Berkeley dac1 versus Esoteric K-03

Isolation and very minimal conditioning.
I've seen used Berkeleys at very reasonable prices.
If you buy a 1 make sure it's a later 1 because the early 1 could not be converted to a 2 if you decide to do that.
Although if you want a 2 it would probably be cheaper to just buy one rather having it converted.
Would be very interested in hearing the new Berkeley DAC.

Cerrot,
Curious about the transport and digital IC you were using with the Berkeley.

Owned both Berkeley DAC's. IMO: The "2" was slightly kinder and gentler than the "1". For the money I thought both were very good but preferred the "1" very slightly because of its additional slam factor.

Have not heard the Reference.

My isolation is quite a bit simpler. Three inch thick maple platform on spikes on a Billy Bags table also on spikes to the floor. A couple of VPI bricks on top for mass loading and Herbie's Tenderfeet under DAC. Worked great on the Berkeleys.

Although I no longer own a Berkeley DAC, they are exceptional on HDCD playback.