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  1. #1
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    Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  2. #2
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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.
    Howard

    Pass Labs XS 300's, XS Pre | Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3, Alpha USB | Aurender W20SE, ACS10 | Magico S7's with MPOD's, QSub 15 x 2 | Shunyata Denali 2000T x 2 with Sigma HC | Audience aR6-TS Incoming... Shunyata Everest 8000 w/ Omega XC | MIT Heritage and Oracle Interconnects and speaker cables | Critical Mass Maxxum rack | Resolution Acoustics custom room treatments

  3. #3
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Uh oh, I'm doomed

    Quote Originally Posted by The Sandman View Post
    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.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Uh oh, I'm doomed
    Not if you buy the Lumin.
    Doug



  5. #5
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  6. #6
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  7. #7
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    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.
    You can also use the Lumin app to convert DSD to PCM.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
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  8. #8
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    You can also use the Lumin app to convert DSD to PCM.
    Didn't realize that! Thanks.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  9. #9
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Berkeley recommends using the balanced digital input (AES/EBU).
    Howard

    Pass Labs XS 300's, XS Pre | Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3, Alpha USB | Aurender W20SE, ACS10 | Magico S7's with MPOD's, QSub 15 x 2 | Shunyata Denali 2000T x 2 with Sigma HC | Audience aR6-TS Incoming... Shunyata Everest 8000 w/ Omega XC | MIT Heritage and Oracle Interconnects and speaker cables | Critical Mass Maxxum rack | Resolution Acoustics custom room treatments

  10. #10
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by dlb2 View Post
    Not if you buy the Lumin.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  11. #11

    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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......
    Turntables: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. NEO, Grand Prix Monaco V3.0
    Tonearms: Acoustic Signature TA-9000 NEO, Kuzma Safir
    Cartridges: Miyabi Fuuga, Ortofon Century, Murashino Sumile Mono
    Phono Amplifiers: CH Precision P1, Channel D Lino 3.3
    Digital: CH Precision C1.2/D1.5/T1, Innuos Statement Nextgen, Luxman D-10X (Loan)
    Amplifiers: CH Precision L10/M10, Parasound JC1+, Gryphon Diablo 333 (Incoming)
    Speakers : Magnepan 30.7x, Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic/Subsonics
    Cables: CAD Ground Controls/USB, Cardas Beyond Clear, Gobel Lacorde Statement
    Accessories: Artesania Exoteryc Racks & Damping Plates, Seismion Reactio, Degritter RC, RPG Acoustic Treatments/PSI AVAA, Torus Power/Plixir Elite BAC

  12. #12
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Awesome! Looking forward to it.

    Quote Originally Posted by annapolis Raider View Post
    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......
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  13. #13
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    The BADA Alpha DAC 2 and Lampi are two very different sounding DACs. Highly unlikely you will like Lampi, if you like the BADA.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  14. #14
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Elberoth View Post
    The BADA Alpha DAC 2 and Lampi are two very different sounding DACs. Highly unlikely you will like Lampi, if you like the BADA.
    Which one do you prefer?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  15. #15
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by The Sandman View Post
    Berkeley recommends using the balanced digital input (AES/EBU).
    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.
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  16. #16

    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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).
    Turntables: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. NEO, Grand Prix Monaco V3.0
    Tonearms: Acoustic Signature TA-9000 NEO, Kuzma Safir
    Cartridges: Miyabi Fuuga, Ortofon Century, Murashino Sumile Mono
    Phono Amplifiers: CH Precision P1, Channel D Lino 3.3
    Digital: CH Precision C1.2/D1.5/T1, Innuos Statement Nextgen, Luxman D-10X (Loan)
    Amplifiers: CH Precision L10/M10, Parasound JC1+, Gryphon Diablo 333 (Incoming)
    Speakers : Magnepan 30.7x, Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic/Subsonics
    Cables: CAD Ground Controls/USB, Cardas Beyond Clear, Gobel Lacorde Statement
    Accessories: Artesania Exoteryc Racks & Damping Plates, Seismion Reactio, Degritter RC, RPG Acoustic Treatments/PSI AVAA, Torus Power/Plixir Elite BAC

  17. #17
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    How does the Reference compare to the Briscatti ?
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  18. #18
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Which one do you prefer?
    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.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  19. #19
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...





