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Allo Digione Signature + LPS vs. Berkeley Alpha USB to SPDIF Converter?

I'm currently running a Mac Mini + JKSPDIF Mk3 USB->SPDIF + AMR DP-777 SE DAC and am looking at either upgrading the JK to Berkeley Alpha USB or simplifying to an Allo DigiOne Signature + Shanti or other LPS.  Anyone have experience with the Allo and Berkeley?  Or Berkeley vs Singxer SU-6?

I also have an Audiophilleo + PurePower in a different system that I've tried with this setup and it sounds really good.  JK is too soft and smoothed out while AP without PP is too hard in the upper midrange; AP + PP strikes a good balance.  I'm just assuming the Berkeley would be a step up vs AP based on reputation.  I've been out of the game for several years and haven't tried any of the newer dedicated streamers.  Ultrarendu would be a consideration but I need SPDIF to use the superior tube output of the AMR. 
eugene81
eugene81 OP
263 posts
 
I'm going to answer my own question in case anyone else finds themselves in this situation.  The Alpha USB is better and it's not close.  I can see why people rave about it.  Just more natural and refined, more 3D and more inner detail.  It combines the best traits of the Audiophilleo + PurePower, Wavelength Wavelink, Weiss INT202, and Empirical OffRamp 5.  Fantastic.

The Digione Signature performs very well at its price point.  VERY clean sounding, but not harsh.  But, it produces unnatural leading edge definition to my ears and soundstage is a bit flat.  In one of my two systems it also produced a peculiar inverse fisheye/concave perspective where performers to the sides of the stage are a bit forward while middle performers are recessed.

Also, I found that the Shanti linear power supply brings a significant improvement to the Raspberry Pi 3B+ USB output so I kept that combo to replace my venerable Mac Mini.

I also preferred my Audiophilleo + PurePower to the Allo Digione Sig.  Again, more natural and refined sounds and soundstage.
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
You prefer SPDIF to USB on the AMR?
melm
1,057 posts
 
Interesting thread. Thank you for your impressions.

But I would have the same question. The conventional wisdom is that on a DAC of your quality, the USB input outperforms the spdif.

But one never knows in audio. On the advice of someone I respect I recently found a 1M $7,99 toslink cable to outperform a $130 spdif one. But I am eventually looking for a USB solution. In any event, a renderer that gets the music files completely out of the computer.

Until I can find an I2S one.
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