Jump to content
IGNORED

Article: Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB Review


Recommended Posts

Chris <br />

Thank you for for a great review(as usual).<br />

I have both Alpha USB and Alpha Dac series 2 running via Aes/EBU and directly to Ayre amplifier using balanced cables(Audioquest).<br />

I like the sound very much to the point that I sold my CLEARAUDIO Ovation turntable.<br />

I spoke with Berkeley and they confirmed that digital cables should be 1.5 meter long.<br />

Now questions:<br />

1.What brand of Aes/EBU Mogami,Straightwire or others?<br />

2.What brand of USB cable?<br />

3.Have you compared Alpha Dac 2 to Debussy sound while using Alpha USB?<br />

4.Dac 2 to amplifier or via separate preamplifier.<br />

Paul

Link to comment

Here is Peter's quote from Phasure forum-sale pitch?criticizing Alpha:<br />

<br />

This latter by itself is a bit nonsense, but let's say this is about money, and that the $1895 or whatever works better than a new Alpha which is $1895 higher priced. Furthermore, "of course" everybody wants to have asynch USB these days, so Berkely may expect to sell quite a few of those converters.<br />

What about a rip off ?<br />

<br />

Maybe I'm not talking blahbah all the way, if you only know that the original NOS1 was not supplied with (asynch) USB, and that people could have it upgraded by the huge amount of 335 euros (say $400). And this included the disassembly of the old stuff, and the assembly of the new. Ok, maybe that's way underpriced because of the work involved, but do notice that it includes the hardware as well, the licenses involved and some more stuff.<br />

<br />

When we are at it anyway ...<br />

The Alpha is the most dull sounding DAC I had in the house, so far. I didn't say "wrong sounding", but just completely dull. Filtered to death. Now, what I would have done - undoubtedly knowing the difference with e.g. a Weiss, was expressing what changed to that with the USB converter in front of it. But no. It is just the best converter - period.

Link to comment

Now I have DCS Debussy,Alpha USB and Alpha DAC II<br />

I will try 3 diferent setups:<br />

Alpha USB plus alpha Dac via AES/EBU<br />

Alpha USB plus Debussy<br />

Debussy connected to mac mini with SL via its usb.<br />

Both dacs connected directly to Ayre Amplifier via XLR 1 meter.<br />

All cables are Audioquest diamond,columbia and hawk(only 0.5 m.<br />

I am openpen to suggestions.

Link to comment

Thank you.<br />

You are probably right I will get meter and check it.<br />

I have a limited space because everything is supposed to be hidden.<br />

I have finished my little comparison and my conclusions/opinion apply to my system only.<br />

Debussy has better sound when connected to computer via Alpha DAC:<br />

Music seems to be more spacial yet clear via alpha, while Debussy sound is linear.<br />

Comparing Alpha USB plus Alpha DAC series to Alpha USB plus Debussy I prefer the former.<br />

Alpha combo seems to be more pleasant and again deeper.<br />

I did not notice any suppression of sound or dullness.<br />

Berkeley combo stays and Debussy goes back to dealer or I sell it for 8k.<br />

It is only my personal opinion and I do not want to upset anybody.<br />

Both choices are good and system dependent<br />

There are minute differences playing Amarra and Pure Music.<br />

As of Alpha USB being rip-off I disagree.Offramp with options would be more expensive and sonicweld diverter is about 1000.00 more.Maybe they are better.<br />

My next stop could be incoming Soulution 590 USB ( 4k)no DAC power needed<br />

I was not impressed with Puccini U-clock(5 k)<br />

Hiface is also good.<br />

I do not know all the audiophile terms-sorry.<br />

I listened mostly to Adele 21,old Boney M and some Italian music but no classical.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...