1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 197200-71961

Berkeley Alpha (Series 2 or Reference) v. Mutec MC3+ USB

I have seen breadcrumbs and old comments related to this topic, but not clear, current, and deep commentary on this: Have folks used both the Mutec MC3+ USB and the Berkeley Alpha USB (either Series 2 or the seemingly mysterious Reference model) as a USB -> AES/EBU converter, and any opinion on sound quality differences?   I have the Mutec and really like it, bettering the performance of direct USB into very nice digital and tube dacs. (Only negative on the Mutec is the somewhat garish explosion of bright lights on the faceplate, if one cares about an aesthetically pleasing rack!).  But wondering if I am missing anything in the pricier Berkeley Audio Design products. Thanks.

mathiasmingus
mitch2
4,750 posts
 

The Mutec MC3+ is both a reclocker and master clock while I believe the Berkeley is just a reclocker.  If you don’t use the master clock, then no need to limit yourself to just those two as there are several DDCs out there that could do a nice job for you like the Singxer SU-6, Innuos Phoenix USB, Denefrips Gaia, Gustard U18 or U26, and others with a variety of features and specs. I have no idea how those would compare to the Mutec.  I owned the Denefrips Hermes (and had interface problems) and the Singxer SU-6, which is currently working great in my system.

mathiasmingus OP
54 posts
 

Thanks.  Yes, just need the DDC part.  Not all of those have AES/EBU out (e.g. Innuos). I had gleaned that Mutec and Berkeley were the leaders for SQ in pure USB -> AES conversion, so just mentIoned them. But happy to have my info corrected!

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,584 posts
 

I also use a Mutec MC3+USB.    I use it to convert USB to Coax and run all my digital sources into it.   Also have it synced to a 10M clock ,  along with my CD transport's 10m connection.  Works great even "poor" sources like TV sound great.  

 

 

More to discover