Gustard H26 (Amp): Reviews, Used Pricing, Competition

Class: A

Channels: Stereo

Headphone Output

Brand details gustard.com

Specifications

Size: W330mmD260mmH65mm (protrusion not included)
Package size: W420mmD360mmH175mm
Weight: 7.0KG (with package)

Description

Release Timeline

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:

Gustard consistently utilizes high-quality components in its products, such as Accusilicon clocks, toroidal transformers, and discrete analog output stages.
The brand's DACs often feature a comprehensive array of digital inputs, including I2S via HDMI and Ethernet ports for network streaming capabilities.
Gustard emphasizes providing a refined and smooth audio presentation, prioritizing musicality and natural sound over solely focusing on measured results.
They offer advanced internal clock management via custom-built synthesizers and precise femto-second clocks, reducing jitter for a cleaner audio signal.

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DAC-X16

Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
Description: Offers a balanced sound with full MQA capabilities and advanced Bluetooth codecs. Compared to the DAC A-18, it provides a more neutral sound, suitable for those who prioritize measurement-focused performance in small spaces or portable setups.

DAC A-18

Positioning: Mid-range option, balancing performance and value.
Description: Known for its detailed and transparent sound, with a robust build quality that enhances spatial imaging. It offers a more natural and dynamic sound compared to the DAC-X16.

DAC-A22

Positioning: High-performance model, focusing on soundstage and depth.
Description: Features dual AK4499 chips, providing a warm and engaging sound with impressive holographic imaging. It surpasses the DAC A-18 in tonal balance and offers a more immersive experience.

DAC-X26

Positioning: Premium model, designed for high-end audio systems.
Description: Celebrated for its class-A warmth and impactful bass, offering a refined and natural sound. It outperforms the DAC-A22 in terms of detail retrieval and transient response.

DAC-R26

Positioning: Reference-grade model, emphasizing musicality and engagement.
Description: Uses a discrete R-2R ladder design, delivering a highly musical and lifelike sound with exceptional soundstage depth. It offers a unique blend of technical excellence and emotional engagement, surpassing the DAC-X26 in naturalness.

DAC-X30

Positioning: Flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Gustard's DAC technology.
Description: Features a quad-mono design with four ES9039 PRO chips, providing exceptional resolution and dynamic range. It offers a more refined and expansive sound compared to the DAC-R26.

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Avg. Product Price

$1,001-$2,500

Used For Sale

Available (Scroll Down)

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Gustard

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All of the Brand's Used Products

A26

1200

What if you spend more?

McIntosh

MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)

2800

Reviews

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.

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Our summary

Product Strengths

A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio

Product Considerations

The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly

Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

McIntosh

MHA200

2800

Reviews

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Our summary

Product Strengths

Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones

Product Considerations

Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment

Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

ampsandsound

Kenzie OG

2659

Reviews

The outstanding performance of the Kenzie headphone amplifier is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers providing amazing frequency extension. The Kenzie does not use a voltage network, and has more than enough power to drive even the most difficult headphones. We chose 32 ohms and 600-ohm output taps to allow use with the widest variety of headphones; everything from Grado Labs, HiFiMan, Audeze, MrSpeakers, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.

The Kenzie showcases the transformers on the chassis to frame in the unique 1626 single-ended tubes. We have included an Alps volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path. The Kenzie is one of the sweetest-sounding headphone amplifiers on the market. The 1626 is commonly referred to as the "Poor Man's 300B"; offering a similar level of warmth, texture, and soundstage depth. The 1626 is a WWII-era tube that was used as a transmitter tube in radar installations. The design is shy on pure output, but offers layers of texture and drive, and is paired with a massive choke and robust output transformers for ultra-quiet operation. As with all of our products, parts selection was crucial during this build and each chosen not for price, but for best quality and synergy.

Generation 2 of the Kenzie OG The close of 2021 has brought out more than 18 months of a global pandemic. During these challenging times, we at ampsandsound strengthened our development efforts resulting in new generation of our classic amps. 2022 adds the ability to chose 8/100 or 32/300 for output impedances when ordering. Though octal input tubes provide a romantic character that had defined the ampsandsound house sound, reminiscent of 1950s HiFi, the downside to this approach is a reduced noise floor and dwindling NOS options. With ampsandound moving to a 9pin front end, performance has been increased, NOS tube rolling has become nearly limitless, and yet we were able to enhance the sweetness and tone we are known for. The 9pin front end allows vastly increased options for tone rolling to find your balance and preference. With our front end's new development, we have improved our amps further, including both subtle and significant changes alike. Notable takeaways include increased power output, reduced noise floor across all our amps, increased bandwidth.

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.

