustard A26 is superior to the RME in terms of sound reproduction (details, wider and deeper soundstage).
In short, can those who have compared the 2 models tell me more and is it really worth it to change from the RME to the Gustard A26?
And there is also the Holo Cyan 2, will it do DSD Direct? and what will it be worth against the RME or Gustard A26.
I personally donāt think the difference between A26 and ADI-2 is so big. These are technically two completely different DAC architectures, even though based on AKM chips (earlier AKM were switched capacitor DACs and the newest chip models are switched resistor). But not as far from each other sonically. So Iād say there is certain amount of āAKM house soundā.
If you like something more different, for example Holo Audio and T+A are quite different from each other and from these AKM chip DACs. And so are for example other discrete DSD DACs like Marantz SA-12SE (and SA-10 / SACD 30n based on same architecture), and TEAC UD-701N.
Thanks for the feedback.
I had also seen problems with the A26 firmware for direct DSD management.
Is this resolved on the models sold now? Or do you have to put a specific firmware?
What is this about specifically? The firmware that was on devices around the time I got mine didnāt support DSD Direct correctly. But after some communication with Gustard this got fixed.
They said new production is with fixed firmware.
I have firmware package āGUSTARD_A26_CT_m12.8.zipā installed that fixed this.
Also the AH90 DAC has got firmware called āAH90_CT_m1.05beta_with dsddirect.zipā. I donāt know what is current status on this.
It has been discussed in this thread already but the SMSL D-6 (AKM in DSD Direct mode) measures the same as my old RME ADI-2 (AKM) but also goes to DSD512 with no performance penalty. And look at the price difference. I had both and measured with DSD256 and DSD512.
Iām not talking about one measurement but all measurements are close enough to say āsame sameā.
Iām not sure how the A26 performs with DSD512 vs D-6 - I have a friend that might get it so I can borrow in future and test.
A26 has NAA input but then again it is a little computer inside the DAC housing.
Adding a USB isolator to SMSL D-6 or RME ADI-2 works really well.
Yes it only operates that way.
My friendās Cyan2 has arrived from Wildism Audio Hong Kong.
I will borrow it when I have time this week and measure it
Hopefully it can at least match my old SMSL D-6 performance.
Has anyone tried any of Ian canadas gear? His Dual mono Dac has native capabilities or so Iāve been told.
The DIY approach could be fun. @jussi_laako
Which model actually works well, because there are many different models which for some do worse rather than better!
From memory, Audiosciencereview had tested this type of product without really apparent results
ASR have measured USB āRegenā type devices and depending on PSU used, those can make DACs measure worse.
ASR and Archimago have both measured Intona and there is no question they work - donāt use external PSU. There is only the question of does your system really need it, but nobody can answer that unless they measure.
Archimago also measured Topping HS-02 (way cheaper than Intona) and I can also confirm it works very well to isolate USB ground.
RME heavily endorsed Intona but recently RMEās chief Engineer also endorsed the much cheaper Topping HS-02
Some isolation (ground, RF/EMI) between streamer and DAC analogue section is good - with NAA DAC you have the streamer (a computer) inside the DAC housing. Depends if the DAC designer has done a good job on this or not.
That is one advantage of a USB streamer with good USB isolator, even though it is extra 2 boxes.
Cyan 2 has USB galvanic isolation built-in already - a nice plus. In theory , no need to add another USB isolator before it. Hookup any USB source and not worry.
As previously mentioned, it probably performs best fed PCM353kHz like the Innomaker and all ESS based DACs Iāve measured (which is not every on the planet of course)
