D&A Alpha PRO DAC & Headphone Amp Review

[beeface]

So, is T&A and/or NAD to blame for the S-C-H-I-T-T namesake?

you have big NADs to make the connection, but yes, I believe Schiit comes from the "A" in T+A

 

[DavidM1]

Thanks for the test. Greater attention to appearance is a sign that high measuring DACs/ Amps are entering mainstream consciousness. The meaning of objective testing may finally be hitting home.

 

[HYQID]

You can tell from its name that analogue is not what it's good at.

 

[zenmastering]

Ooops, you missed the -68 dB component in the bass... Bass is also important!

I think this aspect has been ignored for a long time. Is that digital "wow & flutter", mains artefacts or what?

I would not like to listen to all my music with a 65 dB below constant LF rumbling...

Please explain and change the standard set evaluation criteria?

20bits -> 11bits in reality?

//

It's likely a measurement/display artifact: take a look at every other DAC measured that uses this 50Hz/600 ohm test: it shows the same behaviour.

 

[BeeKay]

cool industrial design

Cannot agree. Certainly not where T&A are. Pretty much arbitrary design.


Edit. Not even close. There are several leagues between the two.

 

[dav0043]

I may be too subjective here, but channel imbalances are a show-stopper for me. Especially large ones like the one we see in the analog inputs with this device. Even if they are inaudible, they are an indication of an engineering flaw, quality control flaw or both.

 

[Audionaut]

Pretty much arbitrary design.

Design is always a matter of taste.
I would have to see it in the original, but I assume that it is made to a very high standard.

In any case, the rare product images so far show a high material quality, which will hopefully also be incorporated into series production.
The fact that d&a are exhibiting at the High End in Munich shows their standards, including their own demands on themselves.

The internal components also appear to be of a high standard, although information on this is still lacking.

It would be nice if the manufacturer and distributor could improve this quickly, as well as providing definitive information on a valid price before tax.

The minor faults measured by Amir on an otherwise excellent level could certainly be equalized with a little fine-tuning, so that a consistently excellent level of performance is offered.

A very good start, but please also ensure consistency in the design of the product lines for other products, so that it doesn't become too arbitrary and the products fit together visually.

However, it should go without saying that the products are priced when they are launched.

 

[JeremyFife]

Nice to see a new brand, especially as it measures well (won't comment on the aesthetics )

Great to see analogue input, but it's rendered mostly useless as a pre amp feature by not routing that to the outputs!! (Headphone only)

Interested to see what the price is, but it can't be too high.

 

[totti1965]

To have analog input and a physical switch for the inputs is quite cool.
I really like the design. Not that the chinese guys are known for stealing any ideas of others , but it really looks like HiFi Rose for the poor:

 

[Sokel]

To have analog input and a physical switch for the inputs is quite cool.
I really like the design. Not that the chinese guys are known for stealing any ideas of others , but it really looks like HiFi Rose for the poor:

View attachment 450834

Hifi Rose design is also stol, ehm, affected heavily by Nagra.

No virgins at this hobby

 

[thehague]

On Instagram: “
digi.aesth
5 u.
We’re excited to officially share more details about the Alpha PRO,
along with the information you’ve all been waiting for — the price!

Official Launch Time: 7:00 PM PDT, May 22, 2024
Official Price: 699 USD”

 

[AdrianusG]

On Instagram: “
digi.aesth
5 u.
We’re excited to officially share more details about the Alpha PRO,
along with the information you’ve all been waiting for — the price!

Official Launch Time: 7:00 PM PDT, May 22, 2024
Official Price: 699 USD”

Price seems okay, however as mentioned before, Analog in only > to HP is a missed opportunity.

 

[unpluggged]

I may be too subjective here, but channel imbalances are a show-stopper for me. Especially large ones like the one we see in the analog inputs with this device.

While the product deserves criticism, the measurements show no channel imbalances.

 

[Hipocrates]

I quite like it, I think I'm I gonna get one... It remind me those futuristic anime cartoons of the 80s/90s

 

[Billy Budapest]

Cannot agree. Certainly not where T&A are. Pretty much arbitrary design.


Edit. Not even close. There are several leagues between the two.

View attachment 450812View attachment 450813

I didn’t say the design was similar, but rather the brand name was similar to T+A.

 

[Bleib]

On Instagram: “
digi.aesth
5 u.
We’re excited to officially share more details about the Alpha PRO,
along with the information you’ve all been waiting for — the price!

Official Launch Time: 7:00 PM PDT, May 22, 2024
Official Price: 699 USD”

Yup. On FB (shenzenaudio ad)

 

[xanalog]

Cannot agree. Certainly not where T&A are. Pretty much arbitrary design.

Can we - at least - agree that it is a fresh design approach and move-on from the aged/boring eyesores of yesterday?

 

[BeeKay]

Can we - at least - agree that it is a fresh design approach and move-on from the aged/boring eyesores of yesterday?

We can. But, lazily slapping ‚Alpha PRO‘ using boring typography on a plexiglas cover onto the front panel is hard to forgive in my book.
On the other hand that’s just me.


Edit:
T+A are top notch in industrial design. Hard to top.
The slightly ‚older‘ Topping models are maybe what you refer to. Design aging while you look at it.
OTOH their newer ones like the A70 Pro have a fresher approach. Likely to be lasting longer. Without having to pay German prices.

 

[unpluggged]

Without having to pay German prices.

You don't pay "German prices" for the looks.

 

[BeeKay]

You don't pay "German prices" for the looks.

Beauty does not come for free.