Berkeley Alpha USB Series 2

I recently purchased a Berkelty Alpha USB Series 2 re-clocker / digital-to-digital converter (DDC).  It is amazing!

Up until now, I had my laptop connected directly to my DAC via an Audioquest USB cable -- and it sounded very good.  But my DAC has an optional CD transport, which sounds better.

I do not want to have to constantly get up to change CDs.  I like having all of my purchased songs at my fingertips.  And that is when I discovered a way to use my laptop’s USB output to feed my DAC’s AES/EBU input.

There several good DDCs out there to choose from.  The Berkeley series got the best reviews.  Not a single reviewer found something to complain about -- and so I made my purchase.

The Series 2 is in the middle of the line.  There is a "Reference" model that costs 2x the price.  I could not find any reviews.  And since I also had to purchase a quality AES/EBU cable, and a quality power cord, and I do not have briefcase full of cash, I played it safe with the Series 2.

No regrets.

Berkeley offers an upgrade program.  So if I discover that the Reference model is significantly better, I might pay for the upgrade.

If you are using a computer’s USB port to play your digital music, then get a good DDC.  Same thing if you have a streamer and you are using its USB output.  Get a good DDC.  Your ears will thank you.