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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
arh
366 posts
 
I have the Mytek Stereo 192 DSD Dac. $1595. This is the best dac I have ever heard but I have not heard the Berkely. It has both analog and digital volume control so you can go straight into a power amp or bypass the volumn controls and go into a preamp
Alan
acresverde
394 posts
 
Been considering one myself. The only comment I can make is that you might want to read Jerry Siegel's review of the Prism Audio Orpheus and subsequent review of the Berkeley which he compares to the Prism. The webzine is 10 Audio.
audiooracle
387 posts
 
At $2500 for a used Berkly you are very close to the Auralic Vega which would cost an extra $1k. The Vega would dramatically outperform the Berkley.

In my shop the Vega has beaten almost every other Dac by a considerable margin, it has incredible resolution but it is much warmer and more analog like then the Berkley.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
+1Jond's comments on the Yamamoto YDA-1 DAC. Exceptionally natural, involving and dynamic, it's a music lover's dream. Minimal feature set admittedly, the attention was squarely placed on the analog circuit and power supply. It provides premium music reproduction and is a little known Japanese gem.
Regards,
spinaker01
491 posts
 
Reference to Computer Audiophile site is a good start. They have favorably reviewed (raved) about the original Berkley DAC. Another unit that comes to mind in the same league and price range is the Wiess DAC2 or Minerva (same DAC different packaging)
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