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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
essrand OP
297 posts
 
Its been 20 days with the NAD M51.

Its awesome (only if you connect directly to the amp).

When I connected the NAD to my preamp (Triode TRX-1), I preferred (very slightly) the Triode DAC (TRV-DAC 1.0SE) that costs $2500, due to some tube mid-range sweetness.

It maybe that my pre-amp is still not completely burnt-in.
It could also be the cabling: since I have Stager silver from DAC to Pre-amp , but JIB acoustics copper from DAC to Amp. When comparing the two.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Essrand,
Which ultimately do you prefer, the NAD direct or the Triode DAC-preamp route if you can only have one?
essrand OP
297 posts
 
Charles1dad, am still trying to figure it out. Will report back soon after more listening.

I love this hobby. At the end of all your "troubles" you are listening to music!
essrand OP
297 posts
 
After hours of playing jazz piano with a CD transport and multiple A/B/A switching. I realized I preferred the triode DAC with the Triode TRX-1 Pre-amp over the NAD M51.

The piano sounded a bit dry with the NAD, but sounded so sweet with Triode that it got my head bobbing to the caress of Ahmad Jamal fingers on the piano.
pbrennan
36 posts
 
For $2.5k, the berkeley dac is a steal. I own one, and it has been providing me with outstanding music playback for years.
I will say that what you use as source, (I'm using an apple G5 with a lynx card and amarra) and a good power conditioner, (audience AR6TSS) allow it to really shine. It is truly outstanding, and I feel fortunate to be able to make use of it. Only thing is, they've just released the reference dac.
What can I sell to afford it? The grass is always greener.
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