I've been scouring the HF archives through Google but was having no luck finding any information on the following question. Does anyone know if the Berkeley Audio DAC Alpha would pair well with the SR-007s? After spending too many hours digging through reviews for $2-5k DACs, I think I have my heart set on the BADA.
Also, would anyone have any recommendations on good websites to look for used equipment (high-end DACs)? I check Audiogon frequently but the last BADA is going to be removed from listing. It seems like the Minerva is a bit cheaper used, but I like how the comparison reviews say the BADA is more analog sounding than the Minerva. There are a few dealers where I live, but I'd like to prioritize a used unit; I don't want to pester a dealer unless I'm ready to buy new.
I don't meet the posting guidelines for a WTB post on HF yet, and it seems like there have only been a few posted on the HF classifieds. Thanks for any help on this request!
From what I've heard the DAC8 should be very competitive with the Alpha DAC, and one of those is for sale on Audiogon. If you're willing to spend $3500+ on a used Alpha DAC, I would definitely suggest giving serious consideration to the Empirical Overdrive, especially if you want to connect to a computer via USB. The Overdrive has that built in. There's also a Levinson 30.5 there, which is a legendary, two chassis monster of a DAC. Very few companies build em like that today, and the ones that do charge $20 grand.
I do EQ my 007s a bit, but after that, I feel they are very neutral. Add the fact that the driver is so airy and has a lack of presence, it just seems even more neutral. And further add their exceptional layering ability (as opposed to soundstage which actually isn't that wide), then it really feels as if the Stax O2s are just presenting the music as it is. Neutral should feel like there is no discernible character from the sound
