Dual‑DAC desktop streamer and MQA‑capable DAC

The Gustard A26 is a high‑end DAC and network streamer designed for rich musical detail, technical precision, and modern streaming convenience. Featuring dual AK4499EX DAC chips with independent power, an AK4191 MQA decoder, and an FPGA‑powered streamer supporting Roon, UPnP, and HQ‑Player NAA, it delivers immersive sound with excellent clarity and imaging. With balanced and single‑ended outputs, discreet low‑pass filtering, touch controls, and a sculpted aluminum housing, it’s a versatile and elegant centerpiece for any high‑resolution system.

Dual AK4499EX DAC Chips

By using two AK4499EX DAC chips—each with its own power supply and grounding—the A26 ensures channel separation and reduces interference from the outset. This setup refines stereo imaging and sonic clarity throughout playback.

AK4191 MQA Decoding

The built-in AK4191 chip handles MQA decoding seamlessly up to MQA 384k. This enables high-resolution streaming without external decoding hardware, ensuring your MQA tracks retain their full sonic depth.

FPGA-Powered Streamer / Renderer

A custom FPGA manages signal routing, clock synchronization, PLL, PCM/DSD DOP decoding, and De‑pop filtering. It supports Roon, UPnP, and HQ‑Player NAA, with potential for additional protocols.

Precision Clock Synthetization

Equipped with a K2 ultra‑low‑noise clock synthesizer, the A26 can regenerate input clocks or sync to an external master clock. This control minimizes jitter and enhances.

Discrete Low‑Pass Filter Design

Custom discrete LPF circuits for the AK4499EX allow tailored sonic tuning beyond standard IC filters. Designed for subjectively optimal performance, this approach brings greater control and detail.

Refined User Interface

The A26's sculpted aluminum housing features a symmetric OLED display and capacitive touch controls. A full-function remote enables effortless control—clean in appearance and easy to use.

Extensive Connectivity

Supported digital inputs include USB-B, Ethernet (for streaming), coaxial, AES/EBU, optical, and IIS, accommodating PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512. Outputs are balanced XLR and single-ended RCA.

Streamlined Power and Shielding

Multiple internal regulators with bypass capacitors isolate power stages, reducing noise. This ensures clean audio even at peak performance.

Product Highlights

• Dual AK4499EX DAC chips with independent rails

• AK4191 MQA decoder supporting up to MQA 384k

• FPGA-based streamer with Roon, UPnP, HQ‑Player NAA

• PCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD512 playback

• K2 ultra-low-noise clock synthesizer

• Discrete LPF circuits optimized by ear

• USB-B, Ethernet, coaxial, AES/EBU, optical, IIS inputs

• Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs

• OLED display, touch controls, full remote

• Brushed aluminum chassis available in black or silver

Specs

• DAC Chips: Dual AK4499EX + AK4191

• Sample Rates: PCM up to 768 kHz; DSD up to DSD512

• MQA: Decoding supported to MQA384

• Streaming Protocols: Roon, UPnP, HQ‑Player NAA

• Clock: Built‑in K2 clock; external sync support

• Filters: Discrete LPF tailored for AK4499EX

• Inputs: USB‑B, Ethernet, coax, AES/EBU, optical, IIS

• Outputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (single‑ended)

• Controls: Capacitive panel, OLED display, remote

• Chassis: Sandblasted aluminum, black or silver

• Power: Multi-stage linear regulation; worldwide voltage

What’s Included

• GUSTARD A26 main unit

• Remote control

• Power cable

• User manual

Featured reviews

 "Gustard, you're on fire. Take a chill pill and let others catch up. It has little to no compromises or drawbacks." -SoundNews