Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB 非同步介面

[Leo Yeh]

美國Berkeley Audio Design發表了Alpha USB 非同步轉換介面(asynchronous)，可將USB數位輸入轉成AES、S/PDIF輸出，最高支援到24Bit/192kHz，跟自家的Alpha DAC搭配是最好不過了，美國的零售價為USD 1,695未稅。








Berkeley Audio Design® Alpha USB®
The Alpha USB is an asynchronous High Speed USB to digital audio interface that provides the highest possible audio quality from computer audio sources.

The Alpha USB features a High Speed USB 2.0 input data connection and selectable audio output signal type – either coaxial SPDIF using a BNC connector or balanced AES using an XLR connector. Sampling rates up to 192 kHz and word lengths up to 24 bit are supported.
Great care has been taken in the design of the Alpha USB to isolate the noisy computer/USB environment from the digital audio output. The USB receiver and processing are powered by the computer, while the output master clocks and line drivers are powered by a separate linear power supply.

Two key factors account for the amazing audio performance of the Alpha USB: the unprecedented electrical isolation between USB input and audio output and the ultra low noise/low jitter performance of the custom audio output master clocks.

The Alpha USB is designed to work with both Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers and also works with some versions of Linux.
Apple Macintosh computers using Snow Leopard or later operating systems have a High Speed USB Audio Driver that interfaces directly with the Alpha USB.

It is not necessary to install a special driver. For optimum audio quality, use of high resolution music server software such as Pure Music® is highly recommended.

Microsoft Windows PC’s require the included Alpha USB Windows driver which works with Windows XP, Vista and 7.

A User Guide, Windows driver CD and 6’ power cord are included with the Alpha USB. A USB cable is not included.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS
Output Select: switch selects SPDIF or AES type output
Status LED: Green indicates USB Lock, Amber indicates Standby
SPECIFICATIONS
Input: High Speed USB 2.0 connection - type B receptacle
Output: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF - BNC, 75Ω or balanced AES type - XLR, 110Ω
Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192kHz
Supported word lengths: up to 24 bit
Supported operating systems: Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows
Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5”D, 2.55”H including feet
Mains power: 100 or 120 or 240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector
Power consumption: 3 Watts line, 1.5 Watts USB, designed for continuous operation


原廠：www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com
音悅：www.hifi.com.tw

[Leo Yeh]

[Leo Yeh]

[Leo Yeh]

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/co...pha-USB-Review

[音悅侯姐]

就像這篇文章指出的,有些老DAC聲音其實非常好,Alpha USB這類D to D介面恰好讓這些DAC在數位流時代依然可以
繼續使用.

就我們使用經驗,D to D這個介面轉換的品質,還真的是一分錢一分貨.轉換的品質對後端DAC的影響真的很大.