Any updates to the Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 2 coming ? ...

[Bruce B]

I assume the Playback Designs is much more expensive than the Berkeley Alpha?

The MPD-3 is the same price.

 

[jap]

Hi Bruce,

I appreciate the advice. My friend in not computer savvy to do audio from his computer at this point. Maybe in the future. He is looking for a DAC that has a great volume control to save him from buying/using a preamp. He is using a Bel Canto (two versions back) now, but wants to move up the ladder dac-wise.

If your friend isn't into DSD, he should listen to the Aesthetix Pandora VC DAC.

 

[joeinid]

If your friend isn't into DSD, he should listen to the Aesthetix Pandora VC DAC.

He's not. I will check it out. Thank you for the recommendation jap. I think if it has tubes, he will not want it.

 

[MarinJim]

He's not. I will check it out. Thank you for the recommendation jap. I think if it has tubes, he will not want it.

I have converted back to tubes!

 

[joeinid]

I have converted back to tubes!

Do tell ....

 

[MarinJim]

Do tell ....

Modwright 105 tube mod for source.

 

[NorthStar]

Modwright 105 tube mod for source.

---- I just knew it! :b ...That's why I didn't say anything before.

* Is that make it also a 'Tubed DAC'?

 

[MarinJim]

---- I just knew it! :b ...That's why I didn't say anything before.

* Is that make it also a 'Tubed DAC'?

Yes indeed. And upgraded linear power supplies, Bybee Music Rails, Furutech IEC.

 

[NorthStar]

Yes indeed. And upgraded linear power supplies, Bybee Music Rails, Furutech IEC.

---- I know Joe is already interested. :b

But then, he's swimming with EMM Labs gear and DAC, plus all that cool jazz.

 

[Mike]

The MPD-3 is the same price.

I heard both today. They are both very good, but the MPD-3 on dsd (Patricia Barber in concert) was stunning. It had so many "I feel like I'm there" moments.

 

[NorthStar]

I heard both today. They are both very good, but the MPD-3 on dsd (Patricia Barber in concert) was stunning. It had so many "I feel like I'm there" moments.

---- Which one; 'Companion'?

 

[Mike]

---- Which one; 'Companion'?

I don't know; I'll find out. I may pop along to the Green Mill to see and hear her on Monday nights, assuming she still plays.

 

[Mike]

I don't know; I'll find out. I may pop along to the Green Mill to see and hear her on Monday nights, assuming she still plays.

Patricia Barber piece was probably "Modern Cool."

 

[NorthStar]

-- But 'Modern Cool' is not a live album. ...And it's an album's title, not a song's title.

Is this from patricia-barber.get-music.net/mp3 ?

 

[Mike]

-- But 'Modern Cool' is not a live album. ...And it's an album's title, not a song's title.

Is this from patricia-barber.get-music.net/mp3 ?

The next time I'm in the demo room, I'll find out. All of the songs were impressive.

 

[NorthStar]

I have no doubt; I'm a huge Patricia Barber's fan myself,, got all her musical recording releases too.

 

[MarinJim]

---- I know Joe is already interested. :b

But then, he's swimming with EMM Labs gear and DAC, plus all that cool jazz.

You can't fault Joe's taste in gear!

 

[joeinid]

You can't fault Joe's taste in gear!

Thanks Jim!!!!!

 

[Elberoth]

Got myself a Berkeley Alpha 2 DAC to go with my Berkeley Alpha USB converter.

Some nude images, as I haven't seen many posted around:

PSU. Two separate transformers (probably one for digital and one for the anlog stage) feeding 6 voltage preregulators:

Main PCB. Programable SHARC chip (probably runs the custom digital filter alghoritms), AD 1955 DAC chipset and superb, Ultra Low Phase Noise clock made by Crystek, placed in the direct proximity of the DAC:

Top plate dampened with Dynamat Extreme pads:

All in all - another example of excellent digital audio engineering !

 

[opus111]

Very interesting to see - thanks. My reference for individual 'island' ground planes and glad the pics show this technique so clearly!