Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Series 3P Digital to Analog Converter
Ultra-low noise reclocking and proprietary RF waveguide technology
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The Alpha DAC Reference 3P is creating waves, and true to Berkley Audio Design's philosophy, it has created a lower priced model that uses most of the cutting edge technology and saves money with a lighter chassis. The design focuses on time domain coherence, preserving the spatial and timbral information that is often lost in conventional digital playback. The result is a presentation that moves beyond sounding technically correct to sounding convincingly real.
At the core of the Series 3P is a suite of proprietary developments, including RF waveguide technology, ultra-low-noise reclocking, and extremely low-noise software. These elements work together to minimize time domain errors and reduce phase noise, allowing the DAC to resolve subtle details in timing, texture, and space with greater accuracy. The emphasis here is not on adding character, but on removing distortions that obscure the original recording.
An onboard volume control means the Alpha DAC Series 3P can be connected directly to power amplifiers, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier in suitable systems. It supports PCM playback from 32 kHz to 192 kHz and MQA rendering to beyond 384 kHz, and can be paired with the Alpha USB reclocking noise isolator for further performance gains. The unit is available with either a silver or black front panel and includes a metal Series 3P IR remote control.
The Alpha DAC Series 3 will continue to be available and can be factory upgraded to an Alpha DAC Series 3P.
Features
- Perfected Technology for enhanced time domain coherence
- Proprietary RF waveguide technology
- Ultra-low noise reclocking architecture
- Extremely low noise software design
- Ultra-low phase noise precision clocking
- Direct connection to power amplifiers
- Multiple digital filter options
- Firmware upgradeable through signal inputs
- All-metal Series 3P IR remote control
- Available in silver or black finish
- Upgradeable from Alpha DAC Series 3
Specifications
Input Sampling Rate: 32 kHz–192 kHz
Input Word Length: 24-bit
Clocking: Ultra-low phase noise precision clocking at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz sampling rates ± 100 ppm
Analog Outputs: Two-channel stereo, XLR balanced (pin 2 positive) and RCA unbalanced
Digital Inputs: AES (XLR, 110 Ω); SPDIF1 (BNC, 75 Ω); SPDIF2 (BNC, 75 Ω); TOSLINK (optical)
MQA Support: Automatic rendering of MQA Core decoded signals to 384 kHz and above
HDCD Decoding: Detects 16-bit flag at 44.1 kHz or 24-bit flag at all sampling rates
Digital Filters: Multiple options
Balanced Output Level: +18 dBu (6.15 Vrms) maximum, +12 dBu (3.1 Vrms) or lower recommended
Unbalanced Output Level: 3.25 Vrms maximum, 2 Vrms or lower recommended
Volume & Balance Control: Digital, 0.1 dB steps with 0.05 dB L/R gain trim, 60 dB range
Frequency Response (≥88.2 kHz): ±0.1 dB from <0.1 Hz to 35 kHz, -3 dB at 59 kHz for 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz sampling rates
Distortion (Recommended Levels): ≤ -120 dBFS
THD+N (Maximum Level): < -110 dBFS
Firmware: Upgradeable through signal inputs
Power Consumption: 25 W
Dimensions (WHD): 16.7" x 2.3" x 10.6" (424.18 x 58.42 x 269.24 mm)
Weight: 11.6 lb. (5.26 kg)
