GUSTARD - R26

R-2R DAC & Network Audio Streamer/Renderer

Sale price₹ 149,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 164,999
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Color: Black
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DELIVERY

1. What is a Pre-Order product?
A Pre-order product is a product that we especially order for you from the brand. Once you place an order with us, we will order it from the brand for you.

2. How do I know when the product will be delivered?
There is a rough timeline on the product availability and once it has been confirmed with the brand, we will inform you.

3. Do you order the product from the brand as soon as I place the order?
We do not immediately order the product but add it in the upcoming order.

4. Will you be giving me updates?
Once we have ordered the product and have a confirmed timeline, we will give you an update.

5. I’d like to make changes to/cancel my order?
You can only cancel/make changes to your order until we place the order with the brand. Since the product is specifically being ordered for you, we will be unable to cancel/make changes once we order the product from the brand.

Free Shipping
7 Day Replacement Guarantee

In case you receive the GUSTARD - R26 with a manufacturing defect, please raise a return request within 7 days of delivery.

However, if you receive an incorrect / damaged / different product or one with missing accessories, please raise a return request within 24 hours of delivery. In case you receive a product with a missing, incorrect, or faulty accessory, you will be given a replacement accessory instead of the entire product.

Please make sure that the product is in the original packaging with all the accessories it came with. We'll also need an unboxing video and images of the parcel to investigate about the discrepancy. You may be asked to share images of the product and the packaging received for us to determine the damage or defect prior to approving the return request. The free replacement will be shipped only once the original order is returned.

A replacement will be issued only if:

- It is found to be defective
- It is determined that the product was not damaged while in your possession
- The product is not different from what was shipped to you
- The product is returned in original condition (with brand’s/manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card and all the accessories therein)

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Warranty & Services

Don't sweat it, this GUSTARD - R26 comes with a 2 Year warranty from GUSTARD that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about GUSTARD's warranty in India.

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Why GUSTARD is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

🥊 Young Maverick Brand

New on the scene, but bringing seasoned expertise 🌟!


I get excited about young maverick brands because they often bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge innovation that challenge established players. These companies combine youthful energy with serious technical expertise, often demonstrating remarkable attention to detail and commitment to pushing boundaries. Think of them like startup tech companies - they might be newer, but they're hungry to prove themselves and often deliver incredible value.


Drawing on deep industry expertise and passion for audio excellence, these brands often demonstrate remarkable attention to detail and commitment to technological advancement. They frequently deliver cutting-edge technology and performance that rivals established competitors 🚀.


When you see "🥊 Young Maverick Brand" products, expect innovative excellence from companies that combine fresh energy with serious technical expertise to deliver impressive results.

🌟 Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

Why we love this DAC/Amp

👑 I Am Worth It

For the most passionate audiophiles who demand nothing less than audio perfection 💎, these exceptional products represent the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction technology. When I designate something in this category, it means we've identified something truly extraordinary - a piece of equipment that transcends conventional standards of excellence. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of audio - masterpieces that don't simply meet expectations but establish entirely new benchmarks for what's possible.


These aren't just premium products; they're timeless investments in musical excellence whose value transcends ordinary performance metrics. Each represents a fundamental redefinition of what's achievable in sound reproduction, incorporating innovations and craftsmanship that justify their exclusive status.


When you see "👑 I Am Worth It" products, understand that you're experiencing audio perfection - these masterpieces cater to those who recognise that true excellence knows no compromise.

🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

🦋 Audiophile Community Favourite

When I see a product that keeps coming up in forums, Reddit threads, and community meet-ups, I know it’s earned its place. "Audiophile Community Favourite" is our way of spotlighting the gear that real listeners — not just reviewers — swear by. 🦋


These are products that enjoy a sort of cult following for all the right reasons: consistently great tuning, build, and value. They're the kind of recommendations you'd get from a friend deep in the hobby. If you're the type who likes going with a proven crowd-pleaser, these picks are beloved by thousands of ears.


When you see '🦋 Audiophile Community Favourite' products, expect reliable recommendations backed by passionate users, often refined over years of trust and love from the community.

💙 Our Team's Favourite

Cause after all, we are audiophiles first 🎧!


In my experience, when our entire team gets excited about something, you know it's genuinely exceptional. This audio gear has captured the hearts and minds of our seasoned experts, distinguishing itself as a standout favourite among people who test hundreds of products every year. Think of it like getting a unanimous recommendation from a panel of audio critics - when everyone agrees, you pay attention.


These selections have not only met but exceeded our rigorous standards, earning enthusiastic endorsement from our audio specialists who've tested everything from budget options to flagship models. When you choose these products, you're selecting gear that has been thoroughly vetted and passionately embraced by genuine experts 🏆.


When you choose "💙 Our Team's Favourite" products, expect expertly vetted excellence backed by genuine enthusiasm from people who live and breathe audio every day.

🥇 Incredibly Popular

Some things deserve all the attention ⭐!


