Beresford 7510 DAC - Calling All Owners

Posted by: joe90 on 13 January 2009

Hi guys

Who has a Beresford 7510 DAC?

What do you think?

What's your setup?

Did you try it against the Benchmark and Lavry?
Posted on: 03 February 2009 by David Dever
quote:
The Fix has always been in regarding this little black box from you lot over there.


If it was genuinely, subjectively better than OTHER things available over here, then it'd probably have a chance. Problem is, it's not revolutionary, sophisticated or anything exciting in the audio department.

Glad you enjoy yours–and why not? But it may just be a personal preference and nothing more.
Posted on: 03 February 2009 by js
No kidding. I recall a few Brits bailing after a try and I don't see why consumers would enjoy spending more unless they thought it worthwhile. I would have never even have started posted here without first being blindsided. I don't care what somebody likes for themselves but the attacks and off topic waxing does get to me after experiencing it first hand.

There's a well known British Lavry owner/poster here that I'm trying to help get the most from it with rips. Certainly no benefit for me there other than making an enjoyable acquaintance.
Posted on: 03 February 2009 by kuma
Posted on: 03 February 2009 by Naijeru
quote:
Originally posted by js:
How do like the selectable filters and do you use the min setting?

Remember, source first, so don't rule it out when moving up.

I've been seeing a lot of recommendations for the min setting so I've been trying that out this week. It's going to take a few extended listening sessions for me to have an impression of their differences. The system really turned in a virtuoso performance with Shostakovich's seventh symphony the other day. It captures so much more of the dynamic range now with the sub and the DAC installed,

I don't see changing my source for a while, not until someone comes up with something better than Apple TV. Sooloos comes the closest I guess, but there's something about their setup that just doesn't sit right with me. Well there's plenty of time before I'll be in the market again, so I'm sure some enterprising manufacturer will introduce a digital source I'd be interested in.
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by js
quote:
Originally posted by kuma:
Big Grin
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by js
quote:
Originally posted by Naijeru:
quote:
Originally posted by js:
How do like the selectable filters and do you use the min setting?

Remember, source first, so don't rule it out when moving up.

I've been seeing a lot of recommendations for the min setting so I've been trying that out this week. It's going to take a few extended listening sessions for me to have an impression of their differences. The system really turned in a virtuoso performance with Shostakovich's seventh symphony the other day. It captures so much more of the dynamic range now with the sub and the DAC installed,

I don't see changing my source for a while, not until someone comes up with something better than Apple TV. Sooloos comes the closest I guess, but there's something about their setup that just doesn't sit right with me. Well there's plenty of time before I'll be in the market again, so I'm sure some enterprising manufacturer will introduce a digital source I'd be interested in.
I thought the differences on filter selection very noticable. We sat in front of a pair of speakers and switched on the first selection. We all said 'leave it' in a matter of seconds.
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by matt303
I'm running my DacMagic in the linear phase setting, after a few days I'm starting to get settled with it and just enjoy the music again. I did have a little session comparing it against my CD5i, not a massive amount in it with the CD player a little "cleaner" sounding especially with things like hi-hats. I'd say the difference was similar to when I demoed the CD5i against the Rega Apollo.
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by js
quote:
Originally posted by AllenB:
quote:
Originally posted by js:
No kidding. I recall a few Brits bailing after a try and I don't see why consumers would enjoy spending more unless they thought it worthwhile. I would have never even have started posted here without first being blindsided. I don't care what somebody likes for themselves but the attacks and off topic waxing does get to me after experiencing it first hand.

There's a well known British Lavry owner/poster here that I'm trying to help get the most from it with rips. Certainly no benefit for me there other than making an enjoyable acquaintance.


Good for you js, and lucky poster. I'd like to think we have all learnt to rub along together on these varying opinions, and we all await in eager anticipation to see / hear what Naim will release into this market.

Whatever anyone's opinions are on the Lavry, no-one can argue that it is not reasonably priced in relative terms. I am sure many people have taken a 'punt' on this machine because we are not talking many thousands of pounds. Some will like / love it, some will think pretty good but can be bettered, some will not find it to their taste and return it or sell it on. What does it matter other than to the individual involved and whether their ears like it.

More than any other product probably, there is not a league table on these DAC's and the wide choice and varying capabilities of these units means one has to listen to them.

It's just a shame that one poster here is intent on pronouncing the Lavry to be right at the bottom of the DAC 'league' table at every possible opportunity, and the manner in which it occurs leaves little room for 'opinion'.
Thanks but I have to add that Gary did hear what he heard. It was a quick 'check this out' giggle and we didn't have a deep discussion about it. I wont add any fire with my overview other than to say I don't agree it was better than the Lavry if all was equal.

We should all take a deep breath and just move on. There seems to be a pointed stick hiding in almost every Lavry post by either faction and it just doesn't need to be so. We can agree to disagree without taking it personal. It's the personal attacks and lack of competence posts that started this and it was administered with a deep blade. Especially to Gary who hasn't been dishonest but I'm sure has lost the love for some here. It seems we're finally coming together and it's a good thing for all. Lets forgive and forget. We all have family spats but at the end of the day we're looking for the common good. Can we agree to please move on? Smile
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by u5227470736789439
For what it is worth, I will state that "js" is very kind and helpful with advice, and yes he is fully aware of the components in my set that the resulting advice will help optimise. I am 100 per cent certain that my DAC would not be his choice, but that does not get in the way for him to make very valued suggestions for how I should move forward, and without expecting me to overshoot a budget.

