A26

About the A26

The Gustard A26 is a premium digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and network streamer designed for audiophiles seeking high resolution and versatile streaming capabilities. It features dual AK4499EX DAC chips with independent power supplies for each channel, combined with an AK4191 MQA decoder supporting up to MQA 384k. The A26 supports PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512 playback. It includes a K2 ultra-low-noise clock synthesizer for precision clocking and jitter reduction, along with custom discrete low-pass filter circuits optimized for sonic performance. The unit integrates an FPGA-based streamer supporting Roon, UPnP, and HQPlayer NAA protocols, accessible via Ethernet LAN input. The chassis is crafted from sandblasted aluminum, available in black or silver, with a symmetric OLED display and capacitive touch controls, complemented by a full-function remote control. Connectivity includes USB-B, Ethernet, coaxial, AES/EBU, optical, and IIS digital inputs, with balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs. The power supply design uses dual toroidal transformers and multiple internal regulators to minimize noise and ensure clean audio output. The A26 also offers analog volume attenuation with selectable phase inversion options, making it suitable as both a DAC and preamp.