2. digital
  3. 1375907174

Berkeley DAC Series 1, anything better 2.5K$

Hey guys,

I am about to plunge for a used Berkeley DAC Alpha Series 1 that will set me back by $2200.

I have heard it in comparison with Benchmark and there is no comparison. I did A/B test it with the Series 2, but did not think the difference was worth paying 3000$ extra.

However before taking the plunge I was wondering if there are any other DACs < 2.5K that might beat the Series 1 (its pretty old).

There are so many DACs and so little time so thought someone hear might be able to help. Am I making a big mistake overlooking the new kids on the block (QuteHD or Yamamoto) that might outperform the venerable Berkeley Alpha Series 1.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.
essrand
soix
2,133 posts
 
Essrand -- better make sure you break that NAD in properly (if it's not broken in already) before making any quick judgements. Not sure how much break-in it requires (maybe Sabai has some thoughts here), but don't rush to make any comparisons as much as you'll want to. Interested to hear your thoughts.
sunandmusic
27 posts
 
You tried a good Non Oversamplng DAC yet? I have found that is the best Digital path for me being a Tube lover and from Vinyl background.

I got fed up with searching the Delta Sigma clones and Oversampling architecture. I get real world Redbook audiophile performance with no fatigue at all, plus can listen to 96k resolution files as well.

The DAC I recommend you look at is the Audio Note DAC kit 3.1 SE. It is easy to build and sounds like heaven.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Essrand and Soix,

The NAD M51 sounds great right out of the box. I would say a couple of hundred hours should do it. The NAD benefits greatly from system changes -- power conditioning and cabling in particular. You really need to optimize it to appreciate what it is capable of -- which is a lot more than I ever anticipated. I am still astonished at what it does after owning DACs from $5,000 to $12,000.
essrand OP
163 posts
 
Hi Sunandmusic,

Thanks for pointing me to the Audio Note DAC kit website, did not know an existence of something like this.

Today I went to the California Audio Show and saw a 500000$ Audio note system. Nice to know a DIY Audio Note exists for ordinary people like me.

Prob will not get the DAC, but when I get into 300B might check it out.

Thanks again.
essrand OP
163 posts
 
This weekend has been busy, so have not got a chance to do an A/B with Benchmark DAC HDR, but the NAD sounds great straight out of the box, think its beats the Benchmark already.

Sabai, am curious what USB cable worked wonders for you.

Am also bit hesitant about spending 500$+ on a power conditioner just yet. Will a cheap MONSTER CABLE HTS1000 (<100$) do the job. Seems highly recommended by Marc Salvatore (http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Accessories.html#ClB).
More to discover