I've found that when something becomes incredibly popular in the audio world, it's usually for very good reasons. This exceptional audio gear has earned widespread popularity by consistently delivering outstanding performance that resonates with listeners across diverse preferences and experiences. Think of it like that blockbuster movie that everyone loves - sometimes, universal appeal indicates genuine quality rather than just marketing hype.


The widespread acclaim isn't just about trend or marketing - it's a testament to genuine quality and performance that has been consistently demonstrated through real-world usage. This popularity has been earned through merit, delivering reliable satisfaction to countless users 📈.


When you encounter "🥇 Incredibly Popular" products, expect proven excellence validated by the collective experience of satisfied users who've made these their go-to choice.

✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


🔗 Connect With Cable

In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.


When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.

🪖 Built like a Tank

Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.


I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.


The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.


When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.


Why it Sounds Amazing

⚙️ DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

🔬 Decodes Upto

When I see "Decodes up to" listed in product specs, I think of it like a music translator that speaks more languages than you’ll ever need. It tells you how far a DAC or audio device can go in handling hi-res formats—think PCM, DSD, or MQA—and at what resolution. 🧠🎶


Technically, this refers to the maximum bit depth and sample rate a DAC can process—like 32-bit/768kHz PCM or DSD512. The higher these numbers, the more detailed and lifelike the audio can potentially sound. But remember, real-world improvements depend on the recording quality and your headphones, not just specs alone.

INTRODUCING A FULLY DISCRETE FLAGSHIP R-2R DESKTOP DAC - THE GUSTARD R26

Gustard is a company with years of experience in the design of high-end and mid-fi level high-resolution audio equipment. They feature a sizable selection of headphone amplifiers, desktop decoders, etc. Gustard Audio is a Chi-HiFi company that focuses entirely on the digital side of Hi-Fi. Their products are well received by critics, audiophiles and casual listeners around the globe. Headquartered in one of China's leading tech hubs – the city of Shenzhen – Gustard is a company with research and development at its core. Its goal is to provide music fans with high-performance audio products at affordable prices. Gustard introduces their flagship R-2R desktop DAC Gustard R26 which is a streamer and renderer. With its most recent R26, a premium Discrete R-2R Desktop DAC, Gustard has entered the Discrete R-2R market. The R26 has a well-crafted R-2R resistor ladder array and a native 1-Bit DAC architecture that delivers a fantastic performance.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

SUPPORTS UPNP AND ROON INTERFACE WITH ADDED STREAMER AND RENDERER FUNCTIONALITY

Gustard R26 acts as a streamer or renderer. Currently, it supports UPnP and Roon interface. The audiophile community has taken notice of Roon, a music-playing software from Roon Labs that are available via monthly subscription. Given its support for high-resolution audio, gapless playback, and streaming protocols, it is one of the most complete music playback systems currently on the market. Additionally, it provides Tidal & Qobuz integration and assistance with networking audio devices. It is a music player that seeks to give you access to all of your music through an intuitive interface on your Mac, Windows, or mobile device. Media renderer is another Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification that is part of the home network streaming experience. It can play videos, photos and music that are sent to it from a media controller. Multiple protocols or standards known as UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) make it possible for networked hardware components and software programmes to cooperate and communicate without the need for; end-user configuration. For communication and compatibility between UPnP devices and other hardware, such as USB printers, device drivers are not required. The rest of the components can be added, starting with the audio streamer to create an entire audio system.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

LET THE MUSIC FLOW WITH GUSTARD R26 FUSED WITH DISCRETE R-2R DAC ARCHITECTURE

A high-end desktop DAC with excellent performance, the Gustard R26 is intended to elevate your desktop stack to new heights. A discrete R-2R ladder DAC Gustard R26 claims high-performance thanks to a carefully planned R-2R ladder architecture. It is a native 1-Bit DAC that supports DSD signal decoding in its entirety; without converting it to PCM. Gustard R26 features a precisely crafted R-2R ladder DAC array. The R-2R ladder array converts the digital signal to analogue with precision. It offers a more natural sound where the vocals sound more pleasing, and notes sound; soft and well-defined. Gustard has professionally arranged the Resistors here with precision and precise adjustments. The DAC offers high-resolution performance with a native 1-Bit DAC. Gustard R26 has an R-2R resistor ladder array that covers the digital signal into the analogue with clarity and precision. Due to its R-2R architecture using discrete components of very high quality and perfectly optimised offers exceptional sound performance. R-2R architecture converts digital to an analogue signal by switching resistors' arrays. The Gustard R26 produces the same natural sound with precision resistors to reproduce full-range performance.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

TOUCHING HEAVEN ON FREQUENCY RESPONSE AND DELIVERING SUPER-CLEAN PERFORMANCE WITH ULTRA-LOW-NOISE 10M K2 CLOCK SYNTHESISER AND FEMTO CLOCK

