Packaging and Accessories

I am glad I decided to not take chances and open up this box based on the assumption that the actual product box was inside. As it turns out, this is the product box with Gustard deciding to have it do double duty as the shipping box too. There's plenty of branding on the sides with a table that confirms the A26 is inside in the color you chose, as long as you ignore the typo anyway. Opening the box reveals a smaller accessory cardboard box placed over the DAC that comes inside a wax paper wrap to keep it pristine and dust-free as well as surrounded by thick foam pieces on the sides for added protection.


I suppose Gustard could have done a better job at least outlining what to expect from the contents inside so you can be sure you have everything. As it turns out, the unboxing experience is quite spartan—not necessarily a bad thing for a brand that prides itself on providing products with good value for money and a premium feature set where it counts. Inside the accessory box is a warranty card with the serial number for your unit as well as a plastic remote control that takes two AAA batteries you have to supply yourself. There is a manual available on the product page (more detailed version here) that explains what the various buttons on the remote do as well as walking you through the set up and use of the A26 DAC itself. Rounding off the accessories is a USB Type-B to Type-A cable as well as a power cable with a UK AC mains connector on my unit—this indicates the Gustard A26 has an internal power supply.