Berkeley Audio Alpha USB Reference

Description

My Take: The Alpha USB Reference lifts the Alpha USB's already remarkable performance into the stratosphere. The technology inside it brings many sonic improvements, including more accurate spatial rendering, less background haze, and greater clarity. These benefits apply to Berkeley Audio DACs and to those from other manufacturers alike. I've sold many Alpha USB units to owners of a wide range of other brands. - Galen Carol

Alpha USB Reference Series - 

The Alpha USB Reference Series uses ultra low Phase noise reclocking technology from the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P Plus increased enclosure mass and vibration isolation that produces an unprecedented Level of time domain Accuracy Resulting In dramatically Real Music reproduction.

Introducing the Alpha USB Reference Series -

The Alpha USB Reference Series is a noise isolating, reclocking digital audio interface with an asynchronous USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input optimized to connect to modern high speed, low latency USB 2.0 High Speed Audio drivers. It has selectable coaxial SPDIF or balanced AES/EBU digital audio outputs.

The USB input is galvanically (DC), capacitively and inductively isolated from the digital audio output which is re-clocked using the proprietary ultra-low phase noise clock technology in the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P. The result is an unprecedented reduction of time and frequency domain noise and dramatically improved audio realism.

The Alpha USB Reference Series also builds on the strengths of the Alpha USB Series 2 with proprietary USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input software optimized for modern high speed, low latency USB 2.0 High Speed Audio drivers. The result is very significantly improved audio quality.

The Alpha USB Reference Series has a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input data connection and switch selectable output signal type – either coaxial SPDIF using a 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES/EBU using an XLR connector. Sampling rates up to 192kHz and word lengths up to 24-bit are supported. 

Great care was taken in the design of the Alpha USB Reference Series to isolate streamer/server noise on the USB input from the AES/SPDIF digital audio output. The USB input receiver and processor are powered by the USB input source, while the AES/SPDIF digital audio output ultra-low phase noise master clocks and line drivers are powered by a separate isolated linear power supply. There is also no DC connection and a very high degree of capacitive and inductive isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output.

Three key factors combine to achieve the unmatched audio performance of the Alpha USB Reference Series; ultra-low phase noise audio output master clocks using the same technology in the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P, high speed, low latency input software and an unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output 

Controls & Indicators -

Output Select: switch selects SPDIF or AES/EBU type outputs

Status LED: Green indicates USB Lock, Amber indicates Standby

Specifications -

• Input: USB Audio 2.0 Standard asynchronous connection, type B receptacle
• Outputs: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF on 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES/EBU on 110Ω XLR connector
• Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz to 192kHzSupported word lengths: up to 24-bit
• Supported operating systems: Apple, Windows and Linux
• Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5.38”D, 2.88”H including feet
• Weight: 2.8 lbs.
• Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector
• Power consumption: 3W, designed for continuous operation