Gustard has equipped the R26 with an ultra-low-noise 10M K2 clock synthesiser resulting in a clean performance and eliminating interference from the input source. With clock synthesization, the input signal clock is replaced with precision Femto clock FS jitter oscillators that eliminate interference from the input source clock. LPF (Low Pass Filter) is a discrete device for D/A conversion. Unlike ICs, discrete circuits offer the opportunity to record every nuance of sound and performance. Gustard's engineers were focused solely on reproducing ultra-clean sound without using any additional colouration. The Gustard R26 underwent numerous prototype tests to achieve this goal, and as a result, the R26 was created, reproducing sound with clarity and accuracy.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

PACKED WITH CPLD, NATIVE 1-BIT DAC, AND XMOS CHIP DELIVERING HIGH-RESOLUTION BLUETOOTH STREAMING

The Gustard R26 is a native 1-Bit DAC that supports high-resolution DSD512 natively through the USB input and native DSD1024 via the IIS input. IIS (Inter-IC Sound, pronounced "eye-squared-ess") is an electrical serial bus interface standard; used for connecting digital audio devices. PCM audio data is transmitted using IIS between integrated circuits in an electronic device. The Gustard R26 embedded with XMOS XU216 supports PCM768 (Pulse Code Modulation) and DSD512 (Direct Stream Digital). Without DSD to PCM conversion, a standalone 1-Bit DAC decodes the DSD stream. Gustard R26 features Wireless Bluetooth connectivity for Hi-Res audio signal input. It provides stable, lag-free Bluetooth V5.0 connectivity with high-resolution LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC, and SBC wireless transmission codec support with a sampling rate up to 24bit/96kHz. The CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) enables signal routing, clock management, 2nd order PLL, DOP (DSD over PCM) decoding, and Depop for PCM and DSD decoding. Depop, sometimes known as "pop-and-click protection/suppression", usually quantified by pop performance, is a circuit used to take out unwanted pops or click noises. The engineers at Gustard incorporated Depop for PCM in the circuitry, which is a great feature to have, especially if the input or output connection has to be switched during operation or in high-gain circuits, where simply turning the power ON or OFF will cause interference.
Note: The IIS over HDMI is different from the usual HDMI; Please do not connect to the usual HDMI as this is not an HDMI connection.
R26

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

ISOLATED DIGITAL AND ANALOG POWER SUPPLY WITH TWO TOROIDAL TRANSFORMERS REDUCING MAGNETIC FLUX LEAKAGE

R26 gets two independent toroidal transformers for the power supply on the device. The analogue and digital circuits get their separate power supply resulting in cleaner performance. The Gustard R26 is equipped with; two audio-dedicated toroidal transformers for audio applications isolating the digital and analogue power supply. Also, independent regulators with various stages of bypass capacitors can avoid all interference. The Gustard R26 was specifically designed; with two audio-dedicated toroidal transformers usually found in power supply systems. This type of transformer is highly efficient and quiet while generating minimal heat. The primary and secondary windings around the core are separated by insulation material. This design minimises magnetic flux leakage. Toroidal transformers provide significant benefits over the traditional square and rectangular-shaped transformers.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26

EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE CONTROL FOR EASY OPERABILITY AND THOUGHTFUL INPUT OUTPUTS FOR EASY CONNECTIVITY

The Gustard R26 features USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth, and AES, an Ethernet port for updating the firmware, IIS HDMI inputs, and clock inputs. AES is generally used to transmit PCM and Dolby Digital 5.1 but is unrelated to any sampling rate or audio standard. Gustard R26 has RCA (Single-ended) and XLR (Balanced) capability for outputs. Support LVDS level differential IIS reception (HDMI interface); it can accept the lowest jitter digital audio! Gustard R26 supports up to 7 input modes, compatible with most audio sources! The Gustard R26 also comes with a fully functional remote for easy operability. The Gustard R26 has a sandblasted aluminium alloy case which makes it sturdy.

Headphone-Zone-Gustard-R26
2 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this GUSTARD - R26 comes with a 2 Year warranty from GUSTARD that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about GUSTARD's warranty in India.

Affordable Excellence in Audio: The Shenzhen Revelation

Headquartered in one of China's leading tech hubs – the city of Shenzhen – GUSTARD is a company with research and development at its core. Its goal is to provide music fans with high-performance audio products at affordable prices.

GUSTARD is one of those names that has had a strong pull in the audiophile world and are known for their desktop audio solutions, with a particular focus on headphones. Their line-up of products primarily includes headphone amplifiers, DACs, clocks, and recently integrated streaming devices.Gustard is one of the most secretive and mysterious audio equipment manufacturers out there. But GUSTARD sure knows what they are doing when it comes to digital audio. They are known for utilising high-quality components like toroidal transformers, embedding dual DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration and equipping a fully discrete class-A output stage in their gear.

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Headfonics

GOLD AWARD

SoundNews
Aug, 2022

SoundNews

"The best looking Gustard unit to date, it has the perfect size, weight and style, Noise and distortion free unit, it’s dead-silent unit it any situation, A wide selection of digital inputs, including a 10Mhz clock input and an Ethernet port."

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Head-fi

"The Gustard R26 is one of the most musical sounding DACs of the category with great sense of realism and timbre naturalness while keeping technicalities on an extremely competitive level."

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