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Berkeley Audio Design
®
Alpha DAC
®
Reference Series 3
The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 has breakthrough technology that redefines the potential
of digital audio quality. In addition to its unprecedented PCM audio quality, the Alpha DAC
Reference Series 3 also features MQA Rendering of unequaled audio quality. Please take a
few minutes to familiarize yourself with this User Guide before connecting power to the Alpha
DAC Reference Series 3.
INSTALLATION
The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 should be installed in a space with several inches of
clearance above, behind and on both sides of the chassis to provide adequate ventilation.
Avoid placement directly above other equipment that produces significant heat.
NOTE: Due to
the very high thermal mass of the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3, please allow 12 hours
after first powering on before performing critical listening.
Power Connection
The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 is designed to run continuously when connected to AC
mains power to maximize audio fidelity. There is no power switch and as soon as AC power is
connected the unit is powered on. Units for sale in the United States are set internally for
120VAC operation. Your Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 dealer can select 240VAC operation
for use outside of the United States by resetting an internal switch in the power supply.
NOTE:
If 240VAC operation is selected the internal FUSE MUST BE CHANGED from a .40 Amp
Slow Blow (Littelfuse 0215.400HXP) for 120VAC to a .20 Amp Slow Blow (Littelfuse
0215.200HXP) for 240VAC.
If the fuse fails it must be replaced with the same value and type.
Failure to do so will void the warranty.
Signal Connections
Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 Rear Panel
The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 has four two channel digital signal inputs:
AES
- XLR
connector, 110Ω termination;
SPDIF1
- BNC connector, 75Ω termination;
SPDIF2
- BNC
connector, 75Ω termination;
TOSLINK
- optical connector.
High quality cables with the correct impedance for each input should be used. For the best
possible audio fidelity only one input at a time should be fed with an active signal.
The Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 has four analog signal outputs -
RIGHT
and
LEFT
balanced on pin 2 positive XLR connectors and
RIGHT
and
LEFT
unbalanced on RCA
connectors. All outputs are always active and may be used simultaneously. IR remote control
of all functions including volume and balance allows direct connection to power amplifiers. The
analog outputs are designed to drive long cable lengths and connecting directly to a power
amplifier avoids any loss of fidelity from routing signals through a preamplifier.
