The 18 Greatest Bargains in High-End Audio (TAS 197)

7. Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC ($4995)

The Golden Ear and Product of the Year Award-winning Alpha DAC is not only one of the best-sounding digital-to-analog converters, it’s also an amazing bargain. In addition to world-class decoding of CD sources, the Alpha DAC can handle any sampling rate to 192kHz and word lengths to 24 bit. Its robust analog output stage and variable output level allow it to drive a power amplifier directly. This feature is significant, because the Alpha DAC is capable of such resolution, timbral purity, and dynamics you’ll want to hear it without the limitations of a preamp in the signal path. When used at its best—fed by true high-res sources from a music server, and driving an amplifier directly—the Alpha DAC delivers stunning resolution of the finest musical detail, throws a spectacularly large and well-defined soundstage, and plays back music with gorgeous tone color and purity. A reference-quality product at a moderate price. (Reviewed in TAS 189)
www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com

8. Audio Space Reference 3.1 (300B) integrated amplifier ($3990)

This beautifully finished integrated coaxes 21Wpc from a pair of 300Bs operated push-pull. It also includes a decent phonostage. The volume control can be bypassed via a Direct input. On rare occasions, after only a few musical bars flow by, certainty sinks in. That is exactly what happened to DO with the Reference 3.1—a case of love at first listen! Expect extreme soundstage transparency coupled with crystalline clarity. Truly high-definition sound when used in the high-bias setting, on a par with the best solid-state can offer but with a spatiality solid-state rarely approaches. The 3.1 performed surprisingly well in the bass, though don’t expect much current into low-impedance loads. Substitute vintage triodes for an instant sonic upgrade. DO’s nomination for Product of the Year. (Reviewed in TAS 194)
www.audiospace.com.hk

9. Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD player ($1799)

The Azur 840C shatters the price/performance equation in CD playback with sound quality that’s competitive with $6k players, standing out for its ease, smoothness, resolution, dimensionality, and stunning spatial presentation. The 840C’s technology is also different than its competitors, with custom digital filtering that upsamples to 384kHz/24-bit, dual-differential DACs, a beefy custom transport, and a massive power supply. In fact, the digital filter algorithm is supplied by Anagram Technologies, which is also used in the $60k Soulution CD player. The 840C, which won our 2007 Product of the Year Award, is characterized by a smooth, suave, and sophisticated treble that fosters immediate musical involvement. Moreover, its midrange and treble are extremely clean and free from grain, glare, and hardness. Soundstage depth and dimensionality rival players costing $10k. The bass is extended and tuneful, but not as deep and dynamically expressive as some similarly priced machines. A great CD player at an unbelievable price. (Reviewed in TAS 174)
www.audioplusservices.com

10. Kimber Kable 4TC/8TC speaker cable ($268/$400) and Hero interconnect ($200)

Yielding only a tiny bit in control, top-end transparency, and detailing to PS’s reference, Hero’s bass lives up to its name, prodigious in amplitude and definition. Dead neutral, with dynamics at once powerful yet finely resolved in an essentially grain-free presentation. The 8TC speaker cable has that elusive ability to remain musical no matter what is happening fore or aft, ideally mediating detail, liveliness, tonal neutrality, and dynamic contrasts within a very realistic, holographic soundstage.  (Reviewed in TAS 138, 146)
www.kimberkable.com

11. B&W 685 stand-mount loudspeaker ($650)

If you’re looking for an affordable small speaker that offers excellent overall tonal balance, remarkable rhythmic authority, a large and open soundstage, bass response that defies size, and an extended treble response, WG’s experience suggests that the B&W 685 may be your ticket to ride. This British-designed, Chinese-made two-way plays loudly without strain and, thanks to a forward-firing port, can be mounted on a wall, shelf, or stand with good results. A slight lingering edginess in the very upper treble makes it both exciting to listen to as well as slightly sharp with female voices. A 2007 Product of the Year Award winner. (Reviewed in TAS 176)
www.bwspeakers.com