My Beresford TC7520 DAC initial impressions. 56K, abandon hope all ye who enter.
Jun 7, 2009 at 3:30 AM Post #33 of 64
again, the 7520 does not appear to be built by any western company.

the 10 model is the base (it seems) and the 20 seems to have a usb plugin where an spdif port used to be.

big deal. this is not a reinvention of any dac tech - its simply 'velcro integration' of sorts.

if you really 'need' this dac, get the $100 version and add in your own usb/spdif converter. for a LOT less.

but again, there's nothing special about this $100 dac. its probably similar to any cd player you'd buy - no better but probably no worse, either.

just nothing to write home about. yawn.
 
Jun 7, 2009 at 12:15 PM Post #34 of 64
Thought I'd chime in. I've owned the TC-7510 (TEC) for about 2 years. It's served its purpose well and for the price I paid ($125) I think it's worth it; much better than my xtrememusic (but that's not saying much I guess). I got a CK2III amp a year ago but I found the built-in amp sufficient to drive the K601 so got rid of it. Granted, I haven't listened/heard too many other DACs (owned a Fubar, listened to a DAC1 and E-mu 1212) but I'm under the impression that unless you DIY, it's hard to beat this if you find it in the sub $150 range. I think a USB>Spdif converter box is next on my list. The multi-source nature of the unit definitely helps, have a game system hooked up at my study desk.

Edit: And yeah, it's a shame about whole Beresford fiasco. This would be a good bargain unit if it was still sold by the TEC dealer.
 
Jun 8, 2009 at 3:10 AM Post #35 of 64
I have put an order in for the TC7520 model.

I understand it is value for money and certainly not the best DAC on the market.

My CD player has co-axial out and my computer audio will be via toslink. The Beresford DAC provides both options and a simple switching mechanism.

One day (like in one years time) I will sell it on ebay and lose some money and purchase a Benchmark or Bryston DAC.
 
Jun 8, 2009 at 4:25 AM Post #36 of 64
^We're waiting for your impressions
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Jun 11, 2009 at 12:36 AM Post #37 of 64
I've had the 7520 for probably around four months or so, and it really is far worth it's price range. It is really refined for the price and will easily rival $1000 comptetitors imo.

It is unfortunate that Beresford engaged in shameless tactics to garner sells, as this could have gotten the hype without it....now, it will only be appreciated by few rather than many. Hopefully that is a lesson to other manufacturers.
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Jun 11, 2009 at 12:44 AM Post #38 of 64
Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I've had the 7520 for probably around four months or so, and it really is far worth it's price range. It is really refined for the price and will easily rival $1000 comptetitors imo.

It is unfortunate that Beresford engaged in shameless tactics to garner sells, as this could have gotten the hype without it....now, it will only be appreciated by few rather than many. Hopefully that is a lesson to other manufacturers.
smily_headphones1.gif



have you changed out the opamps on them yet? it gets even better when you do and i do agree with you that it easily rivals $1000 competitors especially when you upgrade the opamps. so far i had somewhat of a success with the OPA2132 and i received the LM4562NA's but had distortion problems with those so had to order another pair.

btw, i just created a new group for the Beresford 7520 owners. it is open to anyone who wants to join.
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I <3 my Beresford TC-7520
 
Jun 11, 2009 at 1:08 AM Post #39 of 64
Quote:

Originally Posted by SemiAudiophile /img/forum/go_quote.gif
have you changed out the opamps on them yet? it gets even better when you do and i do agree with you that it easily rivals $1000 competitors especially when you upgrade the opamps. so far i had somewhat of a success with the OPA2132 and i received the LM4562NA's but had distortion problems with those so had to order another pair.

btw, i just created a new group for the Beresford 7520 owners. it is open to anyone who wants to join.
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I <3 my Beresford TC-7520


Haven't touched it since I got it. I just realize that its probably been more like three months since I've had it, but I haven't changed anything. How has op swaping changed them? I particularly like the fact that it is a warm yet detailed source, I don't want to lose that.
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Jun 11, 2009 at 1:15 AM Post #40 of 64
yep, i agree the stock opamps have a really nice natural sound to them. Beresford recommends the LM4562NA, didn't get a really good listen with those due to the distortion problems i had with a bad pair. but the OPA2132's i installed added more warmth but better detail and dynamics; much more punch and impact. for example drums, cymbals, and other instruments were much more in your face rather being distant. it's a bit too bassy for my taste though.the OPA2132 turns the 7520 into overdrive. i posted some impressions on another thread i created just for opamp rolling with the 7520 here:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/ber...olling-426598/
 
Jun 11, 2009 at 9:01 AM Post #41 of 64
I'm really enjoying my 7520 with AKG k272hds. Gives an accurate sound with, for me at least, perfect tonality balance-right amount of everything. Don't like it with HD600 combo too much though, for that I prefer my tube amps.
 
Jun 11, 2009 at 11:17 AM Post #42 of 64
quality of sound this toy produces is terrific
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especially in duet with denons d2000. even my beyers dt880 `03 had to step back...
 
Jun 14, 2009 at 6:27 AM Post #43 of 64
u guys think the tc 7520 would be kinda overkill (as in spending too much) for low impedance headphones like the sennheiser hd 595, since it costs more than the headphone itself? or will it really make a noticeable difference in the 595s?

and how do u guys think the amp in the tc 7520 compare to the litte dot I+ amp or the little dot mkII? if i paired one of these up with the tc 7520 would that make a big difference in sound quality or would i have to spring for somethin bigger like the mkIII to make it worthwhile?
 
Jun 14, 2009 at 8:03 AM Post #44 of 64
Quote:

Originally Posted by TLY /img/forum/go_quote.gif
u guys think the tc 7520 would be kinda overkill (as in spending too much) for low impedance headphones like the sennheiser hd 595, since it costs more than the headphone itself? or will it really make a noticeable difference in the 595s?

and how do u guys think the amp in the tc 7520 compare to the litte dot I+ amp or the little dot mkII? if i paired one of these up with the tc 7520 would that make a big difference in sound quality or would i have to spring for somethin bigger like the mkIII to make it worthwhile?


Its just different than the LDs. Hard to explain but I like both Beresford and the LD. And 7520 is cheap, it should be more expensive than the cans. If you won't like the head out (which I doubt) you can still use it as a DAC for your pc or dvd player or ps3.
 
Jun 14, 2009 at 9:14 AM Post #45 of 64
yep...it's just different. it's way better than your average built-in headphone amp. when i compared it to the LK MKIII, it wasn't better or worse. it was just SS vs. tube. very clear and quite detailed while driving my Grado's.
 
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