Berkeley dac1 versus Esoteric K-03

Cerrot,
Since getting a usb-to-spdif converter, I find that hi-rez sounds better than cd in the transport but ripped cd's from the PC still sound inferior to cd's via the transport. Have you auditioned any good usb-to-spdif converter in your system? I am using an iFi iLink converter to my K-01 coax input (bnc). The iPower that sits between the pc and the converter helps considerably in cleaning up the usb signal by separating power from the music signal. Cheers!

Jon, no. There is no way I would ever use any sort of USB output for audio. My hires does sound better than redbook and ripped cd better than the new, though I don't use a pc for burning. I use an alesis master link. I had a friend bring over CDs she ripped from her pc and they were pretty poor. Puters are a noisy place, jon.

Hello Cerot. Your words "emotional impact is what it's all about" very neatly sums things up. Reviewed your excellent system. Have you ever tried a Sound Application a/c product?

Hi Ptss, Thank you for the compliment. I have not tried sound application. I did hear Igor Kuznetspff's 'K Works' line conditioner at the NY Show and was quite impressed and may order one (for my amps) as they are into the wall now. I am lucky with fairly new home, good electric, and great block for power usage (as there is hardly anyone on it!).

Cerrot, wanted to check up on your joy with the K-03.
You were clear about the emotional impact improvement it provided. Do you know why the K-03 is so much better? Did you ever get to try/hear the Alpha 2. I find it fascinating that our replay ability is still improving what with all the talk of parts per million distortion or error for a few years now.
Esoteric has been known for ultra precision manufacturing and matching, rigidity and vibration attenuation, mass and extreme attention to power supplies for some time. What factors made the K-03 unique?