GUSTARD H26 Headphone Amp and Preamp Review
A headphone amplifier with RCA and XLR preamp outputs, listed at $1,149.99 in black or silver. Its 22 pictures list 4.4 balanced, 6.35 single-end and XLR balanced headphone outputs and 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%) as maximum power. It suits buyers who want balanced and single-ended plugs on one unit.
Our verdict
This suits buyers who want one amplifier with 4.4 balanced, 6.35 single-end and XLR balanced headphone outputs plus RCA and XLR preamp outputs, as the page's pictures show them. Look elsewhere if you want a text specification list or power figures that agree: the pictures give different 32Ω figures. Every spec figure comes from the store's own pictures.
- Best for
- Listeners who want balanced and single-ended headphone outputs plus preamp outputs on one unit.
- Skip if
- You want a text specification list or 32Ω power figures that agree with each other.
Why 3.3/5: Held back because the page text gives no specification list as text and most of its claims sit in pictures rather than text, because the store's own terms contradict each other, and because no independent test of this model was checked for this review: every spec figure is the store's own.
The GUSTARD H26 is a headphone amplifier with RCA and XLR preamp outputs, listed at $1,149.99 in black or silver. The store title calls it a fully balanced discrete Class A amplifier. Its description is 22 pictures rather than text, and those pictures list 6.35 single-end, 4.4 balanced and XLR balanced headphone outputs, RCA x1 and XLR x2 inputs, and 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%) as maximum power output.
Specifications
| Spec | Page says (text and pictures) |
|---|---|
| RCA input | RCA x1, sensitivity typical 2-3Vrms, impedance 4kΩ |
| XLR input | XLR x2, sensitivity typical 4-6Vrms max 12Vrms, impedance 8kΩ |
| Preamp output | RCA 100Ω, XLR 100Ω output impedance |
| Preamp response and noise | 20-80kHz /-0.1dB; SNR above 123dB; crosstalk below -123dB @ 1kHz |
| Preamp THD+N and IMD | THD+N below 0.0002%; IMD below 0.0003% |
| Headphone output impedance | Single-ended (6.35mm) 0.05Ω; balanced (XLR 4PIN or 4.4) 0.1Ω |
| Headphone response and crosstalk | 20-80kHz /-0.1dB; crosstalk below -120dB @ 1kHz |
| Headphone THD+N and IMD | THD+N below 0.0005% and IMD below 0.0005% @9700mW into 32Ω LOAD |
| Headphone power at 32Ω | Maximum undistorted 6000mW into 32Ω LOAD; maximum 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%) |
| Load power (per channel) | 64Ω 7350mW; 150Ω 3125mW; 300Ω 1576mW; 600Ω 788mW |
| Power | AC power input 100V-240V (manually adjusted); consumption below 30W |
| Size and weight | 330x260x65mm (W x D x H), protrusion not included; 7.0KG with package |
Options and pricing
Black and Silver are the two colors listed, each at $1,149.99 and both orderable when the page was read; the pictures also show units in silver and black. The rear-panel picture marks a voltage selection with the note "Must switch both", and the pictured spec text gives AC power input 100V-240V (manually adjusted). A power cord and an XLR signal line (material CANARE, plug NEUTRIK) appear in the pictures as recommended combinations marked as accessories to be purchased separately, and the pictures read for this review give no in-the-box list.
How it compares
The DAART Yulong A39 R2R Pre Amplifier & Headphone Amplifier is listed at $1,099 against $1,149.99 here; its name gives it a pre amplifier role and a headphone amplifier role, as the H26's pictures do, so it suits buyers who want both at a lower price. The xDuoo TA-68 Balanced Tube Headphone Amplifier costs $1,299 and its spec line names RCA, 4.4mm and XLR input options; it suits buyers who want a tube design. The H26 suits buyers who want the pictured 6.35 single-end, 4.4 balanced and XLR balanced headphone outputs with RCA and XLR preamp outputs.
Shipping, returns and warranty
HiFiGO sells from hifigo.com and says every order leaves its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after it is placed, and says its delivery times are estimates, not promises. Its shipping policy gives the United States 1-2 weeks (about 10 days on average) by Priority and 6-10 days by Premium, both with duties and taxes prepaid by the store; Canada 2-3 weeks; the United Kingdom 1-2 weeks; and Australia 10-15 days. Express couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) take 3-7 days, but then the buyer pays any duties and taxes. No shipping page names New Zealand, PO boxes are not accepted, and the free-shipping thresholds differ between the store's own pages, so check the cart. One of its two shipping pages adds that a lost parcel on an order above $50 gets only a 50% refund. A US buyer reported a $40 tariff charge in August 2025, after which HiFiGO said it had added a customs notice at checkout.
Read the return terms before you order. The homepage advertises 7-day returns. Both of HiFiGO's policy pages offer a 7-day dead-on-arrival cover (a replacement or a full refund, with the return postage refunded) and also describe 30-day returns, but a request made 7 to 30 days after delivery loses 30% of the MSRP as a restocking fee (10% more if the packaging is incomplete), plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same pages says there is no refund or exchange once 7 days have passed. One version recommends reselling an opened product locally. Custom IEMs and custom cables cannot be returned, no return address is published, and buyers describe sending items back to China.
HiFiGO's warranty runs one year from the order date for parts and labor; its policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles at one year and gives cables and adapters three months. HiFiGO decides between repair and replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and faulty items go back for service, not for a refund. Claims go to [email protected], the only contact the store lists: its pages name no company, street address or phone, and its terms are governed by the laws of China.
