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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

Showing 8 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Esstrand,
The American distributor for Yamamoto is Ratoc Systems.com they're in Santa Clara, CA. I've read very good things about the Auralic DAC and I know it has more features and flexibility. When it comes to pure sound quality the Yamamoto will compete with the very best.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 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,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Cerrot,
Based on the responses posted here some would disagree. It's hard to
know what someone else will prefer given we all hear differently and have
individual taste. A friend who I trust finds the Berkeley is some what clinical
and analytical, someone else would say that he's completely wrong. This is
just how subjective matters go.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Not every DAC suggested is in the 1500.00 price range, and I wouldn't assume that a component is superior simply because of higher cost. Generally speaking you pay more to achieve better sound, however there are certainly exceptions to that in high end audio. Subjectivity being what it is, what may sound better for you may be deemed worse to another listener.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Cerrot,
You can believe what you want, thats fine. My point is that in high audio end there's no direct correlation with higher cost results in better sound quality. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It's certainly conceivable the NAD M51 may sound better than the Berkley DAC to some listeners. What makes your ears better than Sabai's? We all realize this is all purely subjective and not absolute. There would be an expected difference of opinions between these two components. Afriend of mine heard the Berkley DAC and was unimpressed, that doesn't mean that another person would disagree and say it's fantastic, just how it goes.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Cerrot,
With all due respect, Sabai clearly stated he "owned" the Berkley DAC (as well as AMR and EMM which are even more expensive!) so money obviously is`nt an issue for him. You seem hung up on the price of an audio component and its review status,them say "me, I like to listen". Well if your conclusions are based on listening as you claim,reviews and price should be irrelevamt for you.I haven`t heard eithe the NAD M51 or the Berkley(have you heard the NAD?). Sabai has"owned" both and made a decision,he prefers the NAD. Why is that difficult to except?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Two DACs,two different listeners with their individual systems=two opposing opinions. There`s nothing unusual about that,they may prefer different wines and automobiles as well. I love the many choices available in audio components,something for everyone.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Essrand,
Which ultimately do you prefer, the NAD direct or the Triode DAC-preamp route if you can only have one?
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