{"product_id":"alpha-dac-series-3p-reference","title":"Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row sqs-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-10 span-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" id=\"block-2fcaba592b1838e71c20\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-html-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P Reference Digital-to-Analog Converter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the company’s flagship reference digital-to-analog converter, engineered around exceptionally low time-domain distortion, ultra-low phase-noise precision clocking, proprietary RF isolation and extremely low-noise digital processing. Rather than chasing headline sampling-rate numbers, Berkeley concentrates on the accuracy of the conversion process itself—preserving transient information, spatial relationships, timbre and low-level musical detail. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P accepts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24-bit PCM from 32kHz through 192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, provides AES\/EBU, dual 75-ohm BNC S\/PDIF and Toslink digital inputs, and delivers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. Its precision digital volume control also allows the DAC to connect \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edirectly to a power amplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, eliminating a separate preamplifier when appropriate for the system. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfected Technology \u0026amp; Time-Domain Accuracy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe defining development in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Series 3P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is Berkeley Audio Design's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfected Technology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley's engineering focus is specifically on time-domain accuracy. The company argues that conventional distortion measurements do not fully describe the loss of transient, spatial and timbral information that can occur during digital conversion. The 3P platform therefore attacks noise, jitter, RF interference and timing errors throughout the signal path rather than relying on a single DAC-stage improvement. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is Berkeley's most advanced implementation of the Alpha DAC Reference architecture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProprietary RF Waveguide Isolation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA major advancement over the previous Reference Series 3 is Berkeley's new \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eproprietary RF waveguide isolation technology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe architecture is designed to prevent radio-frequency energy from contaminating sensitive conversion and analog circuitry. Berkeley specifically attributes the 3P's improvements in imaging precision, timbral purity and resolution to this new RF isolation technology. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not simply a firmware revision of the Series 3. The RF isolation implementation is one of the fundamental hardware changes behind the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3P designation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUltra-Low Phase-Noise Precision Clocking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDigital conversion depends heavily on accurate timing. Berkeley equips the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eultra-low phase-noise precision clocking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e optimized for each supported PCM sample-rate family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision clocking operates at:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e44.1kHz • 48kHz • 88.2kHz • 96kHz • 176.4kHz • 192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe specified input tolerance is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e±100 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe objective is not merely maintaining digital lock, but reducing timing uncertainty before conversion so that transient structure and low-level spatial information are preserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAES\/EBU, Dual BNC S\/PDIF \u0026amp; Toslink Inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P provides four dedicated digital inputs:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAES\/EBU — 110Ω XLR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS\/PDIF 1 — 75Ω BNC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS\/PDIF 2 — 75Ω BNC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToslink optical\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll support PCM input rates from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e32kHz through 192kHz at up to 24-bit resolution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNotably, Berkeley does \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e place a conventional USB input inside the Reference Series 3P. For USB-based music servers, Berkeley offers the separate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlpha USB Reference Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which converts asynchronous USB to precision-clocked AES\/EBU or BNC S\/PDIF while providing extensive electrical isolation between the computer\/server and DAC. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-usb-reference-series?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a reference system, that separation keeps USB processing and its associated electrical environment physically outside the DAC chassis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR \u0026amp; RCA Analog Outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P provides both \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebalanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum balanced output is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e+18dBu \/ 6.15Vrms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley recommends \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e+12dBu \/ 3.1Vrms or lower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for normal balanced operation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum unbalanced RCA output is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3.25Vrms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley recommends \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2Vrms or lower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for normal unbalanced operation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis adjustable output structure allows the DAC to integrate correctly with a wide range of preamplifiers and power amplifiers rather than forcing every system to operate at one fixed output voltage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirect-to-Amplifier Operation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P incorporates a high-resolution \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edigital volume and balance control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60dB operating range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume adjustment is available in precise \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.1dB increments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while independent left\/right gain trim provides \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.05dB resolution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat precision allows the Reference Series 3P to function as the digital control center of a minimalist reference system, feeding a compatible power amplifier directly without requiring an additional analog preamplifier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA Rendering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P includes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA Rendering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e capability. Berkeley's current specification identifies MQA rendering along with multiple selectable digital-filter options. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley's documentation for the underlying Series 3 architecture specifies automatic detection of an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA Core-decoded signal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with rendering extending to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e384kHz and above\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis distinction matters: the Berkeley is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA Renderer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, rather than being described by the manufacturer as a complete MQA decoder for a raw undecoded MQA stream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHDCD Decoding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P also retains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHDCD decoding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley specifies detection of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e16-bit HDCD flag at 44.1kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24-bit flag at all supported sampling rates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat makes HDCD functionality particularly useful for owners of large legacy CD and ripped-disc libraries containing HDCD-encoded recordings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMultiple Digital Filter Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley provides \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emultiple selectable digital filters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, allowing the reconstruction filter to be optimized according to source material and system preference. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe filter selection is integrated with the DAC's front-panel control and display architecture rather than requiring external software configuration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Low-Level Linearity \u0026amp; Distortion Performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P's published measurements reflect Berkeley's focus on conversion accuracy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt recommended output levels, Berkeley specifies distortion of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e≤ -120dBFS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt maximum output level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHD+N \u0026lt; -110dBFS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt sample rates of 88.2kHz and above, frequency response is specified at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e±0.1dB from below 0.1Hz to 35kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, extending to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-3dB at 59kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with 176.4kHz and 192kHz source material. