The PCM1719 chip used on the TC-7520 DAC seems to be an odd choice when I compare it to most other DACs based on the popular WM8740 or PCM1794 chip or their variants. The chip can accommodate up to 24/96 data, but when used over USB is only limited to 16/48 due to the limitation on the PCM2702 USB receiver chip.
A little excerpt from the PCM1716 D/A chip datasheet:
The PCM1716 is designed for Mid to High grade Digital Audio applications which achieve 96kHz sam- pling rates with 24-bit audio data. PCM1716 uses a
newly developed, enhanced multi-level delta-sigma modulator architecture that improves audio dynamic performance and reduces jitter sensitivity in actual
applications. The internal digital filter operates at 8x over sampling
at a 96kHz sampling rate, with two kinds of roll-off performances that can be selected: sharp roll-off, or slow roll-off, as required for specific applications. PCM1716 is suitable for Mid to High grade audio applications such as CD, DVD-Audio, and Music
Instruments, since the device has superior audio dynamic performance, 24-bit resolution and 96kHz sampling.
For the review, I’m connecting the TC-7520 to the Matrix M-Stage, which is my new favorite entry level amplifier, and out to the Hifiman HE5LE with my custom copper recable. The M-Stage is equipped with the OPA627 opamp, and the overall sound is a nice blend between transparency and warmth. For the transports, I’m using the Onkyo ND-S1 Ipod Transport with an Ipod Classic for the Coaxial input, and an Acer Aspire One netbook for the USB input.
The TC-7520 DAC has a forward and slightly bright charcter, and it would work well on systems needing more boost toward that direction. With the Hifiman EF5 amplifier and the Hifiman HE5LE headphone, the presentation is very good for slow or classical rock. I’ve always wanted a little more forward presentation from the HE5LE, and the TC-7520 does it.
It’s interesting to hear how music the coaxial input sounds significantly different on the TC-7520. Although the differences in digital interfaces have been explained in many hi-fi articles, the norm is that coaxial should sound better than the USB. Not so on the TC-7520, where the coaxial sounds bright, dry, and lacking body and yet the USB sounds much more pleasant with a good amount of body in the music and instruments, less bright, and more musical overall. Whatever the explanation is beyond me.
Professor00179
hmm… looks good. Very nice and objective review (if you could ever say 'objective' about some review). The DAC itself seems to be very good unit, but those 'upgrades' are not. op amp change for that high amount of money is beyond my limits of acceptance, hehe. Also the size is rather big. Definitely not for me.
Mike
Thanks Professor.
Professor00179
BTW: Did you have any experience with Styleaudio Ruby2? Seems to be priced closely to the Dr. DAC2 DX and Matrix Mini-i though I can not find many reviews and opinions.
Mike
Nope, Professor. Haven't tried the Ruby2. Last time I checked with Styleaudio, they haven't replied to their emails for a while.
Micro
Those op-amps prices are way out there buddy, considering better can be had for less… even free.
Also in your upgrade path are there any specific reason why you chose WM8716 over WM8741, when WM8741 is a superior DAC chip used in Gamma 2 and can be had for a mere 13 bucks at Mouser.
Mike
Hi Micro, I'm merely listing the upgrades as listed by Beresford. 🙂
Professor00179
Thanks.
Jim
The OpAmps seem a bit high, but on the other hand that includes them installing all of the upgrades with warranty included. The top upgrade is called the Caiman model and has some very high praise for it’s sound quality. I have tried the Music Streamer 2 and although sound quality was great, I did not find the additional cost to be worth the very slight increase if any, compared to my intergrated soundcard. I hear all the musical detail and quality that I could ever want directly from my P.C. Of course the digital amps I’m using to feed my passive speakers help with this a great deal, giving me no need for another DAC! Still I can easily see how the Music Streamers would be and attractive option for someone who can use one. With it’s sound quality, ease of use and low cost, it’s a no brainer!
Mike
Hi Jim, I'm surprised that you find the MS2 to be a "very slight increase if any, compared to my intergrated soundcard." Otherwise, thanks for writing!
Tim
Mike, how would you describe the quality of the Bresford built in headphone amp?
Was considering pulling the trigger on either the matrix mini-i or MS2/m-stage when i came across your review. I will be using this setup to drive a pair of grado 225i headphones. I guess I'm looking for something a bit warm, laid back with larger sound stage to balance out the 225i. It sounds like I'm trying to change the original sound of the Grados but I really love it. Just needs some refinement to it.
Since you've reviewed all 3 was wondering if you could help me with part of the decision making process…
Thanks for all the great reviews. Tons of great information here!
Mike
Hi Tim,
I would rather recommend the headphone outs out of the Dr. DAC2 DX or the Matrix Mini-i. The Beresford's headphone out is a bit weak in my experience.
The Dr. DAC2 DX even comes with op-amp rolling capability, so that should be a lot of fun. Unlike the Mini-i and the Beresford, the opamp on the Dr. DAC2 DX is installed in a socket. So you can buy some op-amps on ebay, open the casing, and replace it yourself.
Here is a link to the review:
http://www.headfonia.com/dr-dac2-dx/
.Sup
Interesting that I also have both the Aspire one and Onkyo dock you used for this test, Mike. One thing I noticed when connecting a DAC to the dock is its more neutral sounding with better and tighter bass while Aspire One with Win7 was really bright (much more neutral with win XP but still below Onkyo when it comes to neutrality).
Mike
.Sup, interesting. I use the linux version of the acer, and I've upgraded the stock Linpus distribution to Ubuntu netbook version. With the ALPA player, the fidelity is better than the Onkyo Dock. Definitely not bright, and on the contrary I'm getting more weight on the music. My only problem is reliability. The ALPA player is not very stable, and sometimes the data transfer has hiccups.
.Sup
Interesting for me as well. Are you using any usb>spdif converter Mike?
Mike
No such thing for me. The last one I bought, the Musiland, doesn't work with my Mac. 🙁
zsero
If you still have the Audinst around, it’s one of the best USB -> SPDIF adapters. It’s just a bonus function, but it has it. It has the same chip as the $70 Teralink box.
Mike
Thanks for the info, zsero.
Erminio Ottone
I have a Beresford 7520, but I'm not able to use it with my iPhone. Do I need an iPhone docking station and then I can connect the docking station to the Beresford 7520 ???
Svertel
Any thoughts on how this stacks up against Burson HA160D or other higher-end units?
Anonymous
The Beresford TC-7520 is generally a good DAC. But there are just other
better offerings for similar price.
Compared to the HA-160D, each DAC has its own plus and minuses, because
the sound signature is different. Honestly I don’t remember how the
Beresford sounds anymore.
Camote
what are the better offerings out there?
Anonymous
Try the HRT MS2+
http://www.headfonia.com/hrt-music-streamer-ii-2496-usb-dac/
Pavel
What DAC is Best for SoundQuality (not headphone out), Matrix Mini-i, Beresford TC-7520 or Beresford Caiman?
Thank you Mike for your reviews 🙂
Anonymous
The Matrix Mini and the Beresford 7520 are about the same, and I’ve never auditioned the caimans so I cant say.
Anonymous
Mike-
I have an O2 amp. How do I ensure that when I use this dac, that the O2 is being used and not the built in amp in the beresford?
Thanks for the review,
Ian
Mike
Hook up the O2 to the RCA analog out on the back. That should ensure you’re using the O2’s amp.