Thanks Jake, that is good to know. When you say better source, my PC is my source, how can I better that?

Liking the R26. I do not find it any less accurate or slow or even lacking details. Early days though, maybe 8 hours.

@Jake2 @darcman well I am just beginning to set up my audio rig again, having recently moved to Australia. I've ordered a Pearl (Audiquest) 0.75m cable which is as modest as I can be at the moment. I've no experience with using LAN, but I'll try all the features and slowly report when I do...

Thank you very much. Although for the A26, perhaps the R26 would offer the same performance from a USB perspective (since you had no issues with your A26's USB). Good to know that. I'm not totally sure about the A26's touch interface and since both are quite revealing (A26 more so) I'm still on...

For the R26 right? I would be looking at one of the Audioquest USB cables. Using LAN is complicated for me and I've never done that before. Wouldn't mind trying, but I'd like to start with USB and wanted to know if it's good enough for a DAC this price.

So basically I can forget about USB and optical. Ok what would be the shortcoming of USB in this case for my knowledge if someone could please elaborate.

Hi guys, after going through this thread, I am a bit confused with the A26 and the R26 choice. Also, at one point, it is said both are best when used via LAN. Does this mean using it with a PC (USB cable) is not giving me it's best possible performance? What would my best use case be with a PC...

What parts changed the most as per you?

Oh that's not very nice. But 7% per hour is fine isn't it?

Wonderful.

Oh, so I cannot use DAC + Pre together. But why not? It is not like they're competing for like I understand the HP and Pre are so I need to switch/toggle between those two.

Hi Sorry, I was away a bit. I want to use the DAC along with either my active monitors, or my headphones, not simultaneously. But the DAC + Pre will be used simultaneously.

Also, the Fiio M15 has a very good battery life, 2nd only the the Sony signature line. With an AK4499 DAC, dual pieces actually. So it is not only about the DAC but its implementation. Of course that 4499 is hungry, I'm aware.