Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB MKII vs. Berkeley Alpha DAC 2?

I have compared the two side by side (as did the client that traded in the BC 3.5 mkII for the Alpha Dac series 2). It was fairly obvious which was the better component sonically - I haven't heard better than the Alpha Dac II / Alpha USB combo and many "in the know" say the same thing.

Seattlehifi - can you go into more detail as to the differences you heard between the two DACs? Where was the Berkely superior and/or the BC inferior, and did the BC have the VBS power supply? Also, are you a dealer or do you have any affiliation with Berkely? Just checking, and thanks for your thoughts.

Soix,

Yes, I am a dealer and that is how the comparison came to be. I brought the berkeley pieces (Alpha USB as well) to the client's home for him to audition side-by-side. The differences were readily apparant to both the client and I. Since I am reminded time and time again on these forums how everything is subjective and my ears and preferences may be different than yours - I would strongly encourage all reading this to perform their own side-by-side comparisons.

Plus, you'd have to recreate the client's room, take into acount all cabling, misc. equipment, computer, drives, software, speakers, etc. In other words, many factors could have contributed to our impression.

Just to be fair, I was also a Bel Canto dealer a few years ago (eVo gen2 series, PL-1, PL-2, etc.) and back then Bel Canto was outsourcing the manufacturing of it's HT and digital pieces. Anyway, I do not know if Bel Canto has brought the digital in-house for the micro stuff but the pedigree of both companies is worth considering.

I would familiarize yourself with the story of how the Berkeley came to be, who is responsible, and why it is very different than anything else out there in the marketplace.

Best,
Seattle Hi-Fi