The Computer Audiophile Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Hi MarkS - Thanks for the kind words. I haven't had the U-Click in my listening room for quite awhile so my impressions would be solely from memory. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 @wdw - <i>"I see from your equipment list that you are using Spectral Electronics and am wondering whether you are using the gain stage of the pre-amp with the Alpha DAC or the digital volume control of the DAC."</i><br /> <br /> Great question. I am using the gain stage of the Spectral DMC-30SS Series 2 preamp. I et the Alpha DAC digital volume to 54.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> @roubaixpro - <i>"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?"</i><br /> <br /> You most certainly can get good sound with your proposed system. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> @Mark Powell - <i>"That the isolation of any half-decent DAC is every bit as good as this Berkeley pair. And with a single box you avoid the SP/DIF conversion. Which, despite what Berkeley say, must be a 'good thing'."</i><br /> <br /> I see your inner armchair engineer coming through once again. It appears that you are satisfied with mediocrity and not interested in pushing the boundaries of engineering. That's totally OK with me. As long as you're enjoying this wonderful hobby of ours that's all that matters. You are enjoying it right?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> @pawel8 - <i>"Now questions: 1.What brand of Aes/EBU Mogami,Straightwire or others? 2.What brand of USB cable? 3.Have you compared Alpha Dac 2 to Debussy sound while using Alpha USB? 4.Dac 2 to amplifier or via separate preamplifier."</i><br /> <br /> 1. I have a few different AES cables here. The Mogami cable is a favorite of mine simply because of the price to performance ration I receive with it. Ultra inexpensive, non-pretentious, and good performance. I also use a custom made cable that comes from another industry. This AES cable isn't available to purchase but provides awesome performance. I am looking into other AES cables now that the Alpha USB has impressed me so much. All things being equal, I prefer to use cables that CA readers can purchase instead of vaporware.<br /> 2. Kimber, WireWorld, and AudioQuest.<br /> 3. Yes, but not in a head to head type of way. Both have very different sonic signatures.<br /> 4. Very dependent on the components. I use a Spectral DMC-30SS Series 2 preamp. I think it's one of the most transparent components in all of high end audio. And, the Spectral preamp mates well with my Spectral DMA-260 amplifier. Thus, I use the preamp gain stage. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> @Elberoth - <i>"I have already read a review where prefered someone preffered the (cheaper) Off Ramp Turbo 4 to Alpha USB"</i><br /> <br /> Excellent. I encourage everyone to read reviews from as may sources as possible. CA is a single data point among many. Not everyone likes the same components or the same sound. Reviews are similar to legal opinions. If you look hard enough you can find evidence completely contrary to any existing conclusion or finding. That's part of what makes this an exciting hobby. If we all liked the same components it would be pretty boring. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> @easternlethal - <i>"Review method leaves a lot to be desired. I don't understand. CA had this unit for four months and instead of comparing against other similar products, he uses that time to compare between different sources and DACs. Then, when it comes to comparing against other converters he uses units that cost half as much at most before concluding a) another unit which costs $1000 actually comes close, and b) he knows of no converter better than the Alpha USB. Firstly I think a lot of users would actually not mind paying nearly half the price of the Alpha USB for another product that comes close (despite what he says about close not being 'good enough'), secondly I am not surprised he thinks it's the best converter since he only compared it against cheaper products. Did he even compare against any products in the same or higher price range, like the sonicweld diverter? If he did then why didn't he mention it? Sorry but this is as faulty a review process as I ever seen.</i>"<br /> <br /> Thanks for the honest opinion. I should probably clear up a couple things that may help put us on the same page. Computer Audiophile is not like Consumer Reports. The reviews contained here are not scientific longitudinal studies using products that compete on price and performance. CA is not curing Cancer and doesn't submit articles for peer review prior to publication similar to the New England Journal of Medicine or the like. You may still think the review process is as faulty as you've ever seen but my process is probably different than many others. I take an organic approach to listening to components and comparing them to others on hand. My results are not to be interpreted as the final word on anything and not to be used as a rubber stamp for how a component will sound in any system other than mine. As such, comparing components in a head to head or shootout fashion is really a disservice to everyone despite what at first blush may seem like the ultimate in informative journalism. In reality these types of comparisons are used as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_bait">link bait</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_bait"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/ca/icons/ex.png" style="padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 3pt;" alt="link"></img></a>. Disagreements with my subjective analysis are a natural and healthy part of any publication. When a component is "close but not good enough" for those seeking the ultimate in performance I'm happy to say so. This is strictly an opinion, like all reviews on all websites since the beginning of time. What's not close enough for me might be the best some else has ever heard. In addition what is the best I've ever heard may be child's play for someone else. Not a big deal. I enjoy reading about different methodologies and the conclusions that follow. Also of note is the fact that I've heard many more converters in all types of systems all over the world than I mentioned in this review. When I state that I've never heard a converter better than the Alpha USB I am taking all my listening experience into account. When I say the Alpha USB is better than a specific component I compared during the review period that's also exactly what I mean. Two very different statements that again are only valid for me. Hopefully readers who've followed CA for awhile understand the way I write and the type of sound that I like. Also, I hope my integrity comes through as new and experienced readers peruse the site. <br /> <br /> Thanks again for being brutally honest. I accept all opinions as an attempt at constructive criticism. Hopefully we are on the same page now or at least within the same chapter regarding how this and other reviews on CA are completed.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Hi Mark - Very happy to read CA has had a positive influence on you (but a negative influence on your bank account). <br /> <br /> I don't consider your components mediocre. Just some of your thoughts about component design etc...