Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

09-10-14: Erikminer
Matt.. The first review of the new Berkley Reference Dac was just posted on Computer Audiophile.. I don't think you should read it ...

He has had a longstanding love affair with Berkley as has the audio press. What has changed from a design and/or sonic standpoint?

09-10-14: Audioengr
"Could that be BS since they sell the pricey outboard unit?"

IMO, yes. Implementation is everything.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

+1

Steve,

IMO, yes. Implementation is everything.

While I cannot agree more with you, sometimes implementations are not correct by initial design concept. I personally cannot approve the use of any Op Amps on the signal path. Yes you are using Op Amps for I/V conversion, but the Berkeley example has them all the way, from DAC chip to output.

Further more, claiming that S/PDIF is best as well as DSD to PCM conversion (even done by a computer) is way out of line, at least in my experience.

There are many recording engineers who will confirm that DSD even converted to DXD at 352.8kHz/24bit is inferior to pure DSD, not to talk about 176.4kHz/24bit conversion that really truncates DSD.

Another point will be their claim that 99% of the current production D/A converters are using multi-bit configurations inevitably is a false statement. There are many DACs built around Burr-Brown/TI devices that feature 4 sets of FIR filters for the purest DSD to Analog conversion possible.

Lastly, it is always strange to me that, most audiophiles are professionals in certain field, but they never fail to give "expert opinions" for audio. Just amazing! :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

As music servers become more robust and user friendly I believe computers may become less prominent for an audio source and USB may go away.

I think that more reference DAC manufacturers may avoid a USB input over time if music servers become the reference level, fluid user interface source that they should be.

Interesting times.

+1....

09-10-14: Almarg
Steve, I'm surprised at your question.

What I'm talking about is the fact that depending on the quality of the design digital noise can couple between different parts of the circuitry in a component, via grounds, stray capacitances, etc. Potentially/theoretically resulting in increased jitter at the point of D/A conversion, and/or effects on analog circuitry.

Where did you get your EE degree?

BSEE Columbia University
MSEE Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

+ 33 years experience designing and managing design of analog, digital, A/D, and D/A converter circuits for defense electronics.

In any event, the bottom line on both of our posts is the same: Implementation is what matters.

Regards,
-- Al
Almarg (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Almarg, Very Classy reply!