Article: Review | Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3

[firedog]

Chris, I find it interesting you made no mention of MQA playback and how the DAC handles it. Berkeley were big promoters of MQA and how wonderful they said it sounded a few years ago-essentially they agreed it sounded as good as the original, or even better. Even to the extent of coming online and arguing with MQA detractors about it.

They also emphasize their implementation of MQA in the product description. 

[firedog]

2 hours ago, Norton said:

 There are alternate conclusions of course, but the inclusion of MQA by engineering led companies like Berkeley and DCS is a powerful counterpoint to forum opinion.

Maybe. Or it just means they had customers demanding it and decided to include it. Not everything carries a special meaning.

 

In any case, even if a company like Berkeley likes it, I don't give their opinion any more or less weight than that of any other experienced audiophile. There's one or two people at such a company that make such a decision, and I don't see any reason to automatically defer to their opinion. Especially when there are other "engineering led" companies that have come to the opposite conclusion....Dueling experts....