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Our summary

Class: Tube

Channels: Stereo

Headphone Output

Product Strengths

Unique 'tube character' enhances the sound in a positive way
Known for sweetness, euphony, and richness of tone
Enhances microdynamics, drawing attention to finer nuances of volume
Creates a more involved and textured soundstage
Is a completely neutral headphone amplifier, as long as the output impedance synergy is observed
Inputs and outputs are located on the back of the unit, which can be inconvenient

Product Considerations

Not suitable for very inefficient planar headphones like the HE6 or Audeze LCD-4
Not generally recommended for IEMs
Can be susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi signals or other electronic components
Depending on the headphone used, the environment, and the output being used, the unit may produce some noise floor

Takeaway: The Kenzie is a special tube amp that makes music sound sweet and detailed, improving the listening experience with many headphones, assuming the right setup is used. It's a good option for those who want to go beyond solid-state amps.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Uniti Atom Headphone Edition

Naim

3799

Reviews

Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.

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Our summary

Product Strengths

Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to

Product Considerations

The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
The front display is not a touchscreen
Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
The HDMI ARC connection is absent
The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200

Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

What competes at this price?

iFi

iDSD Diablo 2

1299

Released

2023

Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.

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

Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Ferrum

OOR

2094

Released

2021

OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.

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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Our Summary

Type: Integrated

Channels: Stereo

Headphone Output

Product Strengths

Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used

Product Considerations

Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered

Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Linear Tube Audio

Velo

2100

Released

2024

The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.

Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.

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Our Summary

Product Strengths

Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)

Product Considerations

Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
Lacks balanced XLR features
The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy

Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Mytek

Liberty THX AAA Amp

1495

Released

2022

Liberty THX AAA™ Headphone Amplifier provides ultra precision sound with almost unmeasurable distortion from the most demanding headphones. The sound along with the HPA other features make the Liberty HPA the reference tool for music listening and production.

Mytek Digital, a brand favored by New York City's recording studios, was among the first to release DACs capable of natively decoding DSD material and was first-to-market with MQA-certified DACs. Their Brooklyn DAC+ exemplifies their design philosophy by combining multiple components (DAC, headphone amp, analog preamp, and phono preamp) in a single compact chassis, while their R&D process uniquely involves co-designing companion converters to ensure the highest transparency.

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Our Summary

Product Strengths

Compact form factor with a massive choice of connections and functions, including 4 headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4mm balanced jack, 6.35mm, and 3.5mm
Very clean, neutral sound with a lot of dynamics, slam, and punch
Plenty of power to drive any pair of headphones with ease
Very detailed and resolving sound, exacting and precise about its reproduction, revealing of the DAC plugged into it
Well-designed and built with durable feel

Product Considerations

The input selector does not remember the previous setting
Higher noise floor compared to competitors, making it less suitable for extremely sensitive headphones and most IEMs
The pre-out and the headphone out work at the same time, so be careful
The LED, even though it's only white, is not super bright, but its brightness cannot be changed

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Mytek Liberty THX is more exacting, detailed, resolving, and more neutral than HeadAmp GSX Mini, and the GSX Mini rounds things a little bit more and has a slightly bit more of warmth to things
Mytek Liberty THX is better than the Topping A90, music is more alive and better articulated, more detailed, and the background is blacker
With HE1000v2, Mytek Liberty THX is exceptionally clear and tight-sounding—imaging is probably the best it sounds

Takeaway: The Mytek Liberty THX AAA HPA is a powerful and compact headphone amplifier delivering very clean, neutral, and detailed sound suitable for a wide range of headphones. It could be a reference-grade, exacting amplifier.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Gold Note

HP-10

1902

Released

2022

The HP-10 is our brand new high-end headphone amplifier designed for discerning audiophiles, featuring a Dual-Mono Class-A balanced design that preserves signal purity and delivers exceptional audio quality. It supports any type of headphones thanks to its 4 headphone outputs, the extensive features and powerful output.

The audio path is designed entirely in the analogue domain and through high-quality discrete components. All settings applied in real-time in the analog domain. Combining top-notch audio quality, versatile connectivity, and unique features, the HP-10 is an outstanding amplifier at an unbeatable price.

The HP-10 features a touchscreen display with an intuitive interface that allows for quick adjustments and a super easy user experience. Ideal for all high-end systems, the HP-10 offers incredible options such as 4 Crossfeed modes for a natural 3D soundstage, Harman curve equalisation, variable gain and damping factor, along with a 0/180° phase switch.

The unit is available in three different models – with the additional digital inputs such as the Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 BT) and a premium DAC with USB-C input (HP-10 Deluxe) to become a fully standalone unit.

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.

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Our Summary

Product Strengths

Designed for audiophiles who seek an exceptional listening experience
Offers studio features, like Harman Curves to optimize the EQ and cross-feed settings to recreate a natural 3D soundstage
The Gold Note HP-10 made Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro MKII rise to the next level

Product Considerations

The product is not for the faint of heart

Takeaway: If one takes listening through headphones seriously, the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe could be worth buying. It will offer more detail, engagement and emotion—connecting one with the soul of music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer