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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
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Essrand and Soix,

The NAD M51 sounds great right out of the box. I would say a couple of hundred hours should do it. The NAD benefits greatly from system changes -- power conditioning and cabling in particular. You really need to optimize it to appreciate what it is capable of -- which is a lot more than I ever anticipated. I am still astonished at what it does after owning DACs from $5,000 to $12,000.
essrand OP
297 posts
 
Hi Sunandmusic,

Thanks for pointing me to the Audio Note DAC kit website, did not know an existence of something like this.

Today I went to the California Audio Show and saw a 500000$ Audio note system. Nice to know a DIY Audio Note exists for ordinary people like me.

Prob will not get the DAC, but when I get into 300B might check it out.

Thanks again.
essrand OP
297 posts
 
This weekend has been busy, so have not got a chance to do an A/B with Benchmark DAC HDR, but the NAD sounds great straight out of the box, think its beats the Benchmark already.

Sabai, am curious what USB cable worked wonders for you.

Am also bit hesitant about spending 500$+ on a power conditioner just yet. Will a cheap MONSTER CABLE HTS1000 (<100$) do the job. Seems highly recommended by Marc Salvatore (http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Accessories.html#ClB).
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,893 posts
 
I just got the NAD M51 and it's awesome....After spending the last week with it all I can say it was money well spent. It was the final (for now anyway) piece in an almost complete system upgrade. I love the remote volume, polarity,and source selection that it offers, not to mention it's the best sounding source I've ever owned. 24 bit recordings sound incredible but all material sounds great through it. It pretty much had everything I was looking for, not cheap but worth every penny. Stereophile Class A+ $$$ recommended and was in the company of products five to ten times the price.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Essrand,

I don't do USB. I have a PS Audio transport. I spin discs. The old fashioned way.

Oddiofyl,

I second your observations.
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