2. digital
  3. 1308313042

Berkeley Alpha DAC: cabling and breaking-in time

Hello all,
I'm a new BADA DAC owner and my questions to experienced users and owners are about to obtain the best as possible with redbook 16/44 files from this great DAC.
How much has to be considered as breaking-in time for the Berkeley?
Which is the configuration that in your opinion and experience is the best in cabling (power,digital and signal) and source/transport? My first impression the bass frequencies, especially the lowest ones, are not so impressive as I hope.

For complete information, I'm inserting the DAC into this system:
- EAR Acute CD player now used also as transport, waiting to make a decision on a valid source
- EAR 912 preamp
- EAR 534 power amp
- Cardas Clear cabling

Thanks in advance,
Massimo
maz65
maz65 OP
40 posts
 
Hi Dennis,
the filter I'm currently using is 1.24

I have an update: now, after 15 days of uninterrupted functioning, the sound has changed a lot, better bass frequencies but I can say globally better.
Somewhere I found a suggestion about breaking-in time of approx 200 hours and now I can confirm this is the right time for the Berkeley.
I can also confirm that the BADA sounds very well with MIT digital cables. About interconnects in my setup the Cardas Clear interconnects are not the best solution. I will try next week the Kubala Sosna Emotion and Kimber KS1130. I know Cardas Clear was not good also with Vitus CD but for EAR setup they are very good.
FOr power cables at the moment I haven't try anything due to not add too much variables ;-)

Stay Tuned. The BADA is starting to sing and it has a beautiful voice :-)
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Great to hear. Mine does sound amazing. I found the Herbie footers do a good job at reducing the transformer hum. I use the 1.24 filer as well. I also found the power conditioner made a difference on sound. My Shunyata Hydra sounds much better than the Richard Gray 1200S (with the BADA plugged into it).
alleung's avatar
alleung
21 posts
 
Like to know why you don't like the Cardas Clear. I have a similar issue, still haven't decide what to do yet.
branislav
405 posts
 
Once your Berkeley is broken in, i'd love to hear your impressions how the Berkeley compares to the Ear Acute...thank you
chayro
2,989 posts
 
Branislav wrote"
"Once your Berkeley is broken in, i'd love to hear your impressions how the Berkeley compares to the Ear Acute...thank you"

Yes, I would too. I found it a little curious that you would write that the Ear sounded better, but you are continuing on with the BADA as if you presume an outboard DAC has to sound better than a one-box player. That's not necessarily true. Have you tried changing the tubes in the EAR? They make a big difference.
More to discover