{"product_id":"gustard-dac-r26-ii-r2r-ladder-dac-demo","title":"Gustard DAC-R26 II R2R ladder DAC (Demo)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eGustard R26 II\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiscrete R-2R Network Streaming DAC\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGustard R26 II\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a fully discrete R-2R DAC with integrated network streaming, designed with a focus on signal purity, precision, and analog sound quality. The entire design is built around proprietary modules, a separate power supply, and advanced clock management to ensure stable and consistent high-level performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFully Discrete 26-bit R-2R Architecture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe R26 II uses Gustard's proprietary \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003efully discrete R-2R resistor ladder DAC architecture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in a new \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e26-bit implementation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Unlike Delta-Sigma-based solutions, the conversion here is performed directly from a digital signal to an analog voltage without noise shaping or high-frequency modulation. The result is a more organic, fluid, and analog sound character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe discrete design places extremely high demands on component matching and PCB layout, and the R26 II is constructed with precision-selected components and very tight tolerances to achieve stability and uniform performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eNative 1-Bit DSD – Direct DSD Mode\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe DAC core supports \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etrue native 1-bit DSD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, all the way up to \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDSD2048 via I²S\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. In \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDirect DSD Mode\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, the DSD bitstream is fed directly to the 1-bit switch array without internal PCM conversion or DSP manipulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis hardware-based decoding preserves dynamics, transient response, and the original Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) without compromise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFPGA-Based Digital Processing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe R26 II is equipped with an \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFPGA platform\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e that handles:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eClock management\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e2nd-order PLL digital shaping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDoP demodulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePCM \/ DSD path switching\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis flexible and proprietary digital processing forms the basis for high signal integrity and precise timing across all input types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eGCLK-02 Clock Module \u0026amp; External 10 MHz Input\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe internal \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGCLK-02 clock module\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e uses advanced PLL technology with a locking accuracy of \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e±1 Hz\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, ensuring extreme frequency and phase precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIn addition, the R26 II supports \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eexternal 10 MHz clock reference input (BNC)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, so an external high-precision master clock can be used for further improved timing and sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiscrete Class-A LPF Output Stage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe analog output is built with a \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003efully discrete Class-A Low Pass Filter (LPF)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, specifically tuned for the R-2R architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eInstead of integrated op-amps, discrete components are used, providing full control over bias, compensation, and harmonic structure. The result is improved transient response, more nuanced tone, and high thermal stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eDual Independent Power Supplies\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe digital and analog sections are completely separated and powered by \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etwo dedicated toroidal transformers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis physical and electrical separation reduces crosstalk and interference – including RF noise – and ensures a stable and low-noise operating environment for both digital and analog signal processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eNetwork Streaming \u0026amp; Connectivity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe R26 II functions as a \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003enetwork streaming DAC\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and supports:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRoon Bridge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAirPlay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUPnP\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSpotify Connect (via network bridge)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNAA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIn addition, \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBluetooth 5.1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is offered, as well as USB, AES\/EBU, Coaxial, Optical, and \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eI²S (configurable pinout)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eHigh-Resolution Support\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePCM up to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e768 kHz\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (USB)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePCM up to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1536 kHz\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (I²S)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNative DSD up to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDSD512\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNative DSD up to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDSD2048 (I²S)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Usability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe enclosure is made of solid aluminum with a focus on mechanical stability and effective shielding. The display offers \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ethree screensaver modes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e with adjustable brightness, and the unit supports \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eremote control\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eBalanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs are available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HeadAudio","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":53445715132743,"sku":"GustardR26","price":1487.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0856\/9838\/0103\/files\/R26IIfront.jpg?v=1772530080","url":"https:\/\/headaudio.eu\/products\/gustard-dac-r26-ii-r2r-ladder-dac-demo","provider":"HeadAudio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}