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REVIEW: California Audio Labs Alpha 24-96 DAC Processors Review by Sunray at Audio Asylum

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I am so confuse to decide which DAC should I get in this uncertain digital future. For sure I don't want to spend big investment on any digital equipments. In my country unfortunately I cannot audition other well known DAC like Bel Canto, Audio Note Kit 1.1 or Birdland. The only choice I can get is limited to DCS, CAL, EAD, ARC, Altis, SF, North Star Design and VAC. Most of them are expensive so I lean to CAL ALPHA and North Star Design.

Before I upgraded to the ALPHA I own Lehmann's Entec DAC+ for 2 years. I also listened to other 2-piece solid state 24/96 DAC & Upsamplers from North Star Design loaned from a dealer. The North Star is very good DAC in certain areas. The resolution is precised and detailed, quick transient snap, the bass slam is in control and have very solid image. It reminds me of Spectral. The North Star has better performance overall than Entec DAC+ except the Entec DAC+ has better soundstaging depth.

But unfortunately the North Star is not for me, there's something missing...I can't enjoy it...in my system combination the music feels dry and forward.

I finally bought ALPHA DAC and sold my Entec DAC+. Frankly I choose it maybe because of the tube in it, once I heard it I don't think I want to come back for the solid state. It sounds more lively, it gives music more breaths and character. The more listen to ALPHA the more I appreciate its neutral-natural sound quality. Here is what I like about ALPHA very much;

- It gives soundstage layering and depth not always at far behind the back or too upfront
forward, but depends on the recording it potrays stable image mapping back, front, left,
right, makes it more realistic and dimensional.

- About tonal balance :
musically so engaging and but dynamic enough
transparant and clear but silky sweet enough
lots of detail and resolution but smooth enough


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Topic - REVIEW: California Audio Labs Alpha 24-96 DAC Processors Review by Sunray at Audio Asylum - Sunray 20:47:46 08/25/00 ( 2)