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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • DAC: 192kHz/24bit
  • DSP: 32-bit floating-point
  • Cabinet: Solid metal enclosure
  • Connections: [object Object]
  • Wireless Connections: [object Object]
  • Supported Formats: WAV/WAVE, MP3, AAC+, Vorbis, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WMA, up to 192kHZ/24bit, DSD up to DSD 128 (5.6 MHz)
  • Dimensions: 180 x 180 x 35 mm (W x L x H)
  • Weight: 1.6 kg
The RENA S2 is an easy solution for upgrading your existing system with next-generation audio streaming technologies. It provides a way to connect directly to your existing amplifier with the latest DAC and streaming technology. All this makes the RENA S2 the most affordable and future-proof way to step into the world of Electrocompaniet.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Electrocompaniet's design is often described as "Norwegian" or "Nordic" emphasizing a sound signature that is "relaxed," "warm," "natural," and "organic," aiming for long-term listening enjoyment without fatigue and to evoke imagery of the Nordic landscape and nature.
  • Electrocompaniet components use direct-coupled, high open-loop bandwidth topology, enhanced by high slew-rate and very high-bandwidth amplifier stages, referred to as "Ampliwire 2" technology, which emphasizes amplifying the source signal without coloration.
  • Electrocompaniet's amps offer significant flexibility by functioning in stereo, bi-amp, or bridged-mono modes, and some models include customizable DSP settings, such as speaker size, crossover, and bass gain adjustments.
  • Electrocompaniet is committed to in-house design and manufacturing, taking place entirely in Norway, with close quality control over the entire process from PCB production to final assembly.

ECI 80D:

  • Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in Electrocompaniet's lineup.
  • Description: Offers a compact and versatile solution with built-in Bluetooth HD streaming and a phono preamplifier, making it ideal for small rooms or users seeking an all-in-one unit. Unlike the ECI 6 MKII, it provides less power output but includes features like dual headphone outputs, which are absent in higher models, catering to users with a focus on headphone listening and budget-friendly options.

ECI 6 MKII:

  • Positioning: The mid-range integrated amplifier, offering more power and sophistication than the ECI 80D.
  • Description: Features a robust power supply and sophisticated preamplifier module, delivering substantial and dynamic sound suitable for larger rooms. It lacks the streaming capabilities of the ECI 6DX MKII but offers a more powerful output than the ECI 80D.

ECI 6DX MKII:

  • Positioning: The high-end integrated amplifier with advanced streaming capabilities.
  • Description: Combines high-quality amplification with a built-in DAC and streamer, supporting services like Tidal and Spotify. It offers similar power to the ECI 6 MKII but adds extensive digital connectivity and streaming options.

AW250-R:

  • Positioning: The versatile stereo power amplifier positioned for high-performance audio setups.
  • Description: Features Electrocompaniet's Floating Transformer Technology, providing twice the current of conventional designs, which is beneficial for users seeking high current delivery for demanding speakers. It offers a balanced link for bi-amping, unlike the AW 300 M.

AW 800 M:

  • Positioning: The flagship monoblock power amplifier, representing the pinnacle of Electrocompaniet's power amplifier offerings.
  • Description: Features a heavily updated power supply with 210,000 uF filtering, providing an exceptionally clean and noise-free output, perfect for users seeking the ultimate in sound purity and power. It surpasses the AW 300 M in power output and flexibility, offering mono, stereo, and bi-amping modes.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
14
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
149
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
18
Founding Year
1973

Our take on the brand

Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Ferrum
Wandla
2933
2933
/
16
Reviews
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Unique features and impressive performance in a compact form factor
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Larger, responsive, and intuitive touchscreen UI
  • Considered by one reviewer to be the best sounding DAC they have heard under $3,000
  • Genuinely neutral and lifelike sound signature, without compromising resolving capability

Product Considerations

  • Expensive, at $2,800 or 2,800 euros, which is a significant investment
  • Limited display viewing angles, due to using a TN panel instead of an IPS, VA, or OLED
  • Hypsos power supply is a subtle upgrade, not necessarily worth the extra cost unless already owning other Ferrum products
  • Stock power supply is not as good as the Hypsos

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Gustard X18, Wandla lacks the sterile presentation, offering a more genuine neutral sound
  • Compared to EverSolo DAC Z8, Wandla is closer to a true neutral sound signature and overall more realistic sounding
  • Compared to Holo May KTE, Wandla was happily trading blows on outright soundstage size, and resolution was pretty much on par
  • Compared to Chord Dave, Wandla provides similar sound and performance at a more attractive price
  • Compared to Rockna Wavedream Signature, Wandla has similar liquidity and refinement but at a fraction of the price

Takeaway: The Wandla is an impressive DAC focused on sound quality, offering a number of unique features and customizability options. It is a great option for those looking for high end sound in a small package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Weiss
DAC204
3495
3495
/
12
Reviews
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
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Product Strengths

  • Precise, accurate, and musical sound, delivering what the disc or file was created to sound like
  • Excellent jitter suppression, getting the most out of digital sources
  • Versatile, it can be used as a digital format converter
  • Weighty, full-bodied—tape or vinyl-like—sound

