I had the Berkeley Alpha (non-reference) DAC, then the Alpha (non-reference) 2 DAC which sounded smoother, though slightly less detailed than the Alpha 1. It took me a while to appreciate the 2 as an improvement, but after I got used to the 2 (couple months) I reinserted the first version (which I still had) and greatly appreciated the Alpha 2’s more analogue sound. Then I upgraded to a Berkeley Alpha Reference 1 and - wow - what an improvement in every way. Just a great sounding piece of audio gear. But then I went to using a music server, and the Berkeley DACs didn’t do DSD so I moved on.I’m super happy with my Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference 2. I’ve had it for two days and can’t stop listening. I have to admit I cannot hear a $18k improvement over my Audio Alchemy DDP-1. But I’m not surprised because the Audio Alchemy was given absolute rave reviews with almost every reviewer remarking that for its price it competes very well with DACS many times it’s cost. So I’m really happy. I also think it looks absolutely fab in my stereo setup.
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I went from a Berkeley Alpha DAC2 MQA to a Berkeley Ref 3 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. Very analogue yet detailed sound.
I had the Berkeley Alpha (non-reference) DAC, then the Alpha (non-reference) 2 DAC which sounded smoother, though slightly less detailed than the Alpha 1. It took me a while to appreciate the 2 as an improvement, but after I got used to the 2 (couple months) I reinserted the first version (which I still had) and greatly appreciated the Alpha 2’s more analogue sound. Then I upgraded to a Berkeley Alpha Reference 1 and - wow - what an improvement in every way. Just a great sounding piece of audio gear. But then I went to using a music server, and the Berkeley DACs didn’t do DSD so I moved on.
Never tried a Reference 2 but I’m sure it sounds wonderful. Enjoy in good health !!!
FWIW my system at that time my system was Ayre cx-7e MP CD player, Berkeley Alpha/Alpha 2/Reference 1 DAC, Ayre KX-R 20 preamplifier, Classe CA-M600 monoblocks, B&W 800 D2 speakers. I look back on that system fondly, so much so that I fried three of the D2’s tweeters playing so loudly (single with no kids at the time). Even though I was in the warranty period B&W told me I had to start buying any more blown tweeters And on to a whole new system I went ....
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