Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC USB Reference

$5,995.00

Noise Isolating, Reclocking Digital Audio Interface

Only available for in-store purchase.

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Product Description

The Berkeley Audio Alpha USB Reference Series Has ultra low Phase noise reclocking technology from the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P Plus increased enclosure mass and vibration isolation. The result is an unprecedented Level of time domain Coherence That Results In dramatically Real Music reproduction.

The Alpha USB Reference Series is a noise isolating, reclocking digital audio interface with an asynchronous USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input optimized to connect to modern high speed, low latency USB 2.0 High Speed Audio drivers. It has selectable coaxial SPDIF or balanced AES/EBU digital audio outputs.

The USB input is galvanically (DC), capacitively and inductively isolated from the digital audio output which is re-clocked using the proprietary ultra-low phase noise clock technology in the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P. The result is an unprecedented reduction of time and frequency domain noise and dramatically improved audio realism.

The Alpha USB Reference Series also builds on the strengths of the Alpha USB Series 2 with proprietary USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input software optimized for modern high speed, low latency USB 2.0 High Speed Audio drivers. The result is very significantly improved audio quality.

The Alpha USB Reference Series has a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input data connection and switch selectable output signal type – either coaxial SPDIF using a 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES/EBU using an XLR connector. Sampling rates up to 192kHz and word lengths up to 24-bit are supported. 

Great care was taken in the design of the Alpha USB Reference Series to isolate streamer/server noise on the USB input from the AES/SPDIF digital audio output. The USB input receiver and processor are powered by the USB input source, while the AES/SPDIF digital audio output ultra-low phase noise master clocks and line drivers are powered by a separate isolated linear power supply. There is also no DC connection and a very high degree of capacitive and inductive isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output.

Three key factors combine to achieve the unmatched audio performance of the Alpha USB Reference Series; ultra-low phase noise audio output master clocks using the same technology in the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P, high speed, low latency input software and an unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output 

The Alpha USB Reference Series is designed to work with modern Linux based music servers and Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers.

A User Guide and 6’ power cord are included with the Alpha USB Reference Series. 

Specifications

  • Input: USB Audio 2.0 Standard asynchronous connection, type B receptacle

  • Outputs: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF on 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES/EBU on 110Ω XLR connector

  • Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz to 192kHz

  • Supported word lengths: up to 24-bit

  • Supported operating systems: Apple, Windows and Linux

  • Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5.38”D, 2.88”H including feet

  • Weight: 2.8 lbs.

  • Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector

  • Power consumption: 3W, designed for continuous operation

Brand

Berkeley Audio Design

Renowned DAC manufacturer Berkeley Audio Design deliver stellar sound quality with products used in both consumer applications and some of the best mastering rooms in the world. Driving all their research and manufacturing is the goal of delivering the best fidelity possible to music lovers and audiophiles while keeping all production entirely in California.

High-quality materials and advanced engineering come together to deliver unprecedented sound through tier amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters. Not only are they known for developing the technology in the Pacific Microsonics Model Two but also for the High-Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) and the new Alpha DAC converter.

Enjoy digital sound like never before with their current line of converters which includes the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3, Alpha DAC Series 3, and Alpha USB. The Reference Series 3 was the SoundStage! 2020 Product of the Year boasting audio quality from 32kHz to 192kHZ, ultra low distortion and direct connection to power amplifiers. The DAC Series 3 earned the 2021 Golden Ear Award for its excellent MQA rendering, ultra-low phase noise conversion clocking and its terrific price point. Last but not least, the Alpha USB is a 4-time the absolute sound Editor’s Choice winner. Supporting high-fidelity sound between 44.1kHz to 192kHz, it’s a great entry level addition for emerging audiophiles.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio and home theater, Overture is a proud dealer of Berkeley Audio Design DACs, selling customers the best DACs from Berkeley Audio Design in Sales Tax Free Delaware. Interested in purchasing a new Berkeley Audio Design component? You can trade-in any brand component toward a Berkeley Audio Design component by filling out Overture's Trade-In Form.

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