The Berkeley is an Alpha DAC2/MQA. I was using the 218 with DSP's before I went analogue. I compared it to the Berkeley in two systems before JimK and I did our test. The first was a pair of Focal Diablo standmounts with a sub and the second was with a pair of Magico A3's.

The 218 wasn't very close at all in just about all areas. At JimK's it was much closer but still fell short. I really don't know why the difference in the two comparisons but here it wasn't close. The 218 did find a good home in my family room HT streaming Roon with my wife listening to playlists she's made while preparing dinner.

Ken

Main: G68J, 5K2s, 5Ks, HSU subs, Pio 151FD, Dish VP722, Roku, Wadia I70, Anti Mode Dual Core, Oppo 103D Vanity Lite
Office: SBT, Berkeley Alpha DAC 2/MQA, Magico S3 Mk II, Boulder 2060, Lumin U1 Mini streamer, Roon.