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Berkeley DAC Series 1, anything better 2.5K$

Hey guys,

I am about to plunge for a used Berkeley DAC Alpha Series 1 that will set me back by $2200.

I have heard it in comparison with Benchmark and there is no comparison. I did A/B test it with the Series 2, but did not think the difference was worth paying 3000$ extra.

However before taking the plunge I was wondering if there are any other DACs < 2.5K that might beat the Series 1 (its pretty old).

There are so many DACs and so little time so thought someone hear might be able to help. Am I making a big mistake overlooking the new kids on the block (QuteHD or Yamamoto) that might outperform the venerable Berkeley Alpha Series 1.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.
essrand
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Not every DAC suggested is in the 1500.00 price range, and I wouldn't assume that a component is superior simply because of higher cost. Generally speaking you pay more to achieve better sound, however there are certainly exceptions to that in high end audio. Subjectivity being what it is, what may sound better for you may be deemed worse to another listener.
Regards,
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for". Granted, there are some sily deals out there but, for the most part, excellent sound will cost a few dollars more than mediocre sound. The key is the ability to tell the difference.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Cerrot,

The NAD M51 easily beat the Berkeley series 1 in my system.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Cerrot,
You can believe what you want, thats fine. My point is that in high audio end there's no direct correlation with higher cost results in better sound quality. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It's certainly conceivable the NAD M51 may sound better than the Berkley DAC to some listeners. What makes your ears better than Sabai's? We all realize this is all purely subjective and not absolute. There would be an expected difference of opinions between these two components. Afriend of mine heard the Berkley DAC and was unimpressed, that doesn't mean that another person would disagree and say it's fantastic, just how it goes.
Charles,
essrand OP
297 posts
 
Sabai,

Does your NAD M51 directly connect to the amplifier ?

I was directly connecting the NAD m51 to amp and it was pretty awesome.

But once I got a pre-amp (Triode TRX-1) I feel like the NAD suffers, I have not yet put that to a thorough test, but wanted to check if you bypassed the pre-amp.
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