Product Considerations

  • The stock power supply can be improved with a higher quality 6 to 9 volt supply or the Weiss PSU-102
  • High-resolution sampling frequencies via USB of 352.8 and 384 are down sampled to half their value at 176.4 and 192
  • May be a bit too harsh, even for some systems

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Some reviewers preferred the Weiss DAC204 to the Chord Dave due to impressive detail and holographic 3D imaging, although the Weiss is not as sharp or dynamic
  • The DAC204 is considered to be on the same level of sound quality as the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Cutest
  • The DAC204 sounds just like the 501, despite being significantly less expensive and lacking the DSP, preamp, display, and remote control features
  • The Weiss DAC204 is more open, dynamic, and punchy, while the Meitner is all about the midrange with beautiful and rich vocals
  • The Weiss DAC204 brought more of everything making music sound more present, more physical, and more engaging in comparison to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC
  • The main difference noted between the Weiss and the Totaldac d1-unity was one of body and weight

Takeaway: The Weiss DAC204 is a compact and versatile DAC that delivers high-end sound quality. A good fit for those who want a DAC that provides natural, realistic reproduction and accuracy without extra features.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Laiv
Harmony DAC
2700
2700
/
11
Reviews
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Product Strengths

  • Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
  • Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
  • Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
  • The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.

Product Considerations

  • The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
  • Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
  • It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
  • Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
  • Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
  • Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
  • Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
  • Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
  • Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.

Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Matrix Audio
X-Sabre 3
2999
2999
/
9
Reviews
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Product Strengths

  • Wonderfully detailed sound signature and plenty of clarity create a rediscovering of your music
  • Impressive flagship-level hardware delivers flagship-level results due to the ES9038 Pro chip
  • The chassis is well-built with a premium feel due to the use of metal and tempered glass
  • A low noise floor exists due to the isolation of power, digital, and analog circuitry in separate compartments inside the chassis
  • Versatile streaming capabilities are available, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification

Product Considerations

  • The screen is small and may not be useful unless you are sitting right next to the unit
  • The tempered glass top is a fingerprint magnet
  • Menu navigation is not the most intuitive, and there is a bit of a learning curve
  • The touch-sensitive buttons have a short lag before the screen displays the change
  • Some reviewers feel it does not support a few streaming services natively

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the McIntosh C2600 II preamp with a built-in DAC, the Matrix offers more clarity and transparency
  • Compared to the Matrix Element I, the difference is night and day

Takeaway: The X-Sabre 3 is a well-built DAC streamer that provides detailed and clear sound. It is a versatile device that can enhance the listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

iFi
NEO Stream
1299
/
Released
2022
Fusing the NEO iDSD's award-winning DAC with our proprietary network streaming technology, the NEO Stream becomes a high-resolution digital audio hub, designed for enthusiasts.
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iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fantastic sound quality and usability for the price
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Includes the OptiBox, which improves sound quality via optical Ethernet connection
  • Streams hi-res files and DSD without converting to PCM first
  • Has a custom DAC that sounds phenomenal

Product Considerations

  • There can be occasional lag when switching songs
  • No hardware remote is supplied
  • The screen is on the smaller side and may be difficult to see at a distance
  • The NEO Stream is not an all-in-one media hub, as it doesn't have any other inputs aside from network and USB storage, and it doesn't work as a DAC for other sources
  • No Bluetooth capability

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Bluesound Node, the iFi NEO Stream has a larger, more organic sound and a wider soundstage
  • Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, the Cambridge has S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) like the NEO, but includes a Type-B USB input for its DAC, and also has balanced XLR stereo outputs, but lacks the iFi's more advanced networking connectivity

Takeaway: The iFi NEO Stream is an impressive streaming DAC. It offers great sound quality, multiple features and makes enjoying high-quality streamed audio easy.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Cambridge Audio
CXN100
1099
/
Released
2024
We shouldn't have favourites but CXN100 is something else. Hi-fi specialists and our listeners alike loved its predecessor CXN V2 – just wait until they hear this. CXN100 will instantly transform a classic hi-fi stack into a system with a bright future. And because it's a network device, CXN100's firmware can be upgraded remotely, via our StreamMagic app, to receive the latest services.
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Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Clean, precise, and articulate sound with ample detail
  • Expansive and open soundstage
  • StreamMagic control app is stable, logical, user-friendly, and easy to navigate
  • Features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio

Product Considerations

  • Loses a touch of its predecessor's sonic solidity and warmth
  • Does not include HDMI ARC
  • Bluetooth is only compatible with SBC and AAC codecs
  • Can be provoked by careless system-matching with bright, treble-centric equipment
  • Volume is not controlled through the StreamMagic app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • CXN100 has improved clarity, precision, and spaciousness, but is missing some of the CXN (V2)'s sonic solidity and warmth, compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
  • CXN100 trades off detail functionality to offer a user experience that is polished and genuinely pleasurable, and is able to take less than stellar recordings and avoid sounding strident or aggressive a little better than the EverSolo DMP-A6
  • CXN100 has better low end and a slightly greater perception of space, compared to the Cambridge Audio MXN10
  • CXN100 has a more natural quality to vocals with better realism and less fatigue, compared to the Bluesound Node