    Quote Originally Posted by Elberoth View Post
    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.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  20. #20

    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    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.
    Turntables: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. NEO, Grand Prix Monaco V3.0
    Tonearms: Acoustic Signature TA-9000 NEO, Kuzma Safir
    Cartridges: Miyabi Fuuga, Ortofon Century, Murashino Sumile Mono
    Phono Amplifiers: CH Precision P1, Channel D Lino 3.3
    Digital: CH Precision C1.2/D1.5/T1, Innuos Statement Nextgen, Luxman D-10X (Loan)
    Amplifiers: CH Precision L10/M10, Parasound JC1+, Gryphon Diablo 333 (Incoming)
    Speakers : Magnepan 30.7x, Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic/Subsonics
    Cables: CAD Ground Controls/USB, Cardas Beyond Clear, Gobel Lacorde Statement
    Accessories: Artesania Exoteryc Racks & Damping Plates, Seismion Reactio, Degritter RC, RPG Acoustic Treatments/PSI AVAA, Torus Power/Plixir Elite BAC

  21. #21
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Joe,

    I have been considering replacing my Bryston BDP-2 with the Lumin. Both Mike and Mark are very high on this unit.

    But, also under consideration are the BADA Reference and the Bricasti.

    Annapolis Rider,

    Can you comment more in the differences between the BADA Reference and the Bricasti? I have listened to the Bricasti several times at RMAF. Haven't seen or heard the BADA Ref.

    Thx!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  22. #22
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Hi Mike,

    I love my Lumin A1 and have no intention of getting rid of it. I do confess that I do a lot of streaming and Tidal sounds incredible through it, of course everything else sounds amazing as well. I have not heard the Lumin S1 but have heard the Lampizator Big 7. Let's just say that my friend and I looked at each other in disbelief, it sounded incredible. We knew the system without the Lampi and the improvement was stunning.

    QUOTE=Ritmo;106140]Joe,

    I have been considering replacing my Bryston BDP-2 with the Lumin. Both Mike and Mark are very high on this unit.

    But, also under consideration are the BADA Reference and the Bricasti.

    Annapolis Rider,

    Can you comment more in the differences between the BADA Reference and the Bricasti? I have listened to the Bricasti several times at RMAF. Haven't seen or heard the BADA Ref.

    Thx![/QUOTE]
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  23. #23
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Joe, is that Chez Andy?

    If so, that is the 2 box L7...the Big 7 is another different beast again...
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  24. #24
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Normal - the Big 7 is PCM and DSD compatible? I thought Lukas was dead set against a single box solution. No?
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
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  25. #25
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Yes, PCM and DSD128 is an option. Look at my Avatar, that is my Dac there with the holy grail Phillips Miniwatt metal base GZ34 rectifier from 1956. I also have the vol control (preamp) option. pretty soon DSD256 will be available too. The new L7 uses a new PCB.

    I upload you some pictures from Warsaw.:

    Attached Images Attached Images
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  26. #26
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Thanks Norman. What is the cost of the one in your avatar?

    Also, does it have a BNC input?


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  27. #27
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Absolutely!

    It was undeniably wonderful.

    You'll have to teach me about the different variations.

    Quote Originally Posted by wisnon View Post
    Joe, is that Chez Andy?

    If so, that is the 2 box L7...the Big 7 is another different beast again...
    Last edited by joeinid; December 17, 2014 at 11:54 AM.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  28. #28
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Thanks Norman. What is the cost of the one in your avatar?

    Also, does it have a BNC input?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Not sure about US pricing, but fully optioned up should be about $11K retail (I guess)...that is with DSD, Vol Control and Jupiter/Duelund caps.

    My big thing is the ability to roll the tubes and the fact that you dont even need strong tubes to get it to work. My vintage 101d ST shape output tubes ran me $100 delivered to Ch via Ebay (I see a strong pair listed there now for $1700 a pair). Why...because they were tested weak and assumed not to work for audio. The seller must have been thinking amp duties, but the feeble usage for dacs means thgat the tube need to be completly dead to be useless. Tube rolling can dramatically change the presentation and the permutation of rolling 8 types of rectis and 6 types of output tubes is mind bogglingly fun! The circuit auto balances to a 45 triode setting, 2A3 setting and a 300b setting. Any 5v 2-3 amp recti is usuable.

    You can get almost any conventional connectors you want...forget HDMI and Ethernet, as those are nigh proprietary. Toslink, RCA, EBU/AES/XLR , BNC, are all available...I think you get 2 as standard, ie USB and one other, but the optional additions cost little. You can also get an analog input as well.

    BTW, Lampi got 2 mentions in the PFO awards list: http://positive-feedback.com/Issue76/awards2014.htm
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  29. #29
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    Re: Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Absolutely!

    It was undeniably wonderful.

    You'll have to teach me about the different variations.

    He stopped making the 2 box, as he seems to have defaulted to the Big 7 single box configuration for more streamlined production. He also now uses a dedicated pre-made PCB for each level that cuts the amount of wiring needed and reduces variability. I also settles the matter on tube rectification....no more 2 recti setup on the Big 7.

    Last point is that the Big 7 HeadDac will be a big 7 option going forward, as he told me that the PCB shown above can be Dac only or HeadDac implemented. AL (pal of Andy too) has heard the prototype and is very positive so far.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

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Berkeley Audio Design Reference Alpha DAC Review ...

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