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Thanks for the info and yes I'm aware there is supposed to be some sort of preference by the Berkeley guys for Spectral amplification, along with MIT cables, but Spectral just isn't in the cards for me. I see you are using Levinson with your BADA, which model(s)? I just want to make sure I don't end up with a "bad match" of output level/input level and run into clipping/anemic sound or any other possible negatives.

Hello fellow enthusiasts, I recently caught the 2-channel bug in a big way and I am in the process of putting together my first true "high-end" 2-channel system. My DAC/Pre is the Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 2 and I had previously been using it with a Parasound Halo A23, driving the A23 directly via the Berkeley balanced outputs. Speakers are Focal Electra 1038BE. I have sold the A23 and am in the process of shopping around for a new amp to be used with the Berkeley driving it directly. My question is how do I go about matching the balanced output level/output impedance of the Berkeley with the input sensitivity/input impedance of any particular amp? The Berkeley specs list it as having a balanced output level of +12dBu recommended and +18dBu maximum. There is no mention of an output impedance. What specs on an amp would make a good match with the Berkeley? I have my eye on a McIntosh MC452 which is listed as having 4.2V balanced (for rated output) input sensitivity and a balanced input impedance of 22,000 ohms, but would this be a good match with the Berkeley? Assuming that +12dBu is 3V and +18dBu is 6.1V -- and the McIntosh requires 4.2V to reach maximum output, but Berkeley recommends +12dBu or lower, is this a bad match or am I mis-understanding how this all works? Thanks for helping to enlighten a relative 2-channel newb!

Have you reviewed the Alpha Series 2 yet? Wondering how much better it is than the Series 1, and what specific differences/improvements in sound quality there are. I am also interested in what you think of the Alpha DAC Series 2 compared to the Weiss DAC202. Being that in your review of the 202 you say that it schools the Alpha Series 1 -- I am dying to know if you think the Series 2 is on the same level as the 202. If not, then I'll look at other competitors... such as the Resonessence Labs Invicta.

Interesting. Thank you for your comparison. I will also be using a USB -> SPDIF converter just not the Berkeley USB. Care to name some suggestions? The problem with casting my net wider is that it'll cost me double the money to buy at this level brand-new. My current budget is $3-$3500 used or $3000 new. That is already stretching it... if I start looking at BADA2's, Weiss DAC202's etc... then my cost will be around the $4500-$6000 mark.

Thanks for the replies guys. The reason for only 2 options is as AudioExplorations described... I am buying on the used market. This is the only way I can afford to get into this level of DAC. Unfortunately that means my options may be a bit limited by what is currently available to me in the market. I mean... I could grab a Bryston BDA-1 for half the price of either the ZG+V or BADA. I've heard the BADA is quite superior to the BDA-1, though. Another option I suppose would be a brand-new NAD M51 DAC... again much cheaper than either the ZG+V or BADA. Sigh... decisions, decisions!!! Has anyone hear both the BADA 1 and ZG+V and can comment on their preference between the two? Is the BADA 2 really that much better than the BADA 1?

Hey guys I have the opportunity to land either an Antelope Zodiac Gold & Voltikus PSU or a Berkeley Audio Designs Alpha DAC (Series 1). The Zodiac/PSU combo will cost me $600 more than the BADA. I haven't heard either DAC and won't be able to before I buy. I've read great reviews for both, but more for the BADA (some extremely positive reviews for it). However the BADA is getting older now so I'm wondering if the ZG+V would be the better sounding option. I have a Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 Asynch USB -> AES/EBU between PC and DAC already and will be using that with whichever DAC I get. Would be great if someone happens to have heard both DAC's in question and could provide some insight. From the reviews of the ZG+Voltikus (especially 6moons); I'm getting the impression that the ZG+Voltikus is more on-par with the BADA Series 2/Weiss DAC202 and the BADA Series 1 is more on-par with the Weiss DAC2/Minerva. Makes me think I should grab the ZG+V. What would you guys do?