Article: Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB Review

[roubaixpro]

Great through review Chris.<br />

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I your review, you state that a simple audio playback flow chart consists of a PC -> Alpha USB -> DAC -> Preamplifier -> Amplifier -> Speakers. <br />

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I am planning to replace my entire home theater / stereo system. Using your flow chart example, I am thinking of getting the Aurender S10 > BADA Alpha USB > Classe SSP-800 Pre Pro > Parasound Halo A51 amplifier > B&W 803Di speakers.<br />

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In my flow chart above, you notice that I have omitted a standalone DAC. The Classe SSP-800 has its own high quality DAC built-in. My question to you is that can I omit buying the BADA Alpha DAC2 and just use the internal DAC in the SSP-800 and still get good sound?<br />

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[roubaixpro]

Here is a good review ow the following DACs if anyone is interested:<br />

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Bel Canto 3.5VB DAC, Berkeley DAC ($5000), Ayre QB-9 DAC($2500), and original Benchmark DAC($1295)<br />

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http://positive-feedback.com/Issue55/belcanto_dac.htm<br />

<br />

Bel Canto has since come out with the 3.5VB MKII<br />

http://www.avguide.com/article/bel-canto-introducing-multiple-new-products-ces-2012<br />