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Please note that this is not a standalone network player. It is compatible with only a few network protocols such as AirPlay, UpnP, as well as certain external applications such as Roon or HQPlayer NAA.

The Gustard R26 III is an R2R-designed DAC and network player, designed to convert and distribute high-resolution audio signals within a demanding Hi-Fi system. It uses a discrete architecture combined with centralized clock management and segmented power supply to ensure temporal consistency and electrical stability suitable for the most advanced PCM and DSD formats.
Designed for network-oriented playback systems, multiple digital sources, or integration with audio servers, it combines R2R conversion, extensive network connectivity, and high-bandwidth digital interfaces, allowing playback and conversion to be centralized without the need for multiple devices.
The Gustard R26 III's digital-to-analog conversion is based on a 26bit R2R resistor network, providing fully analog signal conversion. This approach is extended by a fully discrete Class A low-pass filter, which eliminates residual high-frequency components while maintaining constant bias across the stages, thereby limiting unwanted dynamic variations. Beyond PCM up to 32bit 1536kHz, the architecture allows native 1bit DSD processing, including up to DSD2048, without intermediate conversion, preserving the integrity of the original stream. For those who switch between formats, an anti-pop filter monitors PCM/DSD transitions, neutralizing parasitic transients to ensure silent and consistent switching in a high-resolution system.


To ensure perfect signal synchronization, the R26 III adjusts the output frequency based on a single clock signal. This same clock signal manages PCIe, network, and USB connections, ensuring overall consistency and optimal stability.
The GCLK-02 clock module uses a phase-locked loop capable of maintaining exceptional accuracy with 1Hz locking, ensuring ultra-precise clock signal management. A 50Ω impedance BNC input also allows connection to an external 10MHz clock for even greater accuracy.
Based on an audio-optimized Linux kernel, the R26 III's CelWare 3.x software supports various protocols such as Roon Bridge, AirPlay, HQPlayer NAA, UPnP, Spotify, and more. Users can enable or disable these features via a browser by simply entering the address ‘//r26.local’.


Thanks to the integration of a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 chip, the R26 III offers wireless connectivity supporting LDAC, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs.
The Gustard R26 III is equipped with an XMOS XU216 USB interface, supporting signals up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, for superior audio transmission.


The R26 III features two separate transformers to power the digital and analog sections separately, eliminating interference. Each channel is also equipped with dedicated filter capacitors, ensuring stable voltage and noise-free operation.

Technical characteristics
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Discrete DAC R2R |
| Inputs | 1x USB-B 1x RJ45 1x I2S (HDMI) 1x AES/EBU 1x Coaxial 1x Optical Toslink 1x SD card slot 1x USB-C (Firmware Update) 1x BNC (Clock signal) Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Outputs | 1x Single-ended stereo RCA 1x Balanced stereo XLR |
| Supported sampling rates | AES / Optical / Coaxial : PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DoP DSD up to DSD64 USB / LAN : PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512, DoP DSD up to DSD256 I2S : PCM up to 32bit 1536kHz, Native DSD up to DSD2048 |
| USB compatibility | Windows 7/8/10/11 Mac OSX iOS Linux |
| Network protocols | Roon Bridge AirPlay HQPlayer NAA UPnP Spotify |
| Supported Bluetooth codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| Dynamic range | > 117dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) | > 122dB |
| Crosstalk | < -134db 1khz="" td=""> |
| Total harmonic distortion more noise (THD+N) | ≤ 0.003% @1kHz |
| IMD | ≈ 0.008% @0dBfs |
| Output level | RCA: 2.5Vrms XLR: 5Vrms |
| Output impedance | RCA: 100Ω XLR: 100Ω |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 115-230V AC 50/60Hz |
| Consumption | < 20W |
| Dimensions | 300 x 260 x 65mm |
| Weight | 5.5Kg |
| Color | Silver |
| Package | 1x Gustard R26 III 1x Remote control 1x Power cable 1x Bluetooth antenna |
| Input | AES/EBU |
| Input | USB |
| Input | Optical |
| Input | RJ45 |
| Input | SD Card |
| Input | Clock (BNC) |
| Input | SPDIF |
| Input | Bluetooth |
| Input | I2S via HDMI |
| Output | RCA |
| Output | XLR |
| DAC / ADC Chip | R2R LADDER DAC |
| Max sampling rate | DSD2048 |
| Max sampling rate | 1536kHz |
| Color | Silver |
| Networking | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Streaming services & Network protocols | AirPlay |
| Streaming services & Network protocols | HQPlayer NAA |
| Streaming services & Network protocols | Spotify |
| Streaming services & Network protocols | Roon / Roon Bridge / Roon Ready |
| Streaming services & Network protocols | UpnP |