Hey gang. I've been following this thread for a while, as I ordered a TC-7510 mk6 a few weeks ago and have been anxiously awaiting its arrival and a verdict on the performance of this DAC. My plan was to replace my Cambridge Audio 640C (v1) with the Beresford, hoping that it would have better performance for my CD playback, that I'd be able to improve the sound of my computer audio as well, and finally that I could pocket a few dollars in the process.
Today was my first day with it, and after about 10 hours of break-in, I'm sad to say, it doesn't outperform the 640C. The two are quite close, and I'd say the difference is fairly subtle, but after several hours of auditioning, I'm quite certain that I have ascertained a difference, and it's simply not as good. Tonally, it's a smidge brighter than the Cambridge, which is already possibly a bit brighter than absolute neutrality. Detail-wise, it's a bit gritty in the highs - less smooth, and lacking the resolution and naturalness of the 640C. This difference is clear when you quickly A/B the two, but I'm fairly sure it would be noticeable in the long run without the A/B'ing as well. I feel that this lack results in the performance being less smooth, comforting and absorbing as it should be. I didn't notice any detail differences in the rest of the spectrum though. On the plus side, the soundstage and separation may be just a smidge better on the TC-7510 than the 640C.
I'm realllly hoping this shortfall goes away with another several dozen hours of burn-in, but I'm not entirely optimistic. However, even failing to bridge that gap, I still may consider keeping the DAC and selling the Cambridge. If the TC-7510 can come close enough where I feel the differences would only be noticeable with a quick A/B comparison, and too subtle to be a bother on their own, I just may keep it anyways. I really want better audio for my computer and the flexibility of a DAC, and I could really use every extra dollar in my pocket that's possible. No, I'm not an audio weenie - I have very high standards; I'm just a poor student.
I'll update in a few days, gang. Rock on...