Ps audio dac III (cullen mod 3 ) compared to Berkely Alpha Dac or weiss dac2

[thequietman]

Hi has anyone heard these dacs to compare? ( Chris maybe)

I have the modded ps audio dac III but would love to know what benefits the weiss or berkely could bring.

 

Thanks

 

[davidR]

I'm sure Chris could give you a straight answer from a comparative aspect. As far as I know the PS Audio is a great piece especially for the money. With that said though, the Berkeley & Weiss gear is in a whole different league according to many trustworthy ears including mastering engineers I personally know.

 

[firefly0071]

At $US5K why would anyone worry about cost?

 

If you are an audiophile (which this we b site is about) then $5K is not a big concern.

 

Should be a weeks income for someone who is an audiophile.

 

[davidR]

I wasn't aware there was an income requirement to be qualified as an audiophile but you learn something every day I suppose. I certainly don't disagree with spending $5k on a DAC but if you can get great sound for less money, I think that's certainly a part of what "Computer Audiophile" is about besides the fact that money trees really don't exist. Some people on these boards I'd dare say don't make $5,000 a week yet still have or want great sound. Besides that my point was stating the PS Audio gear is a great value for the money but when you jump into the $5K Minerva / Alpha territory it's going from the minors to the major league, and when you are in that league obviously money is less of a concern.

 

[ted_b]

Firefly0071,

Are you serious?? To blow off a $5K purchase in this or any economy is quite alarming, frankly. My income, as a sales veep at a software company, is in the higher incomes of my circle of friends, frankly, but I'd never blow off a $5k purchase as laughable. And to assume that all of us CA'ers are that laissez-faire with our monies (one weeks income on a DAC) is a bad assumption...here or on any forum.

 

[jphone]

I think firefly0071 was being sarcastic but then it's just me.

 

[firefly0071]

I am being sarcastic.

 

My Girlfriend would not let me spend $US5k on a DAC unless I spend $US10k on an engaement ring!

 

[davidR]

Haha wow, what a compromise!

 

[thequietman]

And no, I dont make 5k a month either. But i can save for a long time!

 

[Vovk]

I bought PS Audio DL3 Cullen Mod Stage 3 some year ago. I found the sound on the overbright, harsh side, fatiguing, suppressed mid-base, no warmth. Under the advice of Rick Cullen I sent it back for check, and since then, despite numerous email reminders, I have had neither money nor the DAC back, oops!

 

[AudioDoctor]

How long ago was that?

 

[Vovk]

Summer 2010. Actually, before buying the mod 3 I listened to the original PS Audio DL3. The sound was a bit less detailed, but more smooth.

 

[AudioDoctor]

in 2010 and have not heard back since?

 

[Vovk]

First Rick wrote me he found the sound of the returned DAC quite normal, but nevertheless suggested to replace it by new somewhat cheaper DAC from W4S. I agreed, but then just silence. Then W4S reported Rick had sold my DAC and disappered )) and, to partially compensate my loss, suggested to buy from them a DAC with a large discount. Although that was a fear offer, injecting any new money would leave me with even worse feelings. I stopped there.