rocketiii

Thank you Priaptor that has worked :-)

I have AO in Core mode and used the Service Tool option E to create a shell for Fidelizer Pro. Fidelizer Pro was loaded and running in General Workstation mode prior to using the Service Tool. However, after rebooting I now just have a black screen. The only thing I can do is get Alt/Contl/Del to get to Task Manager. Could anyone advise how to get out of this without being able to see a way to get to Service Tool??

I have JCAT USB cable and JCAT Ref (2 leads) cables. For a long time I had convinced myself that a USB cable would not make any difference. However, the JCAT cables come with a trial period so I thought I would try them. In my system (Berkeley Alpha USB, Berkeley Alpha Ref DAC) I hear better separation of instruments and what I'd describe as the ability of the system to make you 'jump' when an instrument suddenly appears. The JCAT ref USB cable has a separate lead for the 5v and is the cable I now use. It's a bit strange but I believe cables for digital components have a more profound impact that cables connecting analogue components.

I have an Altmann Attraction DAC and Amp which I use as my office system. The Altmann kit is very clean sounding and has no hard edge - this was the reason I purchased it originally. The amp is rather good if you have fairly efficent speakers. Charles' pricing has gone a bit crazy now but was more reasonable when I got mine.

I would certainly purchase AO if it was available for Windows 10. I am still learning about computer audio and WS2012 seems a bit daunting and costly. I currently use a dual PC JPLAY setup with Fidelizer Pro (brilliant application) and Process Lasso. I think Process Lasso and AO combination could really take things forward but I dont really understand Lasso yet despite RTFM. I hope Phil is able to develop AO for Win 10 and I am sure it will be a success.

I am using JPLAY6 in Control/Audio PC setup and the results really are outstanding. I have the Berkeley Alpha Reference DAC and I was very surprised that a software player could have such a profound improvement.

I think Chris is right. I have the Series 1 Alpha DAC and also the Alpha Reference. The Series 1 is now a few years old but remains capable of stellar performance and can be picked up used very reasonably. The Series 2 does offer some improvement over Series 1 but I certainly wouldn't rule out either if you get the chance to listen or purchase. I bought the Alpha Reference after reading Chris' review (I am in UK so couldn't get a demo) and it is every bit as good as the review states. Happy listening with whatever way you go.

Hi Steve, I had been talking to my dealer who is based in Switzerland ( no dealer in UK) since learning of this new DAC some months ago. He mailed me in September to say he was about to take delivery and I said I'd have it. There was a delay as I have been on holiday. So I'm not sure what the timescales are if the dealer has to order for you. I really think it will be worth any wait!

I have the Aplha RS which has now replaced my Alpha DAC Series 1. I think Chris has really captured well the excitement that the Alpha RS DAC can deliver when listening to music. I can't articulate the sound of the Alpha RS DAC as well as Chris can but it is almost irrelevant in my view when you hear recorded music that sounds 'live'. I do enjoy listening to recorded music at realistic levels but the strange thing with this DAC, and I am sure all great systems, is the ability to reduce the level whilst still enjoying an open window to the recording. The Alpha DAC absolutely excells in this respect and in many ways is the most surprising thing I have found with this DAC. Thanks for an informative review and I am thrilled with the way my system is now delivering a 'live music' experience every evening in my lounge!

I have also recently taken delivery of the Alpha USB and I echo the previous comments. I had been using a Hiface USB converter and was happy with the sound from the Alpha DAC. However, using the Alpha USB has taken the system to a whole new level - vastly syuperior to my hi-end vinyl rig and, with the right recordings, as near to 'live' as I've yet heard from my system (Atmasphere OTL amp/Avantgarde Duo horns). I did hesitate at the price of the unit but I'm really impressed with the results and happy that this was money well spent.

Ooops. Looks like I messed up there! Thanks guys. The Buddy Guy/Junior Wells is great music/great recording! I'll have another go at trying to download the Hi-Res version of Raising Sand.

Hi Chris, I am using Windows XP. I have been downloading Hi-Res files from other sites and I think these are all working fine - I can see the blue HDCD light and also if I check the dispaly it shows 96 or higher etc. I also noticed that the files I downloaded were the same size as the CD's - I expected them to be larger. I am new to Computer audio so you may well be right that this is pilot error. The other Hi-Res files I have downloaded are really good - for instance the sample files that came from Ref recordings.

I recently downloaded 2 albums (Robert Plant/Buddy Guy) from HD Tracks that were in the Hi-Res store section of the site. These were badged as 24/96 quality but I see from my Berkeley Alpha DAC that they are in fact just standard 16/44 i.e. CD quality. As I already have both albums on CD I am somewhat disappointed. Has anyone else had similar problems?