FWIW, I have both the Alpha (original, not the 24/96 version) and Sigma II and driven by the Delta there is not a huge difference in sound. I think the Alpha is more detailed and may have a tad more extension in the bass and highs but its subtle and on causual listening its hard to distinguish them. What does seem to make a difference though is using a different transport with the Alpha (than the Delta) and not running them thru seperate filters on a power conditioner. Especially the latter. I'm not sure it's relevant but my Delta has a high output much like the Alpha, both of which are well over the nominal 2v of my other CDP's.
CAL Alpha and an Equalizer
Hi all, Hope you can please bear with me through this post to explain my findings, and a possible solution?
About 5-6 months ago, I bought a mint CAL Alpha DAC from another A-goner here, and have posted before, about its characteristics, and sound.
I don't believe there is anything specifically wrong with it per se, just typicaly Alpha sound.
Well, first thing I did notice when replacing my long owned CAL Sigma II DAC, was a very "lean" glassy, analytical, and very hot sound, like the DAC was hitting my Mac Pre-Amp a bit too much on the hot side.
I have bought a pair of Endler's 12 Step Attenuators, and that solved the hot output, but it still sounds a bit lean. Can an EQ be inserted between the DAC, and Pre-Amp? Mark
About 5-6 months ago, I bought a mint CAL Alpha DAC from another A-goner here, and have posted before, about its characteristics, and sound.
I don't believe there is anything specifically wrong with it per se, just typicaly Alpha sound.
Well, first thing I did notice when replacing my long owned CAL Sigma II DAC, was a very "lean" glassy, analytical, and very hot sound, like the DAC was hitting my Mac Pre-Amp a bit too much on the hot side.
I have bought a pair of Endler's 12 Step Attenuators, and that solved the hot output, but it still sounds a bit lean. Can an EQ be inserted between the DAC, and Pre-Amp? Mark