Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Series 2 D/A Converter

“The original Alpha DAC was a groundbreaking product, both in absolute performance and in its spectacular value. The Alpha DAC Series 2 is considerably better, and in musically significant ways.” “The Alpha DAC Series 2 would have received my highest recommendation had it cost $15,000. Yes, it sounds that good. That it sells for $4995 qualifies as a minor miracle.” — Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound, February 2012

• The Alpha DAC Series 2 employs new clocking and isolation technologies that provide enhanced imaging precision, timbrel purity and resolution.
• Unequaled interpolation technology up-samples 44.1kHz CD’s to provide almost 176.4kHz quality and produces superb fidelity at all sampling rates from 32kHz to 192kHz
• IR remote control of all functions including volume and balance allows direct connection to power amplifiers
• Advanced input signal jitter rejection

Control & Indicators

• Input selects AES, SPDIF1, SPDIF2 or Toslink inputs
• Lock LED indicates input signal lock
• HDCD LED indicates HDCD code detected
• Phase sets absolute phase
• Invert LED indicates absolute phase inverted
• 3 digit LED display of Stereo/L/R attenuation, Sampling Rate and Filter type
• ± controls set attenuation level and select Filter type
• Mode selects Stereo/L/R attenuation, Sampling Rate and Filter type display modes
• Dim selects multiple display brightness levels

Specification

• Input sampling rate: 32kHz to 192kHz
• Input word length: 24-bit
• Two channel analog stereo outputs: XLR balanced  and RCA unbalanced
• Digital Inputs: AES – Single XLR 110Ω; SPDIF1 – BNC 75Ω; SPDIF2 – BNC 75Ω; Toslink – optical
• HDCD decoding detects 16-bit flag at 44.1kHz or 24-bit flag at all sampling rates
• Multiple digital filter options
• Balanced analog output level: +18dBu maximum, +12dBu or lower recommended
• Unbalanced analog output level: 3.25Vrms maximum, 2Vrms or lower recommended
• Digital attenuation & balance control: 0.1dB/step with .05dB/step trim, 60dB range
• Frequency response at ≥ 88.2kHz sampling rates: ± 0.1dB from < 0.1Hz to 35 kHz,  – 3dB at 59kHz for 176.4kHz and 192kHz sampling rates
• Distortion at recommended levels: all products ≤ -120dBFS
• THD+N at maximum level: < -110dBFS
• Firmware field upgradeable through signal inputs
• Enclosure dimensions: 1.75”H X 16.5”W x 10.4”D, 19″ rack mount option
• Weight: 9 lbs.
• Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector
• Power consumption: 25W, designed for continuous operation