Overview
The Reference Series Alpha DAC was the product that catapulted the company into the big leagues (in our opinion). Prior to this, their most expensive product was the Alpha DAC at $5,000. With the Reference Series tag, it has morphed to a $16,000 DAC. And with that big increase in price, every level of the original Alpha DAC was raised tremendously. Built and finish is befitting of a product that has five digits in its price tag. Sound quality was also raised several levels with benchmark setting resolution, precision, smoothness and holographic imaging. A truly World class product and one of the best sounding DACs out there. Unit is MQA capable with a sampling rate of 32 kHz to 192 kHz. It has a digital volume control so it can be connected directly to an amp and thus negating the need of a preamp if your sources are all digital. The subsequent Series 2 and 3 that replaced it cost $20,000 and $22,000 respectively, so at our under $5,000 asking price now, this is an audiophile bargain.
Cosmetically, the unit looks great. Minor scuff marks common with use but nothing major. We have the original remote and unit will be securely packed for safe shipping.
