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Berkeley Alpha DAC: cabling and breaking-in time

Hello all,
I'm a new BADA DAC owner and my questions to experienced users and owners are about to obtain the best as possible with redbook 16/44 files from this great DAC.
How much has to be considered as breaking-in time for the Berkeley?
Which is the configuration that in your opinion and experience is the best in cabling (power,digital and signal) and source/transport? My first impression the bass frequencies, especially the lowest ones, are not so impressive as I hope.

For complete information, I'm inserting the DAC into this system:
- EAR Acute CD player now used also as transport, waiting to make a decision on a valid source
- EAR 912 preamp
- EAR 534 power amp
- Cardas Clear cabling

Thanks in advance,
Massimo
maz65
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,606 posts
 
Great to hear. Mine does sound amazing. I found the Herbie footers do a good job at reducing the transformer hum. I use the 1.24 filer as well. I also found the power conditioner made a difference on sound. My Shunyata Hydra sounds much better than the Richard Gray 1200S (with the BADA plugged into it).
alleung's avatar
alleung
19 posts
 
Like to know why you don't like the Cardas Clear. I have a similar issue, still haven't decide what to do yet.
branislav
351 posts
 
Once your Berkeley is broken in, i'd love to hear your impressions how the Berkeley compares to the Ear Acute...thank you
chayro
1,801 posts
 
Branislav wrote"
"Once your Berkeley is broken in, i'd love to hear your impressions how the Berkeley compares to the Ear Acute...thank you"

Yes, I would too. I found it a little curious that you would write that the Ear sounded better, but you are continuing on with the BADA as if you presume an outboard DAC has to sound better than a one-box player. That's not necessarily true. Have you tried changing the tubes in the EAR? They make a big difference.
rja's avatar
rja
2,112 posts
 
My new Berkeley broke in quickly with subtle changes rather than anything major. I leave it powered up most of the time.

I also tried a number of mostly balanced digital cables but ended up liking the Oyaide 510 terminated with bnc's very much. This cable has the added benefit of being very reasonably priced.
One word of caution, the bass was initially extremely exaggerated and bloated (really bad) to the point that I almost got rid of the cable.
Gradually over about a month the bass become tighter and more realistic and the best I'd tried with the Berkeley. If you decide to try the Oyaide you must give it time to settle in.
BTW: My cable was cryo'd although I'm not sure this makes any difference or not. Definitely don't want to argue about it. 8^)
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