Berkeley Audio Alpha USB 2.0 Interface

Description

MY TAKE: A remarkable product and highly recommended any application where a USB output is connected to a DAC (whether or not the DAC is a Berkeley). The Berkeley Alpha USB isolates source noise from the DAC and re-clocks using very high-quality clocks to optimize performance.  - Galen Carol

Introducing the Alpha USB Series 2

The Alpha USB Series 2 is a noise isolating, reclocking digital audio interface with asynchronous USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input software optimized to connect to modern streamer/servers with a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio output.

The Alpha USB Series 2 builds on the strengths of the Alpha USB with new 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 Series 2 has a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input data connection and a switch selectable output signal type – either coaxial SPDIF using a 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES 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 Series 2 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 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 Series 2; new high speed, low latency input software, an unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output and very low phase noise/low jitter individually tested audio output master clocks.  

The Alpha USB Series 2 is designed to work with modern Linux based music servers and Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers. For Linux, the operating system must be ALSA 1.0.23 or above and also have the ability to select the output device. Apple computers using Snow Leopard or later operating systems interface directly with the Alpha USB Series 2 as do PC’s using Microsoft Windows 10 release 1703 and above.

REVIEWS:
 

The Absolute Sound: "The Alpha USB effectively isolates the DAC from the source component’s noise. Incidentally, I’ve tried the Alpha USB with many other brands of DACs, and it has always resulted in a significant sonic improvement over using the DAC’s integral USB input. In some cases, the Alpha USB has completely transformed the sound of a DAC, even a very expensive one." - Robert Harley

"The Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB is a breakthrough product that not only overcomes the limitations of the USB interface but provides a state-of-the-art method of getting audio out of a computer. Moreover, the Alpha USB makes this reference-quality performance available to nontechnical music lovers who have a Macintosh and a DAC." - Robert Harley, Stereophile
 

HiFi+: "Plugged between a MacBook Pro and an APL DSD-S DAC, the change was remarkable. This excellent DAC had a jump in performance. Sounds that were already extremely open and natural sounding became that bit more natural and open sounding. The timing of this good, but sometimes perhaps a little laid-back DAC snapped into greater focus, the already quiet DAC just got that bit more chilled out in background noise resolution. Using it with the Melco N10 also made a big difference, but one that is relatively minor next to the huge change it makes when with off-the-shelf computer.

Those who hold out against USB-based audio because think it unfit for purpose. The Shunyata Research Alpha USB cable represents the last time that argument can be made with any validity. Put simply, it makes USB sound better!" - Alan Sircom - Full Review

Audiophilestyle: "...At that point, I decided to stop the search for the ultimate USB/SPDIF converter. After trying 14 different designs from all price points, I simply felt that there is nothing that could surprise me anymore. As it later turned out - I was wrong!

"During a dinner I had with Chris on his trip to Europe in November, Chris suggested me to try the Berkeley Alpha USB he reviewed for Computer Audio. He also offered me help in contacting Berkeley people, as my first attempts a few months earlier were unsuccessful (there is no Berkeley distributor in Poland).

"Berkeley Alpha USB showed up a few weeks later at my doorsteps, and literally – had blown me away, both with its sonics and quality of engineering behind this product." - Member, Elbroth

Ratings of all 15 units:

The final shootout score is as follows:

Matrix 24/96 - 60
Hegel HD2 - 65
Musical Fidelity V-Link II - 75Stello CDT-100 - 7
Bryston BDP-1 - 80
Halide Design The Bridge – 80 (+5 when powered from SOtM USB card)
M2Tech HiFace Evo - 80
Stello U3 - 85
JK SPDIF Mk3 - 90
M2Tech HiFace Evo + Evo Supply - 90
Soulution 590 – 90 (+5 when powered from SOtM USB card)
Audiophilleo 1/2 - 95
dCS U-Clock - 95 (+5 when used with dCS DAC and the Clock Link feature enabled)
Empirical Audio Off Ramp Turbo 5 - 95
AP1 with the PurePower battery PSU - 95 (borderline 100)
M2Tech HiFace Evo + Evo Supply + Evo Clock - 100
dCS Scarlatti CD/SACD transport - 100 (+5 when used with dCS DAC and the Clock Link feature enabled)
Berkeley Audio Designs Alpha USB – 110

Read the full review

CUSTOMER COMMENTS:

"Hi Galen,Just one word - INCREDIBLE!!! Worth every penny. Many thanks," - Paul
 

CONTROLS & INDICATORS:
 

• Output Select: switch selects SPDIF or AES type output
• Status LED: Green indicates USB Lock, Amber indicates Standby

SPECIFICATIONS:
 

• Input: High Speed USB 2.0 connection - type B receptacle
• Output: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF - BNC, 75A or balanced AES type - XLR, 110A
• Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz,192kHz
• Supported word lengths: up to 24 bit
• Supported operating systems: Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows
• Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5”D, 2.55”H including feet
• Mains power: 100 or 120 or 240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector
• Power consumption: 3 Watts line, 1.5 Watts USB, designed for continuous operation