Beresford Bushmaster - REGA DAC compared

[camtwister]

The filter behaviour from the Rega device will be determined by the sample rate of the source, as follows:

Filter settings 1 – 5 (sample rates 32/44.1/48K)
1 Linear phase half-band filter
2 Minimum phase soft-knee filter
3 Minimum phase half-band filter
4 Linear phase apodising filter
5 Minimum phase apodising filter
Filter settings 1 – 5 (sample rates 88.2/96 & 176.4/192K)
1 Linear phase soft-knee filter
2 Minimum phase soft-knee filter
3 Linear phase brickwall filter
4 Minimum phase apodising filter
5 Linear phase apodising filter

I cannot discern an audible difference unless I'm listening to recordings at 96 kHz or above via my modified Squeezebox, and then, only from recordings with wide dynamic range. The difference is subtle and I'm not always confident I could identify the change in a blind test. Thus, I leave the settings alone and get on with enjoying music.

I've read Stephen's review with interest because I currently use a Rega and Gatorized Caiman. In my rooms and systems, I find the Rega's response in the upper mid-range more to my tastes. In direct comparison the Caiman is leaner. So, the Rega wins in a race run to my rules, but only by a nose. At the time of purchase, the Rega cost one hundred per cent more than the Beresford.

I look forward to auditioning the Bushmaster.