Thread: Rmaf 2019
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Old 09-14-2019, 08:55 AM
James Tanner - Bryston James Tanner - Bryston is offline
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: RMAF 2019 Bryston Demo – Brian Hunter - audioStream

It wasn’t too long ago that a DAC as a source was all you needed to get things fired up for your personal collection of songs. Now with the slow infiltration of streaming services, manufacturers of high-end digital audio are required to adjust the way they present their value for the changing times.

Such is the case for Bryston. Their initial BDA-3 was the position if you wanted to reap the benefits of the best D-A conversions they had to offer. Eventually they created the BDP-π to satiate streaming needs into a DAC, but at RMAF this year they introduced a single one-box solution with both options called the Bryston 3.14 (see what they did there?)

The only thing that now stands between the two products is the internal I2S communication. Bryston added volume control to the 3.14 package for a full front-end option, and the resulting combination pulls in at just $400 more than the BDP-3 alone. Streaming sections for both Pi products run the gamut with Roon, TIDAL and Qobuz. The rest of the rig in the large listening room consisted of a full Bryston Model T Active Loudspeaker system, including a pair of 21B³ amplifiers and a BAX-1 digital crossover.

Country tunes wafted through the air for most of my time in the Bryston well-equipped suite. There was a very intimate feel to female vocals along with a very comfortable treble presence that made it quite easy to listen to along with a fun, laid back tonal blanket to cover yourself with.

The Sound Organisation room that presented Bryston get the award for most welcoming.

Plenty of entertainment paired with a capable sales staff make for relaxed, appealing visits... even if your schedule doesn’t allow for any chill-out time.
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