Best DAC for BDP-3?
 

BDP-3 owners, do you all have any recommendations for 2 channel DACs to use with a BDP3? With or without MQA, but please let me know whether or not the DAC has it.

I am currently using an OPPO 205, which is a great DAC and does have MQA, but it won't play nice with the BDP, so I'm using it standalone. It sounds excellent, but I'm wondering if I can get better sound running through the BDP into a dedicated DAC.

Prior to the OPPO I was running the BDP into my SP3, by AES /EBU. I'm running the OPPO by Balanced analog out into the SP3 on 2ch bypass, with subwoofers enabled.

It sure sounds good, but I wonder if it can do better ? Any thought?

BTW, I tried hooking up the BDP to the OPPO by USB, with no success. OPPO says the BDP may not have the drivers necessary for their asynchronous USB input. Can anyone address that?

Thanks to any who wish to get into this discussion. :music:

Dave, I would think the BDA-3 would be he best match for the BDP-3 only because Bryston designed the BDP-3 to be more compatible with the BDA-3. I own the BDA-3 and the BDP-2 which is being converted to the BDP-3. When it comes back, I'll let you know the synergy in more detail.

Shoot, I was hoping to sell you my BDP3, if I don't find a DAC for it that does MQA... :D

Now that I've experienced MQA, I'm not going back. And the OPPO is doing the whole deal, without involving the BDP3.

If, however, I can find a really good MQA DAC that works with the BDP3I'll gladly keep it, if it sounds better than the Oppo alone. :banana:

If you don't mind, please expand on why you like MQA so much.

Thanks!

Ron

System synergy. Bryston's best DAC.

Hi Ron-
I should confess I've only had MQA working a few days, but so far my impression is a more open and spacious sound, cleaner and tighter. Overall, it just sounds more organic and natural.

Listening to Van Morrison last night, The MQA material just sounded less congested and restricted. I've never thought his albums sounded particularly well recorded. The ones now available in MQA do.

That said, I need a lot more time to compare, and do A/B comparisons between MQA and non-MQA versions of the same material.

Keep in mind. I do virtually 100% of my listening through Tidal and Roon. I don't know how MQA would effect recorded or downloaded material, and I have no intention of finding out. Not interested in paying the same amount of money for one album that I pay for a month of unlimited music with Tidal.

Further, I have crappy internet, due to my rural location, so Hi-Res downloads are not a good idea for me. MQA lets me hear hi-res versions with no download speed penalty.

Bottom line: It sounds better to me. So far.

Thanks Dave........I use Roon but not Tidal. I can play MQA through my DirectStream Dac via their Bridge II and may consider in the future to see what its all about.

Regards!
Ron

Exactly.:thumbsup:

Dave, I think you should wait for Qbuz as their selection are more Classical and Jazz whereas Tidal is more pop. From what I remember, your taste in music is classical.

Why should I wait---I already have Tidal. and Qobuz doesn't integrate with Roon, to which i purchased a lifetime subscription.

I don't listen much to Classical, mostly enjoying jazz these days, with a healthy dose of newgrass, Van Morrison, and Bob Marley, among others.

If Qobuz and Tidal work it out, I'll definitely check them out, especially since there are rumors of Tidal going out of business.

But I've had no trouble finding good new MQA and non-MQA content that I enjoy on Tidal despite having to wade through lots of hip-hop and other pop nonsense to find it.