Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 2 MQA

For sale is a Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 2 MQA. This model remains a great value and one of the best DACs money can buy, particularly with the MQA software upgrade which improves even the sound of non MQA redbook CDs and 96/24 files. The 2016 review in The Absolute Sound captures the qualities of this DAC well – CD sound is amazing and higher resolution just gets better from there; transient response across the spectrum is among best in class; and it delivers rich treble detail while still giving a very relaxed, glare free presentation. The net effect is a very fatigue free and captivating digital listening experience. The bass of the Berkeley is another quality unsurpassed in impact and richness, even by much higher priced DACs.
I have used MQA and non MQA versions of both the original Reference and the Reference Series 2, and can say both the MQA upgrade and the 1 to 2 difference are quite significant and easily heard. I have also had good success running different Berkeley DACs directly into my amplifiers, particularly over the balanced outputs. The volume control and output stage are good enough in my opinion to beat the sound of anything except ultra high-end preamplifiers, and you can’t beat the cost savings!
The Alpha DAC Reference 2 has two S/PDIF inputs (BNC coax connectors), one balanced AES/EBU, and a Toslink Optical input which is useful for connecting 3^rd generation Apple TVs for bringing video in from PCs, etc. and having your audio go to the DAC. The Berkeley DACs do not directly input USB, but you can purchase an Alpha USB “isolation device” that can interface between USB and AES/EBU, which is a very good method to integrate streaming USB devices. The Alpha USB adds further smoothness and soundstage to the presentation.
Being a more minimalist design, the Berkeley also does not decode SACD (DFF files, etc.) Where I had occasion to use these, I just used conversion software to convert to PCM – and anyway, the PCM material in the streaming catalogs has kept me more than happy via this DAC.
Buyer pays shipping. Will consider discount for local pickup near San Diego – I am 1 hour from Los Angeles.
Specifications:
Input sampling rate: 32kHz-192kHz
Input word length: 24-bit
Inputs: AES/EBU, SPDIF on BNC (x2), TosLink
Outputs: Balanced on XLR jacks, unbalanced on RCA jacks
Output level: Variable: 6.15Vrms at 0dBFS (balanced); 3.25Vrms at 0dBFS (unbalanced)
Digital volume control and balance: 0.1dB steps, 0.05dB L/R balance, 60dB range
Remote control: Volume, balance, input selection, absolute polarity reversal
Digital filter: Custom, user selectable
THD+N: <–110dBFS at maximum output
Dimensions: 17.5″ x 3.5″ x 12.5″
Weight: 30 lbs.