The HiFi Cat Summer Sale runs from May 31 at 8:00 AM to June 10 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). It's a good opportunity to upgrade your desktop audio chain with selected Gustard and Audalytic products at 10% off.
This guide highlights four upgrade paths: a natural R2R DAC upgrade with the Gustard R26 II, a modern ESS DAC option with the Gustard X26III, a flagship network DAC choice with the Gustard DAC-X30, digital front-end upgrades with the Gustard U18 and U26, and a more accessible entry-level stack built around the Audalytic DR70 and HP70.
Upgrade Path 1 — Natural R2R DAC: Gustard R26 II
The Gustard R26 II is the core recommendation for listeners who want a natural, analogue-flavoured R2R sound with modern streaming convenience.
- 26-bit R2R architecture with R30-derived module
- Network streaming, Bluetooth 5.1
- DSD512 / PCM768 support
Regular price: $1,649.99 — Summer Sale price: $1,484.99 (10% off)
Upgrade Path 2 — Modern ESS DAC: Gustard X26III
The Gustard X26III is the pick for listeners who prioritise resolution, detail retrieval, and a modern ESS sound signature with full network streaming capability.
- Dual ES9039SPRO chips
- MQA decoding, DSD512, PCM768
- Built-in network streamer
Regular price: $1,599.99 — Summer Sale price: $1,439.99 (10% off)
Upgrade Path 3 — Flagship Network DAC: Gustard DAC-X30
The Gustard DAC-X30 is the flagship choice for a complete, uncompromising desktop source.
- 4 × ESS ES9039SPRO chips
- OCXO clock, K2 synthesizer
- Roon Ready, AirPlay, UPnP, NAA, Spotify Connect
Regular price: $2,999.99 — Summer Sale price: $2,699.99 (10% off)
Upgrade Path 4 — Digital Front-End: Gustard U18 & U26
Already have a DAC you love? The Gustard USB interfaces are a cost-effective way to clean up your digital chain and extract more from your existing setup.
Gustard U18 — High-performance USB audio interface / DDC
Regular price: $499.99 — Summer Sale price: $449.99 (10% off)
Gustard U26 — Premium USB DDC with advanced clocking
Regular price: $999.00 — Summer Sale price: $899.10 (10% off)
Entry-Level Stack: Audalytic DR70 + HP70
Start with an R2R streaming DAC and a fully balanced headphone amplifier in one practical desktop stack — without jumping straight into flagship pricing.
Audalytic DR70 — R2R streaming DAC with network playback
Audalytic HP70 — Fully balanced discrete headphone amplifier
A smart starting point for listeners who want a cleaner desktop chain. Both are included in the Summer Sale at 10% off.
Sale runs May 31 – June 10, 2026 (Pacific Time). Discounts applied automatically at checkout. While stocks last.
