GUSTARD H26 Fully Balanced Discrete Class A Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier

GUSTARD H26 Class A Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier

The GUSTARD H26 is a fully balanced discrete Class A headphone amplifier and preamplifier in one chassis, designed for listeners who want power, control, and flexibility on the desk or in a speaker chain. Built around eight pairs of power transistors, a matrix relay volume control, and dual toroidal transformers, the H26 combines reference-grade headphone driving capability with a dedicated preamp output stage that switches cleanly between the two roles.

Fully Balanced Discrete Class A Design

The H26 uses a fully balanced discrete Class A circuit with eight pairs of power transistors. Discrete components let each stage be tuned independently, giving the amplifier tighter control over distortion and current delivery while supporting a wide range of tuning options through different circuit configurations.

Switchable Headphone & Preamplifier Modes

The headphone amplifier stage can be powered off independently, turning the H26 into a dedicated preamplifier. Preamp outputs can also be disabled, so you can move between headphone listening and a speaker chain without unplugging cables or changing connections.

Matrix Relay Volume Control

Volume is handled by a matrix relay network instead of a traditional potentiometer. Left and right channels stay aligned across all four channels and all volume levels, reducing channel imbalance at low listening levels and keeping adjustments stable and precise.

Fully Balanced Input Stage with RCA Compatibility

The input stage is fully balanced, with single-ended-to-balanced conversion for RCA sources. This lets single-ended inputs benefit from the balanced architecture, improving noise rejection and signal stability as the audio moves through the amplifier.

LME49720-Based Preamplifier Stage

Two directly socketed LME49720 dual op-amps power the preamp section, chosen for their low noise and linear performance. They preserve signal integrity before amplification and maintain clarity across the entire frequency range.

Dual Toroidal Power Supply

Two 50W custom audio-grade toroidal transformers feed the left and right channels independently. Separating the channels reduces interference and keeps power delivery consistent, even during dynamic passages where both channels demand current at the same time.

Low-Noise Power Regulation

A high-speed, low-noise rectifier and Nichicon capacitor filtering stage work with a low-noise, high-current voltage regulator. This stabilizes the power supply, lowers background noise, and supports the amplifier’s low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio.

Power for a Wide Range of Headphones

The H26 delivers up to 12,000mW into 32 ohms (THD 1%) with strong output across higher impedances – 7,350mW at 64 ohms, 3,125mW at 150 ohms, 1,576mW at 300 ohms, and 788mW at 600 ohms – giving it the headroom needed for both low- and high-impedance headphones.

Flexible Connectivity & Compact Build

The rear panel offers one RCA input and two XLR inputs, plus RCA and XLR preamp outputs. Single-ended (6.35mm) and balanced (4-pin XLR / 4.4mm) headphone outputs cover every common connector. The 330 × 260 × 65 mm chassis fits comfortably on a desk or rack, and the included remote control adjusts volume from a distance.

Specifications

• Amplifier Design: Fully balanced discrete Class A, 8 pairs of power transistors
• Inputs: RCA ×1 (sensitivity 2–3Vrms, impedance 4kΩ); XLR ×2 (sensitivity 4–6Vrms, max 12Vrms, impedance 8kΩ)
• Preamplifier Outputs: RCA ×1 + XLR ×1 (output impedance 100Ω)
• Headphone Outputs: 6.35mm single-ended (0.05Ω); 4-pin XLR / 4.4mm balanced (0.1Ω)
• Max Headphone Power: 12,000mW @ 32Ω (THD 1%); 6,000mW @ 32Ω undistorted
• Load Power Per Channel: 7,350mW @ 64Ω; 3,125mW @ 150Ω; 1,576mW @ 300Ω; 788mW @ 600Ω
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–80kHz (−0.1dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Preamp): >123dB
• Crosstalk (Preamp): <−123dB @ 1kHz
• THD+N (Preamp): <0.0002%
• IMD (Preamp): <0.0003%
• Crosstalk (Headphone): <−120dB @ 1kHz
• THD+N (Headphone): <0.0005% @ 9,700mW into 32Ω
• IMD (Headphone): <0.0005% @ 9,700mW into 32Ω
• Volume Control: Matrix relay volume control
• Power Supply: Dual 50W custom toroidal transformers (one per channel); Nichicon filtering; low-noise high-current regulation
• AC Power Input: 100–240V (manually adjusted); power consumption <30W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 330 × 260 × 65 mm
• Weight: 4.0 kg
• Colors: Black, Silver

What's Included

• GUSTARD H26 Class A headphone amplifier & preamplifier
• Remote control
• Power cable
• User manual