<br /> <br /> I still can't believe you have an iPhone :~)<br /> <br /> P.S. Thanks for the follow-up comments. Have a great evening navigating your music collection on that beautiful touchscreen :~) Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Hi easternlethal - Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments as being constructive criticism when they now appear to be the rantings of someone very disturbed by what they've read here on CA. <br /> <br /> I think you've taken my explanations, twisted them a bit, then used them as the tip of your spear in your disgruntled response. <br /> <br /> Also, your post on the Phasure forum about my review suggest you may have misread my review or need a bit of clarity from Pater.<br /> <br /> Suggesting your opinion about the reason Berkeley developed the Alpha USB is "another bit of honesty" is preposterous, disingenuous, and reeks of ulterior motives. It's clear you've never talked to the folks at Berkeley. <br /> <br /> Lastly, it's clear you have a serious distaste for my writing and the service, or lack thereof, I provide to readers. Please accept a full refund of the purchase price for visiting Computer Audiophile and don't feel obligated to continue reading the site if it bothers you in such a negative way.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Hi rangert - It's very possible the Alpha USB could offer an improvement in such a scenario. Unfortunately I don't have any Weiss components here and haven't had one since I reviewed the DAC202.<br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hi easternlethal - Is that system in your home? Where did you hear it and under what conditions? Great equipment that one isn't incredibly familiar with is very misleading and lead to falty conclusions frequently. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 easternlethal - Can you point me to a review that was written to your satisfaction?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <i>"I have not made any comments about the general usefulness of Chris's reviews or this site."</i><br /> <br /> With all do respect I think you are either trolling or trying to rewrite history. You said -> "Review method leaves a lot to be desired. I don't understand. CA had this unit for four months and instead of comparing against other similar products, he uses that time to compare between different sources and DACs. Sorry but this is as faulty a review process as I ever seen."<br /> "So what... proper comparisons are wrong, but incomplete impressions based on subjective opinions are okay. Is that the kind of style you want us to get accustomed to?"<br /> <br /> To me this is clearly a statement that the review / site is not useful.<br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hi Andy - What you've heard is 100% correct with respect to the Q5 and that the 360 amps don't have enough power to push the Q5 to perform its best. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 <i>" It seems bobbha came to the same conclusion as well with the Offramp (which does not adopt electrical isolation but I think has better oscillators)."</i><br /> <br /> Can you clarify your statement about the oscillators? Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hi easternlethal - I believe you've made a distinction without a difference with respect to comments on the site in general versus my Alpha USB review. All my reviews are similar. So be it. You're not a fan and that's totally OK with me. <br /> <br /> I agree with you 100% that your comments are valid. I think this is just a case of two points of view that couldn't be more opposite. <br /> <br /> P.S. The Magico site has full photos and diagrams with measurements of each speaker. I would love to hear the Q1 with Lamm electronics. Not so much the Q5. The Q5 is one of my favorite speakers but the amplifications requirements are huge. The Q7 is a whole new animal. Low power requirements and sound like I've never heard before. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Hi Bill - No worries. Everybody has their own likes and dislikes. The hobby would be pretty boring is everyone liked the same thing and we all owned the same components.<br /> <br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Hi cat6man - The Alpha USB is USB input only. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Very good points Jon. Please let us know your thoughts on the Alpha USB once you spend some time with the unit. <br /> <br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 <i>"I'm leaning toward the int203 based on the technical advantage of Firewire over USB 2.0"</i><br /> <br /> Hi nd4speed - What technical advantages are you thinking about?<br /> <br /> Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I listened to the new V-link II a few days ago and was not impressed at all. I have their M1HPA Headphone amp and it is really good. But on hi res classical music that I know very well both from sessions and via other dacs I did not find the V-Link II very good .It failed to reproduce both percussion strings and space and decaying notes realistically in for example the 24/176.4 recording of Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and from Reference Recordings. And The strings on 2L's very realistic true Reference recording of a string orchestra In Folk Style ,string sound was a bit harsh and not very resolved and lacked both the warmth and clairity that I heard both live at the sessions and hear via my Hegel HD 20 Dac and HD 800 headphones. Maybe it sounds better via coax but the only connection the dealer had was via usb and it was not very good IMO. Just so we're clear. Are you talking about the V-Link II or V-Link 192? Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Hi Chris, Thanks for the interesting Berkeley Alpha USB review. I bought one on 3/30/2012. It's connected to an HP laptop (running Win7 64bit and JRMC17) and newest Benchmark DAC1 HDR using the S/PDIF digital coax connections. JRMC17 is set to WASAPI-Event Style as recommended in the Berkeley Alpha User Guide. The music library is on an external USB hard drive. Things are going well, except when I change between songs of different sampling rates (e.g., 16/44.1 kHz to 24/96 kHz) in JRMC17 suddenly there is no sound. The JRMC17 interface still shows that the song is playing. To fix this, I close JRMC17, unplug the USB cable from the PC, and then plug it back in. This works until the next time I change between songs with different sampling rates and the same problem occurs. JRMC17 and Win7 are recommended in the Berkeley User Guide and JRMC17 is capable of seamlessly switching between files of different sampling rates. Given your experience with the Alpha USB, have you heard of this issue or have a solution? The same sound problem occurs when switching between the JRMC17 and iTunes players on the same laptop even with songs with the same sampling rate. This is of less concern to me because I don’t switch between players very often. Thanks Hi Phil C - Hmm this is a weird one. The Alpha USB switches sample rates flawless in my system. Have you followed my JRiver setup guide? Do you have the audio output going through Default Device instead of the Alpha? If you follow this article everything should work great -> http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/436-JRiver-Media-Center-17-Detail Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
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