{"product_id":"gustard-a26-dual-ak4499ex-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac","title":"GUSTARD A26 Dual AK4499EX Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eDual‑DAC desktop streamer and MQA‑capable DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h1\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eDual AK4499EX DAC Chips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eAK4191 MQA Decoding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eFPGA-Powered Streamer \/ Renderer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Clock Synthetization\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEquipped 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eDiscrete Low‑Pass Filter Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCustom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eRefined User Interface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eExtensive Connectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSupported 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eStreamlined Power and Shielding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMultiple internal regulators with bypass capacitors isolate power stages, reducing noise. This ensures clean audio even at peak performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDual AK4499EX DAC chips with independent rails\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAK4191 MQA decoder supporting up to MQA 384k\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFPGA-based streamer with Roon, UPnP, HQ‑Player NAA\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD512 playback\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eK2 ultra-low-noise clock synthesizer\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDiscrete LPF circuits optimized by ear\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUSB-B, Ethernet, coaxial, AES\/EBU, optical, IIS inputs\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBalanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOLED display, touch controls, full remote\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBrushed aluminum chassis available in black or silver\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDAC Chips: Dual AK4499EX + AK4191\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSample Rates: PCM up to 768 kHz; DSD up to DSD512\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMQA: Decoding supported to MQA384\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStreaming Protocols: Roon, UPnP, HQ‑Player NAA\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClock: Built‑in K2 clock; external sync support\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFilters: Discrete LPF tailored for AK4499EX\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInputs: USB‑B, Ethernet, coax, AES\/EBU, optical, IIS\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOutputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (single‑ended)\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eControls: Capacitive panel, OLED display, remote\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChassis: Sandblasted aluminum, black or silver\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePower: Multi-stage linear regulation; worldwide voltage\u003c\/p\u003e\n \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\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGUSTARD A26 main unit\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRemote control\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePower cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUser manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatured reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FP4UEe7T2uI?si=4WYjjDzctFx0H8Y9\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Gustard, you're on fire. Take a chill pill and let others catch up. It has little to no compromises or drawbacks.\" -SoundNews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gustard","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":46866219532463,"sku":"APS-1089-1","price":1499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":46866219565231,"sku":"APS-1089-2","price":1499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/6415\/2239\/files\/apos-audio-gustard-gustard-a26-dual-ak4499ex-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac-1177017304.webp?v=1777716339","url":"https:\/\/freshized.com\/products\/gustard-a26-dual-ak4499ex-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac","provider":"Freshized","version":"1.0","type":"link"}