I felt I should add that, as we do indeed all need to rub along and discuss, rather than than fall out about, differences of opinion on this or that particular piece of kit.

Thank you, Mr."js" for the private help you have offered without a prayer that I can ever bring you any retail trade. Thanks indeed.

ATB from George
Posted on: 04 February 2009 by Naijeru
quote:
Originally posted by js:
I thought the differences on filter selection very noticable. We sat in front of a pair of speakers and switched on the first selection. We all said 'leave it' in a matter of seconds.

It's probably my speakers. They are pretty good but not the most resolving relative to other speakers I've heard. When I demoed a 202/200 with them it didn't sound *that* different from my 5i-2. With another speaker the difference was stark.
Posted on: 06 February 2009 by Exiled Highlander
quote:
Originally posted by Naijeru:
I am really enjoying the DacMagic. Surprisingly, it has added much more weight and control to the bass in my system. I was expecting more clarity I guess, but not more power as well. Based on opinion on this forum I wanted to check out the Beresford, but it isn't available at local retailers. With this addition I feel my system is now complete. I bought the Cambridge to "get my feet wet" with DACs, but I'm so happy with the results that should Naim not release a DAC, I'll stick with the DacMagic until I upgrade my entire system.
I bought Beresford about 18 months or so ago and used it in my main system at home in Chicago. Now I find myself, for now, in London and I bought a small system for the flat here comprising Epos ELS 3 (end of life bargain bought new), a NAD C325BEE amp and another Beresford 7510 and I have been using this through my AE wirelessly from a MacBook Pro.

Yesterday I gulped deeply and went into Richer Sounds (I'm still itching..) and bought a DacMagic - on a whim really. What a great decision, after one night, sweeter sound, deeper bass and an altogether more enjoyable musical experience. I haven't played with filter settings yet bt what a great little buy. Bresford will likely for sale.

All that FWIW.

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 06 February 2009 by D.L
Exiled

i take it from another thread you tried to demo the the 7520 at stanley's but didn't get very far.

is the dacmagic that much better than the 7510, and was it the latest MK 4?

i tried to get one on home demo from richer sounds the other day but the pesky manager was having none of it - he only promised me a credit note on return.
Posted on: 07 February 2009 by badlyread
The DacMagic really is that good (I recently replaced my 7510 6/3 with one). However, Stan is making big noises on other forums about the 7520. Will just have to see if I jumped too early - the Naim DAC will certainly be out of my league at present.

Regards

Neil
Posted on: 07 February 2009 by Jack Barron
quote:
Originally posted by pcstockton:

Buy without hesitation until you can properly demo other DACs.

I am really close to pulling the trig on a Lavry. But I suppose the B-ford keeps me happy enough.

I want to be able to demo a Naim External Dac before I make my next DAC step.


I am in exactly the same position. I've had a Beresford for 18 months and it is fine.

If one of the upcoming Naim DACs is an audible improvement, then I will buy it.

If not I will consider a Benchmark or Lavry.

Jack
Posted on: 08 February 2009 by Huwge
quote:
Originally posted by badlyread:
The DacMagic really is that good (I recently replaced my 7510 6/3 with one). However, Stan is making big noises on other forums about the 7520. Will just have to see if I jumped too early - the Naim DAC will certainly be out of my league at present.

Regards

Neil


7520 is a step up from last 7510, mine burning in at the moment but from the get go it was clear that more is coming through. I quite liked the 7510 and for the price of a couple of CDs the new model seems to be a significant jump. Have not heard the DACMagic and did not want to buy a Lavry blind knowing that a Naim offering might not be far around the corner.
Posted on: 08 February 2009 by nap-ster
The 7520 is definitely a step up from the 7510.
Posted on: 08 February 2009 by Exiled Highlander
DL
I did briefly hear the 7520 at Stanley's but it was a prototype and had a loose component on it which made output intermittent.

I didn't do any critical listening and I couldn't say that I heard any difference but through a 20 (?) year old Denon or Teac Receiver and a pair of Yamaha NS100M's in a less than ideal room setup it was always going to be a struggle.

The DacMagic is in a different league in build quality though and as good value as the Beresford is it's unlikely that I will be buying any more of them.

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 08 February 2009 by D.L
Thanks Jim

I see you've sampled stanley's rather idiosyncratic demo setup as well Smile

He kept telling me, if it sounds this good on this old system just imagine what it would sound like on yours - and I kept thinking, I can't really imagine anything because it sounds so terrible. It was as good as buying blind! Nice bloke though.

I bought a beresford because I didn't want to spend £800 blind. I feel the hi'fi outlets have still catch up regarding modern Dacs and start stocking them for proper demo opportunities.
Posted on: 08 February 2009 by Exiled Highlander
Stanley is as idiosyncratic as his system but he is enthusiastic about his DAC's that's for sure - as well as being a nice guy!

Cheers

Jim