Takeaway: The CXN100 is a user-friendly and feature-rich music streamer that provides clear and detailed sound. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to a classic hifi system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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AURALiC
Altair G2.1
2439
/
Released
2021
ALTAIR G2.1, an all-encompassing digital and analog source component, provides abundant capabilities to the performance-oriented G2.1 Series. Combining every function available from AURALiC into the ultra-quiet G2.1 chassis, ALTAIR G2.1 is perfect for the most demanding music lover. Whether it's a high-res title from an online streaming service, a file on a NAS drive, or an LP on a turntable, ALTAIR G2.1 will deliver exquisitely rendered, dynamic music, from almost any source.
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AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
  • Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
  • Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
  • Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
  • Clean and effortless digital processing
  • Connectivity options

Product Considerations

  • The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
  • The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
  • When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
  • The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
  • Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
  • Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base

Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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PS Audio
Stellar
2199
/
Released
2023
Stellar DAC brings wonderful imaging and musicality to any high-performance system at a price you can afford. Stellar DAC embodies everything PS Audio has strived for in high-value electronics. From its clean and rich tonal balance to its wickedly wonderful imaging, this DAC can be the centerpiece of your music system.
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PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Top-tier packaging and sound quality
  • Detailed, modern, and holographic sound
  • Excellent soundstage
  • Remote control can also manage PS Audio DAC

Product Considerations

  • Requires about an hour to reach peak performance when powered on using the back switch
  • Soundstage might not suit all tastes, which is subjective
  • Top-end extension is slightly less extended
  • Bass is slightly less punchy

Takeaway: The Stellar Gold Preamp is a great choice for those seeking a modern and transparent sound with good dynamics in their audio system and a smooth, non-aggressive presentation. It especially shines with recordings that have a good soundstage, making the performance feel convincingly real.

Product Strengths

  • Great, ear-pleasing sound
  • Easy to use, especially with the remote control
  • Offers loading presets and custom loading options for moving coil cartridges
  • Low noise performance
  • Clarity of sound
  • Good depth of field for its price

Product Considerations

  • Sensitive to grounding, ultra-low capacitance cables, RF, and other interference
  • Does not have adjustable resistive and capacitive loading for fixed-coil/high-output cartridges
  • Can have a high-pitched noise if cables are not oriented well

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Stellar sounds more interesting than the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
  • The Stellar is not as bright as the iFi iPhono3 Black Label
  • Bass extension and grip are not as powerful as more expensive phono preamps

Takeaway: The Stellar Phono Preamplifier delivers great sound and an enjoyable user experience with its flexible settings and remote control, making it a worthy addition to any vinyl lover's system. Its clarity and low noise floor allow listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of their record collection.

Product Strengths

  • High damping factor for bass control and plenty of headroom
  • Near-perfect linearity, low distortion, and high efficiency
  • Neutral and colorless tonal balance
  • Combines speed and power with a bass-range grip

Product Considerations

  • Lacks the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of more expensive amplifiers
  • Top end lacks the effortless harmonic bloom of other amplifiers

Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar S300 is an excellent choice for a powerful, clean, and neutral-sounding amplifier. It offers high performance and finesse, delivering dynamic contrasts and excellent bass control, making it a worthwhile addition to any high-end audio setup.

Product Strengths

  • Musicality and cohesiveness to music
  • Nice drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging
  • Delivers impressive drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging, accompanied by nice depth in both soundstage and low frequencies

Product Considerations

  • I2S input is not HDMI compatible

Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp is a great choice for an DAC/Preamp that makes music easy and joyful to listen to. This product allows for great flexibility with its full-featured options and can become the centerpiece of a hifi system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Gustard
DAC-R26
1649
/
Released
2022
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Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural and organic timbre with rich and vibrant overtones, offering a remarkable sense of realism
  • Stands out as a highly musical DAC within its category, while maintaining an impressively competitive level of technical performance
  • Exceptional build quality, made of thick aluminum, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance
  • Almost inaudible noise floor, remaining dead silent and free from any hint of distortion
  • Wide range of digital inputs, and an integrated streamer, offering versatility and convenience

Product Considerations

  • The LCD screen can be difficult to read from a distance greater than 20-30 cm
  • The embedded streamer can experience occasional interruptions and buffering issues when streaming high-resolution files
  • Some reviewers experienced small hiccups when skipping songs using the internal streamer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Chord Qutest: Has a bigger soundstage, equally sweet highs, much fuller tone timbre and a more muscly bassline—sounding more lifelike
  • Vs Ladder Schumann: Gustard R26 hits with more clarity and speed, with a darker background, and an even deeper soundstage

Takeaway: The Gustard DAC-R26 is a musical and technically impressive DAC with excellent build quality and versatile features, including a streamer, making it a great choice for a top-notch audio experience. The natural sound and engaging performance create a lasting impression.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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