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurpose-Built PCM Architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne unusual aspect of Berkeley's engineering philosophy is its treatment of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDSD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference Series 3P is fundamentally a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePCM DAC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Berkeley intentionally does not perform conventional DSD-to-multibit conversion inside the DAC. Instead, the company advocates extremely high-quality DSD-to-PCM conversion at the music server or computer before the signal reaches the DAC. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis keeps the additional DSD conversion processing—and its associated electrical activity—outside the DAC's sensitive conversion circuitry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor Shopify and SEO, I would \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enot describe the Reference Series 3P as a native DSD DAC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. That would misrepresent Berkeley's deliberately different design philosophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMechanically \u0026amp; Electrically Isolated Reference Construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Reference platform is built around extensive electrical, mechanical and thermal control. Berkeley uses \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaerospace-grade ceramic circuit-board materials in critical areas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the enclosure is precision machined from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esolid billet 6061-T6 aluminum alloy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe chassis weighs \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30 pounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e despite measuring only 17.5 inches wide, reflecting the substantial mechanical construction used to isolate the conversion circuitry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eField-Upgradeable Firmware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirmware is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efield upgradeable through the DAC's signal inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, allowing Berkeley to update the digital platform without requiring conventional computer connectivity inside the component. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley also states that the previous \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlpha DAC Reference Series 3 can be fully upgraded to Reference Series 3P specification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, demonstrating the company's emphasis on maintaining the Reference platform over multiple generations. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P Technical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlpha DAC Reference Series 3P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Digital-to-Analog Converter \/ Digital Preamplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInput Format\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePCM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInput Sampling Rate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e32kHz–192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInput Word Length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24-bit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision Clocking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUltra-low phase-noise\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClocked Sample Rates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e44.1 \/ 48 \/ 88.2 \/ 96 \/ 176.4 \/ 192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInput Tolerance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e±100 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAES\/EBU Input\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × XLR, 110Ω\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS\/PDIF Inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2 × BNC, 75Ω\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptical Input\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × Toslink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSB Input\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNone — Alpha USB Reference Series available separately\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnalog Outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR + Unbalanced RCA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXLR Polarity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePin 2 positive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Balanced Output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e+18dBu \/ 6.15Vrms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Balanced Output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e+12dBu \/ 3.1Vrms or lower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum RCA Output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3.25Vrms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended RCA Output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2Vrms or lower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume Resolution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.1dB steps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL\/R Gain Trim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.05dB steps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume Range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60dB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQA Rendering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHDCD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDigital Filters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMultiple selectable options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequency Response ≥88.2kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e±0.1dB, \u0026lt;0.1Hz–35kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHF Extension at 176.4\/192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-3dB at 59kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistortion at Recommended Levels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e≤ -120dBFS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHD+N at Maximum Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026lt; -110dBFS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirmware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eField upgradeable through signal inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChassis Material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision-machined 6061-T6 aluminum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e17.5\"W × 12.5\"D × 3.5\"H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30 lb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAC Mains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100 \/ 120 \/ 240VAC, 50\/60Hz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications are based on Berkeley Audio Design's current Reference Series 3P product information. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-dac-reference-series-3p?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Series 3P + Alpha USB Reference Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a server such as an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAurender N50, N30SA or N20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the Reference Series 3P can be connected directly using AES\/EBU or 75Ω BNC S\/PDIF. For USB-only or computer-based sources, Berkeley's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlpha USB Reference Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e provides the dedicated USB interface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Alpha USB Reference Series accepts asynchronous USB Audio 2.0 and outputs either \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e110Ω AES\/EBU or 75Ω BNC S\/PDIF\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, supporting up to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24-bit\/192kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its USB input circuitry and digital-output circuitry are electrically isolated, with the output clock and line drivers powered from a separate isolated linear supply. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com\/alpha-usb-reference-series?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eBerkeley Audio Design\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat pairing is important for customers comparing the Berkeley with DACs that simply include USB internally: Berkeley deliberately treats the USB interface as a separate precision component rather than adding it inside the Reference DAC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P at The Grid HiFi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is built for digital systems where conversion accuracy, clocking, electrical isolation and system architecture take priority over feature count. Pair it with a reference music server such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAurender N50 or N30SA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, premium amplification and a properly engineered digital connection to create an exceptionally focused high-end digital front end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Grid HiFi can design the complete Berkeley Audio Design system around the appropriate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emusic server, AES\/EBU or BNC digital connection, preamplifier or direct-amplifier configuration, amplification and loudspeakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsidering the Alpha DAC Reference Series 3P? Call The Grid HiFi at (713) 218-8120 to build the complete reference digital system around it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Berkeley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54229383348561,"sku":null,"price":34000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1047\/7178\/0945\/files\/Reference_3_Web_Front.webp?v=1783275533","url":"https:\/\/gridhifi.com\/products\/alpha-dac-series-3p-reference","provider":"The Grid","version":"1.0","type":"link"}