Unfortunately today advertising dollars spent with a publication directly correlates to glowing reviews (maybe not in every case, but many)! I've seen this with Berkeley, Meridian and countless other brands! I have little to no faith in what reviewers say about a given product! The only thing I trust when choosing a product is my ears in the context of my current system and the environment in which it's used! I purposely don't read reviews of products I'm interested in because I don't want what I may have read to influence my decision! I will typically read the review "after" I have auditioned the product! Sometimes I agree with the reviewer, sometimes not! I have had a few instances where I was at a complete loss to understand what a particular reviewer heard (translated....scream and run the other way...LOL)! TRUST YOUR EARS, NOT SOMEONE ELSE!
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.
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.