The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 contains breakthrough technology that redefines the potential of digital audio quality. Experienced industry listeners who have heard the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 are unanimous in their praise, saying that the Reference Series 3 clearly outperforms any other DAC they have heard, including those with six figure retail prices, and even the much admired DAC portion of the Pacific Microsonics Model 2 studio ADC/DAC. In addition to its unprecedented PCM audio quality, the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 also features MQA Rendering of unequaled audio quality.
Manufacturing each Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 to its full performance potential required development of a new hyper-accurate test and alignment procedure that is unique in the industry. This new test and alignment procedure allows extremely precise and repeatable production of the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3.
The original Alpha DAC Reference Series was a breakthrough product that reduced noise, particularly in the time domain, to levels significantly lower than any audio D to A converter previously available. The result was an immediacy and presence of music reproduction that was closer to the microphone feed than ever before. The unprecedented resolution of the original Alpha DAC Reference Series allowed and demanded further development and perfection of digital algorithms and analog circuitry that otherwise would not have been possible.
Specifications
Input sampling rate: 32kHz to 192kHz
Input word length: 24-bit
Ultra low phase noise Precision Clocking at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz sampling rates ± 100 ppm
Two channel analog stereo outputs: XLR balanced with pin 2 positive and RCA unbalanced
Digital Inputs: AES - XLR, 110Ω; SPDIF1 - BNC, 75Ω; SPDIF2 - BNC, 75Ω; TOSLINK - Toslink optical connector
MQA rendering automatically detects MQA Core decoded signals and performs MQA rendering to 384kHz and above
HDCD decoding detects 16-bit flag at 44.1kHz or 24-bit flag at all sampling rates
Multiple digital filter options
Balanced analog output level: +18dBu (6.15Vrms) maximum, +12dBu (3.1Vrms) or lower recommended
Unbalanced analog output level: 3.25Vrms maximum, 2Vrms or lower recommended
Digital volume & balance control: 0.1dB/step with .05dB/step L/R gain trim, 60dB range
Frequency response at ≥ 88.2kHz sampling rates: ± 0.1dB from < 0.1Hz to 35 kHz, - 3dB at 59kHz for 176.4kHz and 192kHz sampling rates
Distortion at recommended levels: all products ≤ -120dBFS
THD+N at maximum level: < -110dBFS
Firmware is upgradeable through signal inputs
Enclosure dimensions: 3.5”H X 17.5”W x 12.5”D
Weight: 30 lbs.
Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz
Power consumption: 25W
Manufacturer's product page: http://www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com/alpha-dac-reference-series-3
