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TC-7520 Review:
May 25, 2010
"We were quite impressed with the overall sound quality of this unit. The TC-750 offers crystal clear, layered sound staging and no audible noise or distortion to speak of. The sonic signature is very laidback yet full, resolving, offering a great musical quality. The unit allowed a lot of emotion to come through from the vocalist because of the clarity of the unit. Bass is tight and articulate with no boominess or washout. Although we tested the headphone amplifier with some Sennheisers HD595’s we kept going back to the line outputs connected to our Class D and monitors. We found the stock opamps to be very warm and a bit rolled off in the high end offering a very “analog” flavor to the output. We will also say we preferred the sound with the higher quality opamp modification."
June 2009 Issue
"In terms of sound quality, it is the best DAC I have heard under $1000.
... a very easy recommendation."
Here are a few unsolicited comments from our customers:
Darrell in WA:
"Just wanted to let you know that I got my glass mini to toslink cable today and I am very happy with it. It sounds amazing!! Thank you for such prompt service."
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John in TX:
"Prompt shipping, great product!!! I liked my first Beresford TC-7520 DAC so well, I bought another one for my second system."
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Aaron in CA:
"I've been listening to the TC-7520 for about 4 months now, and I must say I am quite impressed. Right out of the box, the sound was amazing! But not until very recently did I hear the true extent of what this little guy can do. This might be the right time to note that I am highly experienced with HiFi sound and have listened to several insane setups over the years. I feel that I have developed an ear that is highly discriminating (in a good way) from the many tube amps, preamps, phono players, and all the highest resolution digital formats available- dvd audio, sacd, and I even use an xbox 360 to stream lossless files from my computer to utilize its high 32 bit transfer capability (sounds weird, i know)... but anyways I've been pretty creative you could say, and nothing gets in my way to improve. And now I think I'm experiencing a level of audiophile bliss unknown to far too many... and yet so easy and affordable to obtain. which is precisely why I feel so compelled to write. People need to know this secret so I'm spreading the word on how great this DAC really is."
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Joe in Edmonton:
"I purchased a Beresford 7520 DAC with upgraded opamp about two weeks ago, and I just wanted to let you know that I am very happy with the product. First of all, it only took about 1 week to ship to me (to Canada), which was nice. When I received it, plugged it in to my laptop's USB port and integrated amp and it worked beautifully -- a definite improvement in sound over my previous setup (sound out of line out jack on laptop). I was a little worried that I would have problems -- I had tried a Cambridge DACMagic previously with poor results, but I couldn't be happier with the 7520. Thank you so much!"
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Ian in WI:
"I am listening to Prokofiev's "Cinderella" through my first generation iPod. The TC-7520, with the upgrade, is handling the sound and I must confess I am just so very impressed and pleased with the sound. I decided to try this unit because of the reviews and the cost effectiveness; I am very happy that I have this DAC/headphone amplifier. I don't find any harshness in the middle and upper partials of any of the music that I have listened for the past 24 hours and the sound stage is as good as more expensive products that I've auditioned. I just wish to thank you for making such a good and affordable product--and the unit arrived 24 hours after I ordered!! Incredible!"
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Eric in MA:
"The Preamp has made a huge difference in the sound coming out of my Squeezebox Duet. I am very pleased so far."
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Al in PA:
"In throwing myself into the audiophile fray of SPDIF vs USB, I decided to try the USB connection on my 7520, as the "high end" DACs tout as best for music. Being a skeptic, I wasn't expecting much...imagine my surprise when depth and soundstage, good before, became noticeably better! Since I'm considering an amp change to full tube, I took the DAC [TC-7520] to my local "snob stereo store" to audition new stuff more realistically. After the owner stopped looking down his nose at our little black box, he plugged it into his megabuck reference system via USB and SPDIF. USB clearly more musical! In an effort to put me in my place, he then A-B'd the 7520 with a much more expensive USB dac. The differences were there but very subtle [the expensive DAC being better but 8X the cost], even on a totally unaffordable rig like his. It must've killed him to say "not bad at all". I just smiled!"
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Daniel in UT:
"I received the dac [TC-7520] on Friday morning and after almost 48 hours I start listening this morning before any modification I can sincerely say that this is a fine dac. I connected it to both my Rega Apollo and Musical Fidelity A5 and the soundcoming from this dac is unbelievable. I can not recommend it enough. My friend owns a Dac1 pre and he told me he can not hear a difference. Thanks for a great dac."
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Tracy in WA:
"By the end of the first full week, I knew this was money very well spent! By the end of the Trial Period (15 days), I knew the Beresford 7520 was an outstanding bargain and had a place in my system. I have no need to continue my investigation into $2000 to $2500 players!
The main improvements evident in my system include the opening up of the sound stage in both width and depth. Placement of individuals and instruments has clearly improved within the sound stage. Bass now extends substantially deeper but, in a very controlled manner. No bloat or flab. (try Bela Fleck's "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" or the kettle drums on the "Theme from The Magnificent Seven" from the Cincinnati Pops). I have also notice a shift in the tonal balance to what seems a smoother presentation.
Finally, this unit swings! You cannot not tap your toes or "lead the music" when listening to the 7520. I knew my Exposure gear had P.R.A.T.; the 7520 opens the window and allows greatly improved resolution without giving up the soul of the musical performance.
These improvements have not been small. I was already quite happy with my system and felt it was very good for the money and time spent assembling it. Nevertheless, this has proved a true UPGRADE, not a minor improvement."
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Thomas in CA:
"Wow. One small and unassuming package, but wait until you hear it. I am A/B comparing it to my transporter and am scratching my head. How is this possible? Before you spend $$$$ on a DAC, give this one a try. Highly recommended."
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Roc in TX:
"Buy with Confidence. Very Honest and true to Their word. DAC sounds Absolutely Phenominal,too. Blew my $3,500 CD Player,away. OUCH!"
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Gary in CO:
"These guys are a class outfit; all of my questions were answered promptly and courteously both before and after the sale - Best of all, the TC-7520 is one remarkable little unit, especially at its price point. Highly recommended seller!"
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Stan in CA, who owns both the TC-7520 as well as a TC-7510:
"Was skeptical that the 7520 could trump my 7510 mod21 - but sure enough.
Glad I needed a second Beresford.
Headphone stage (AKG 701s) is stunning - DAC via Optical (Airport Express) simply superb.
Space. Texture. Detail.
Hope the $49 price bump doesn't spook anyone away - worth every cent. 7520 would be a bargain at twice the price.
Hats off to STan [Beresford]!
And thanks for the prompt delivery!"
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The Beresford TC-7510 has been enjoyed by audiophiles for several years now. As such, there is considerable information available on the Internet, magazines and audiophile forums.
If fact, the TC-7510 earned a 5-star rating by What-HiFi? on-line magazine and a Best Buy by Hi Fi Choice magazine.
If you are looking for a good resource on computer-based audiophile topics, one of our favorite websites is Computer Audiophile.
If you are looking for quality used audiophile equipment, one of our favorite websites is Audiogon.
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