Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

joeinid

joeinid

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Computer Audiophile - Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series Review


This review seems over the top but I understand what a great piece brings to the system. A friend has the Alpha DAC series 2 and absolutely loves it. Thinking for the future I'm torn between this, a Lampizator or the Lumin S1. There was some undeniable goodness when I heard the Lampi in another friends system so maybe sometime late next year it will be a choice between the Lumin S1, Lampi or Berkeley Alpha Reference dacs. I'd love some opinions if you've heard or own the Reference DAC.
 
I've had mine for three weeks (tomorrow). The Computer Audiophile review and Robert Harley's equally over the top review in TAS are spot on - believe every word. :)
 
Joe, I think the Lumin would work VERY nicely as the player into the Berkley Reference DAC. If you note, the new Berkley DAC has a BNC input and you could use the BNC output on the Lumin. This would maintain the TIDAL streaming benefit that the Lumin provides. Meanwhile, you could still run a pair of XLR or SE outputs from the Lumin into another Preamp input and switch between the two.
 
Mike,

That would be a great setup. No computer to worry about. The Berkeley Alpha USB is supposed to be amazing via computer but I think they use JRiver to convert SACD to PCM.
 
joeinid said:
Mike,

That would be a great setup. No computer to worry about. The Berkeley Alpha USB is supposed to be amazing via computer but I think they use JRiver to convert SACD to PCM.
Click to expand...

You can also use the Lumin app to convert DSD to PCM.
 
Even blind squirrels (Valin, Hartley) find a nut every once in a while. Very happy with my BADA Reference, sold the Light Harmonic. Will give a more detailed review later......
 
Awesome! Looking forward to it.

annapolis Raider said:
Even blind squirrels (Valin, Hartley) find a nut every once in a while. Very happy with my BADA Reference, sold the Light Harmonic. Will give a more detailed review later......
Click to expand...
 
The BADA Alpha DAC 2 and Lampi are two very different sounding DACs. Highly unlikely you will like Lampi, if you like the BADA.
 
The Sandman said:
Berkeley recommends using the balanced digital input (AES/EBU). :)
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I'll never be able to afford the Berkeley Ref but just saying....the AES/EBU balanced connection is what I would personally use for any DAC that provides that option.
 
First Impressions on the BADA Reference....

A little backround, IMHO current digital state of the art still misses the best of analog on two marks: 1) reproduction of accurate timbres of instruments especially ones with significant high frequency overtones, 2) reproduction of the soundstage and spacing of instruments within that soundstage.

My experience with the Light Harmonic was a revelation in terms of 2. It was the first digital source in my experience that wasn't Obviously digital in its reproduction of space. While the Light Harmonic had some HF gremlins, the sins were of omission. Overall, I though it was much better than the competition.

Enter, BABA Reference. It was immediately apparent that the BADA Reference was doing something on issue 1 that I hadn't previously heard from Digital. In its own way, the BADA was as much a breakthrough on issue 1 as the Light Harmonic was on issue 2. There is a certain rightness about the best recordings through the BADA Reference. It flatters some of the most difficult to reproduce instruments like pianos and massed strings. Best of all, it didn't matter if it was Redbook or a HD source. The Redbook performance is striking. The BADA makes the format wars conversation almost silly. Now to the fly in the ointment, The BADA does not match the Light Harmonic on reproduction of space. It's no slouch in this aspect, but there is room for improvement compared to the Light Harmonic.

So there it is, for me, overall a new measure of freedom from digital fatigue, and overall the best I've heard

Notes: I'm a PCM only house, I've heard plenty of DSD, just doesn't interest me. Other DACs I've got experience with, (deep breath here) Bricasti (own), Auralic (Own), DCS (friend owns hear it regularly), CH Precision (Friend owns hear it regularly), Accuphase (Demoed in house), Esoteric K-01 (friend owns hear it regularly) EMM Labs (owned before LH, sold), Light Harmonic (owned and sold).
 
Mike said:
Which one do you prefer?
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I prefer the Lampi, as it gets the tone right. The sensation of a performer beeing in the room with you is just uncanny. The BADA Alpha 2 is a little bit too lightweight or thin if you like, to sound real. It is very smooth and resolved though, which apeals to many people.
 
:yahoo1:

:exciting:

Elberoth said:
I prefer the Lampi, as it gets the tone right. The sensation of a performer beeing in the room with you is just uncanny. The BADA Alpha 2 is a little bit too lightweight or thin if you like, to sound real. It is very smooth and resolved though, which apeals to many people.
Click to expand...
 
Just to keep things clear here, the BAD Alpha 2 is 1/3 the price and significantly different sounding than the BAD Reference. Honestly I wouldn't even think to compare the two, order of magnitude difference would be an understatement. I don't at all disagree with the BAD Alpha 2 being light or thin in overall balance.

As to comparing the Bricasti to the BAD Reference, it wouldn't be fair for me to try. The two DACs are currently 200 Miles apart and have never been in the same room. From memory, I found the Bricasti and the Light Harmonic very close in performance. I could see someone picking either of the two depending upon associated equipment and preferences. I would rate the BAD Reference as a couple of rungs up the ladder from both of them.
 
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