Is the Berkeley Reference 2 still a great DAC?

**mdp632** · January 18, 2019, 07:59 AM

Over past few months the new MSB products have been conversation in terms of digital and DACs.

However, is the Berkeley Ref 2 still a competitive product at its price point?

**Mike** · January 18, 2019, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

Over past few months the new MSB products have been conversation in terms of digital and DACs.

However, is the Berkeley Ref 2 still a competitive product at its price point?

Nope. Reasons why coming soon.

**Randy Myers** · January 18, 2019, 09:23 AM

New model?

**Mike** · January 18, 2019, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

New model?

We will have to wait and see. We just can’t order any more REF2 DAC’s.

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**mdp632** · January 18, 2019, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

We will have to wait and see. We just can’t order any more REF2 DAC’s.

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To that end; perhaps a new model that has built in network streaming and a Roon endpoint. But, removes all the legacy ports.

**Mike** · January 18, 2019, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

To that end; perhaps a new model that has built in network streaming and a Roon endpoint. But, removes all the legacy ports.

Wishful thinking.

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**mdp632** · January 18, 2019, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Wishful thinking.

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I know but, one can dream right? Seems like the trend is bye SPDIF, AES and soon USB. Hello; network rendering.

A self contained DAC without more boxes and cables to add network functionality makes sense in 2019.

But, again just my opinion.

**Mike** · January 18, 2019, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

I know but, one can dream right? Seems like the trend is bye SPDIF, AES and soon USB. Hello; network rendering.

A self contained DAC without more boxes and cables to add network functionality makes sense in 2019.

But, again just my opinion.

That’s definitely the way to go.

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**aKnyght** · January 18, 2019, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

...A self contained DAC without more boxes and cables to add network functionality makes sense in 2019.

But, again just my opinion.

+1 ...my opinion as well. i am somewhat regretting recently buying a dac w/o network connectivity/rendering - but only for that reason.

**kzhtoo** · January 19, 2019, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

I know but, one can dream right? Seems like the trend is bye SPDIF, AES and soon USB. Hello; network rendering.

Yep. No doubt about it.

**nicoff** · January 20, 2019, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

I know but, one can dream right? Seems like the trend is bye SPDIF, AES and soon USB. Hello; network rendering.
...

Slim Devices's Squeezebox was so ahead of its time!!

**MikeCh** · January 20, 2019, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by nicoff

Slim Devices's Squeezebox was so ahead of its time!!

They really were.

**skater1950** · January 24, 2019, 01:25 PM

Yes... New model is coming, all I was told is it was being called " New Technology DAC". Should be ready the first quarter 2019. ( Oh!... that's now)...It is going to use the same (great) box as the current reference DAC.....but to answer your question, the Berkeley Audio Reference MQA DAC is still a great DAC ... Network rendering is the way to go , but is it wired network or fiber optic connection???

**joeinid** · January 25, 2019, 01:33 PM

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

It’s nice to see them move forward but let’s see how long it takes to deliver.

**mdp632** · January 25, 2019, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by skater1950

Yes... New model is coming, all I was told is it was being called " New Technology DAC". Should be ready the first quarter 2019. ( Oh!... that's now)...It is going to use the same (great) box as the current reference DAC.....but to answer your question, the Berkeley Audio Reference MQA DAC is still a great DAC ... Network rendering is the way to go , but is it wired network or fiber optic connection???

I wonder if this “new technology “ is an FPGA running their algorithm.

**rjc1845** · January 25, 2019, 03:03 PM

New Reference 3 is on the Berkeley website.

http://www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com/a...ence-series-3/

**asindc** · February 14, 2019, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

That’s definitely the way to go.

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Originally Posted by aKnyght

+1 ...my opinion as well. i am somewhat regretting recently buying a dac w/o network connectivity/rendering - but only for that reason.

Originally Posted by mdp632

I know but, one can dream right? Seems like the trend is bye SPDIF, AES and soon USB. Hello; network rendering.

A self contained DAC without more boxes and cables to add network functionality makes sense in 2019.

But, again just my opinion.

I'll play a bit of devil's advocate here. Any Streamer/DAC combo that I'm aware of needs a NAS set up. With a dedicated streamer like most Aurenders, you can store your files on the Aurender itself without the need for external storage. I like the simple elegance of that.

**mdp632** · May 26, 2019, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by rjc1845

New Reference 3 is on the Berkeley website.

http://www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com/a...ence-series-3/

Has anyone heard the Ref 3 yet? is it even shipping?

**CPP** · May 26, 2019, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by asindc

I'll play a bit of devil's advocate here. Any Streamer/DAC combo that I'm aware of needs a NAS set up. With a dedicated streamer like most Aurenders, you can store your files on the Aurender itself without the need for external storage. I like the simple elegance of that.

Oh I like simple. A NAS , which i have is just a pain at times. More connections equal more wires, getting to be a mess. I guess as I get older, simple sure is ah, simple.

**Kuoppis** · May 26, 2019, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by mdp632

Has anyone heard the Ref 3 yet? is it even shipping?

Err, still no USB or Ethernet...

Does anyone have an idea what it retails for?

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**CPP** · May 26, 2019, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Err, still no USB or Ethernet...

Does anyone have an idea what it retails for?

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No USB no Ethernet all for a cool $22,000

**Mike** · May 26, 2019, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by CPP

No USB no Ethernet all for a cool $22,000

No comment.

**mdp632** · July 8, 2019, 05:27 PM

Has anyone seen or heard the Reference 3 yet?

**Mike** · July 8, 2019, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by mdp632

Has anyone seen or heard the Reference 3 yet?

Yes, they just started shipping. Still no estimate on REF2 to REF3 upgrades.

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**mdp632** · November 29, 2019, 02:04 PM

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...log-converter/

Reference 3 Review

**Justin** · January 17, 2020, 11:18 AM

Any others heard Ref3? I just took demo of one. Will have lots of time to observe this weeknd. Have owned a Ref1 with MQA for some time. Initial impression is quite positive. More texture, more organic, better bottom end. More musical. More dynamic. It’s still warming up.

everyone tells me to go MSB but I guess it wasn’t quite love at first sight when I demo’d a loaded up Reference months ago. Clearly a great DAC though.

just curious if anyone else has heard Ref3. Thanks.

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