On Trustpilot, HiFiGO had 4.6 out of 5 from 378 reviews when we checked on 2026-10-28 (91% five-star, 5% one-star), and it had replied to about 75% of negative reviews; Trustpilot notes the store has not invited customers to review recently. The one-star reviews mostly concern the short return window and the deductions on returns, items listed in stock that turned out back-ordered, slow email support and a tariff charge on a US delivery in 2025. HiFiGO says its products are genuine and come in the brands' retail packaging; it does not claim to be an authorized dealer.
What we liked
- Pictured spec text lists power at five loads: 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%), then per channel 64Ω 7350mW, 150Ω 3125mW, 300Ω 1576mW and 600Ω 788mW
- Three headphone outputs are pictured on the front panel: 4.4 balanced, 6.35 single-end and XLR balanced
- RCA and XLR preamp outputs are pictured, and the pictures say the headphone amp power can be switched off separately for a pure preamp output
- The pictures include APx500 measurement screenshots, for example 9.719 / 9.797 W at 32Ω with THD+N 0.000323% / 0.000298%, not only a spec list
- Two gain levels and a remote are named in the pictured feature list
Worth noting
- The description is 22 pictures with no page text, so every spec figure sits in a picture rather than in text
- The pictures give 6000mW as maximum undistorted power into 32Ω but also give THD+N below 0.0005% at 9700mW and a measured 9.719 / 9.797 W
- Headphone crosstalk reads below -120dB @ 1kHz in the pictured spec text but -112.514 / -112.710 dB at 32Ω in a measurement screenshot
- One picture names the op-amp LME49720 and another LM49720
- The pictures read for this review do not say whether the power figures belong to the single-ended or the balanced output
- A power cord and XLR signal line appear only as recommended accessories to be purchased separately, and the pictures read for this review give no in-the-box list
Questions before you buy
Which headphone outputs does the H26 have?
The pictured front panel lists a 4.4 balanced output, a 6.35 single-end output and an XLR balanced output. The pictured spec text gives output impedance of 0.05Ω for the single-ended output (6.35mm) and 0.1Ω for the balanced output (XLR 4PIN or 4.4).
What power does the page list at 32Ω and other loads?
The pictured spec text lists a maximum power output of 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%) and, per channel, 7350mW at 64Ω, 3125mW at 150Ω, 1576mW at 300Ω and 788mW at 600Ω. The pictures read for this review do not say which headphone output these figures belong to, and their 32Ω figures disagree with each other.
Can it work as a preamp?
The pictures list RCA and XLR preamp outputs with 100Ω output impedance each. They say the headphone amp power can be switched off separately for a pure preamp output and that the preamp outputs can be turned off to switch between headphones and speakers.
Where does HiFiGO ship from, and how long does it take?
From its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after the order. The shipping policy gives 1-2 weeks to the US by Priority (6-10 days by Premium), both with duties and taxes prepaid, 2-3 weeks to Canada, 1-2 weeks to the UK and 10-15 days to Australia. Express couriers take 3-7 days, but the buyer pays any duties.
Can I send it back if I change my mind?
HiFiGO gives 7 days to report an item that arrives dead, damaged or wrong. Its policy also describes 30-day returns, but requests 7 to 30 days after delivery lose 30% of the MSRP plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same page says no refund or exchange after 7 days. Ask [email protected] before you open the box.
What warranty does HiFiGO give?
One year from the order date for parts and labor, for faults in build or materials (the policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles; cables and adapters get three months). HiFiGO chooses repair or replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and a faulty item is serviced rather than refunded. Claims go to [email protected].
Sources & verification
What this review is based on and the day we last read it. Specs and claims from the maker are the maker’s own; the verdict and the rating are ours.
From the store
- GUSTARD H26 Fully Balanced Discrete Class A Amplifier product page: specs, options and price (the buy buttons go there)Specs, options and the listed priceRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping policyShips from China in 1-3 business days; US 1-2 weeks by Priority or 6-10 days by Premium, duties prepaid; Express buyers pay dutiesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping and order tracking pageA second shipping text: Premium also for Canada and Australia, Canada free shipping from $99.99, lost-parcel rulesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO refund policy7-day dead-on-arrival cover; 30-day returns minus a 30% restocking fee; its FAQ says no refund after 7 daysRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO warranty and refund policyWarranty by product class (1 year; cables and adapters 3 months); 30% fee for resealing an opened productRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO terms of serviceOperator named only as HiFiGo; governed by the laws of China; contact [email protected]Read October 28, 2026
Independent
- HiFiGO reviews on Trustpilot4.6 of 5 from 378 reviews (91% five-star, 5% one-star); the store has not invited reviews recentlyRead October 28, 2026
What we couldn’t verify
- The pictures give 32Ω power inconsistently: "maximum undistorted power output 6000mW", THD+N and IMD below 0.0005% @9700mW, and a pictured measurement of 9.719 / 9.797 W at THD+N 0.000323% / 0.000298%. One picture names the op-amp LME49720, another LM49720.
- Headphone-amp crosstalk is below -120dB @ 1kHz in the pictured spec text but -112.514 / -112.710 dB at 32Ω in a pictured APx500 screenshot, and the pictured spec text prints "SNR 20-80kHz /-0.1dB" for the headphone amp with no dB figure.
- The pictures read for this review do not say whether the power figures are for the single-ended or the balanced output. The pictured "4-way volume is consistent without bias" line is a claim in the pictures with no figure behind it.
- HiFiGO's policy pages contradict each other: 30-day returns with a 30% restocking fee in one place, no refund or exchange after 7 days in the FAQ.
- HiFiGO's pages name no company, street address or phone number; the only contact given is [email protected].
Spotted an error or something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and update the date.
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