#51
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I realize this is an old thread - but the BDA-2 is still available to be purchased new, and I could use some advice as I am considering purchasing.
The features of the BDA-2 are perfect for my needs - I have the following requirements: 1) At least 2 optical inputs 2) At least 1 coax input with RCA connector 3) XLR output to preamp The BDA-2 meets these requirements. However, since this is 2020, and this unit's design is 8+ years old, I am a little concerned. 8 years is an eternity for what is essentially computer hardware. The newer BDA-3 and BDA-3.14 are much newer in design, but do not have the inputs I need, in addition to being significantly more expensive (pretty much out of my price range). What is this forum's opinion on buying a new DAC with an 8-year old design? Especially since it is still selling for $2845. Am I foolish for investing this much money in a DAC with an old design? FYI, this is replacing the DAC in my Parasound P6 preamp, which uses the Sabre chip. Would the BDA-2 be an upgrade over the P6's internal DAC? Opinions and thoughts? Are there other DACS meeting my requirements I should look at? Must have an out-the-door cost of less than $3K. |
#52
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You might have some luck with the Benchmark DAC3 (Sabre DAC chip) or Denafrips Ares II (R-2R design). They are both more recent than the BDA-2, meet your requirements, and should come in under budget. There are definitely more options out there, but these both get good reviews and have a decent following.
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- Dan Headphone rig: Gustard X16, Topping A90, Hifiman HE6se, Audeze LCD2 2-Channel setup: Okto Research DAC8 Stereo, Bryston 4B³, Philharmonic Audio BMR Towers, Dual PSA S152 subs |
#53
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I would look at the used market for the BDA-2.
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#54
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I have a BDA-2 (and other DACs) and it is excellent. That said, for $2845, I would look for a used BDA-3. Bryston’ s don’t break. If there ever was a brand to feel comfortable buying used, Bryston is it.
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Office/Music Room Dynaudio Heritage Special. Uptone Audio EtherRegen Ethernet Switch. Akasa NUC 10i7 with Roon Rock. Bryston BDP-3 Digital Music Player (with 4 Tb Internal SSD and Synology DS920+ NAS)-->Holo Audio May Kitsune Edition DAC-->Shunyata Sigma USB—>Gryphon Diablo 120 Integreted Amp w Transpatent XL PC. Oppo BDP-105D and BDP-203. Power: Shunyata Hydra Sigma S12 PD. Additional Cabling: WW Silver Electra PC, WW Electra PC, Shunyata Venom 3 PC. Digital: WW Starlight Ethernet, WW Gold Starlight AES-EBU, WW Platinum Starlight USB. IC and Speaker: WW Eclipse 8. Bedroom System Ipad with MusicStreamer App-->Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp—>Audeze LCD-XC, Focal for Bentley Radiance HO, Massdrop E-MU Teak HP. AK SE 200 DAP. Mobile Survival Kit Astell & Kern SP1000M. Noble Kaiser Encore IEM with Double Helix Balanced cable, Westone W80 IEM w ALOaudio Ref 8 cable, Westone W60 IEM, Shure se535 Ltd with Westone Bluetooth Wireless cable-amp. Mark Levinson No. 5909 Wireless HP. |
#55
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I'll quibble with this just to say that, sometimes, a Bryston product may need service. When it does, you'll receive excellent, attentive, prompt factory service that - when out of warranty - is at an incredibly low price.
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Primary sources: VPI TNT III/SDS turntable, SME-V arm; Bryston BDP-3 digital player; Bryston BDA-3 DAC; McIntosh MVP-881 disc player; McIntosh MR-80 tuner. Preamplifier Audio Research Ref 5SE; Audio Research Ref Phono 2SE; Moon 430 HA. Amplifiers Conrad Johnson Premier 1B; Audio Research D-300; Bryston 4B. Speakers Infinity IRS Beta. Recorders Tandberg TD20A; Crown SX-822; Nakamichi 670ZX; Alesis Masterlink ML-9600. Power Tice Power Block/Titan (x2); McIntosh MPC1500; API Ultra II-20; multiple 20A derated dedicated lines. |
#56
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The BDA3 does not have the inputs I need - I need at least two TOSLINK optical inputs, and the BDA3 has only one.
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#57
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There’s a BDA-2 for sale on USAudiomart.
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#58
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I second that.
As for older DAC, there is much more to consider than chip alone.
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Serge |
#59
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Bryston BDA-2/3
My Bryston BDA-3 really came alive (quantum leap forward) when I fed the AES input from a Denafrips Hermes. A Hermes will also give your more digital inputs.
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