{"product_id":"gustard-h26-fully-balanced-class-a-amplifier-and-preamplifier","title":"GUSTARD H26 Fully-balanced Class-A Amplifier and Preamplifier","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscrete Class A headphone amp and preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gustard H26 is a fully-balanced discrete Class-A headphone amplifier and preamp built for listeners who want control, power, and flexibility in one chassis. With a balanced signal path, matrix relay volume, dual toroidal transformers, and both headphone and preamp output modes, it fits into a desk system or a speaker chain without compromise. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully-balanced discrete Class-A design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe H26 uses a fully-balanced discrete Class-A circuit with eight pairs of power transistors. Discrete components allow each stage to be tuned independently, giving the amplifier tighter control over distortion and current delivery. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwitchable preamp and headphone modes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headphone amplifier stage can be turned off independently, allowing the H26 to operate as a dedicated preamp. Preamp outputs can also be disabled, making it easy to move between headphone listening and a speaker chain without unplugging cables or changing connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatrix relay volume control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVolume is handled by a matrix relay system designed to maintain channel balance across all levels. Instead of relying on a traditional potentiometer, the relay network keeps left and right channels aligned, reducing imbalance at low listening levels and keeping volume changes stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced input stage with RCA compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe input stage is fully-balanced, with a single-ended to balanced conversion for RCA inputs. This allows single-ended sources to benefit from the balanced architecture, improving noise rejection and signal stability as the audio moves through the amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated preamp circuitry with LME49720 op-amps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe preamp stage uses two direct-inserted LME49720 dual op-amps. These are widely used for their low noise and linear performance, helping preserve signal integrity before amplification and maintaining clarity across the frequency range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual toroidal power supply design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePower is handled by two 50W custom toroidal transformers (one per channel). Separating the channels reduces interference and keeps power delivery consistent, especially during dynamic passages where both channels demand current at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow-noise power regulation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high-speed rectifier and Nichicon capacitor filtering stage work with a low-noise, high-current voltage regulator. This combination stabilizes the power supply and reduces background noise, supporting the amplifier’s low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh power output for a wide range of headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe H26 delivers up to 12,000mW at 32 ohms. It maintains strong output across higher impedances as well--7,350mW at 64 ohms and 788mW at 600 ohms--giving it the headroom needed for both low- and high-impedance headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible connectivity and rear panel layout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear panel includes RCA and XLR inputs, along with RCA and XLR preamp outputs. Balanced XLR connections are available for both input and output, making it easy to integrate with balanced DACs or powered speakers. A voltage selector, AC inlet, fuse, and power switch are all clearly laid out for easy use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact desktop footprint\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe H26 measures 13.0 inches wide, 10.2 inches deep, and 2.6 inches high (330 × 260 × 65 mm). The low-profile chassis fits comfortably on a desk or rack while leaving room for other components, and the included remote allows volume adjustment from a distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully balanced discrete Class A amplifier\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatrix relay volume control for consistent channel balance\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitchable headphone amp and preamp operation\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual 50W toroidal transformers — one per channel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLME49720-based preamp stage\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-noise power regulation with Nichicon capacitors\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 12,000mW output at 32 ohms\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA and XLR inputs and outputs\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemote control included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA x1 input sensitivity typical 2–3Vrms input impedance 4kΩ\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLR x2 input sensitivity typical 4–6Vrms max 12Vrms input impedance 8kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreamp output\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA output impedance 100Ω\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLR output impedance 100Ω\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20–80kHz \/ -0.1dB\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSNR: \u0026gt;123dB\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrosstalk: \u0026lt;-123dB @ 1kHz\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHD+N: \u0026lt;0.0002%\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIMD: \u0026lt;0.0003%\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeadphone amp\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle-ended output (6.35mm) impedance: 0.05Ω\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced output (XLR 4-pin or 4.4mm) impedance: 0.1Ω\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20–80kHz \/ -0.1dB\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrosstalk: \u0026lt;-120dB @ 1kHz\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHD+N: \u0026lt;0.0005% @9700mW into 32Ω load\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIMD: \u0026lt;0.0005% @9700mW into 32Ω load\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum undistorted power output: 6000mW into 32Ω load\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum power output: 12000mW @32Ω (THD 1%)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoad power per channel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e64Ω 7350mW\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150Ω 3125mW\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e300Ω 1576mW\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e600Ω 788mW\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAC power input: 100–240V manually adjusted\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall power consumption: \u0026lt;30W\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 13.0 × 10.2 × 2.6 in (330 × 260 × 65 mm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackage size: 16.5 × 14.2 × 6.9 in (420 × 360 × 175 mm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 15.4 lb (7.0 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGustard H26 amplifier\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemote control\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower cable\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser documentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gustard","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":47607453679852,"sku":"APS-1321-1","price":1149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":47607453712620,"sku":"APS-1321-2","price":1149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0225\/2721\/3642\/files\/apos-audio-gustard-dac-digital-to-analog-converter-gustard-h26-fully-balanced-class-a-amplifier-and-preamplifier-1237081344.jpg?v=1778188449","url":"https:\/\/apos.audio\/products\/gustard-h26-fully-balanced-class-a-amplifier-and-preamplifier","provider":"Apos","version":"1.0","type":"link"}