Bryston SP3 Preamp-Processor

[SoThere]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

James

I wonder if the BDA-2 would be a significant improvement on the SP3 two channel performance?

Jim B.
Wilmette, IL.

Jim, I have the BDA-2 (and the BDP-2), and the combination is amazing running through the Balanced 2 input of my SP3 (using Bryston balanced cables and a Bryston AES/EBU cable to connect the BDP and BDA). My observation is that the improvement is incremental but significant, resulting in the best two-channel sound I've heard in my home. I regard the SP3 as a great two-channel preamplifier that just happens to do home theater.

Best,

Rich
________________
Shaky Napa Valley

The means — Bryston SP3 | Bryston 6B-SST(C) - L/C/R; 4B-SST(C) - surrounds; 4B-SST(C) - rears | Bryston BDP-2 Digital Player; BDA-2 D/A Converter; Oppo BDP-105 | Paradigm Reference Signature S8 fronts; C5 center; ADP surrounds; S4 rears; two Velodyne DD15 subs | APC S20 | Pioneer Elite PRO-1130

[gbaby]

Will the optical output on the SP3 allow one to burn a CD or record on the optical input on a CD burner or DAT?

[netroamer]

Originally Posted by SoThere

Jim, I have the BDA-2 (and the BDP-2), and the combination is amazing running through the Balanced 2 input of my SP3 (using Bryston balanced cables and a Bryston AES/EBU cable to connect the BDP and BDA). My observation is that the improvement is incremental but significant, resulting in the best two-channel sound I've heard in my home. I regard the SP3 as a great two-channel preamplifier that just happens to do home theater.

I not quite sure I understand your response. Have you ever compared sending the output of the BDP-2 directly to the SP-3 via the AES/EBU or SPDIF connections and the comparing that output to the BDP-2/BDA-2 to the SP-3 via the BDA-2 balance output?

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by netroamer

I not quite sure I understand your response. Have you ever compared sending the output of the BDP-2 directly to the SP-3 via the AES/EBU or SPDIF connections and the comparing that output to the BDP-2/BDA-2 to the SP-3 via the BDA-2 balance output?

John, I asked Rich the same question and he said he did not have the opportunity to connect the BDP-2 directly to the SP3, and cannot do so at this time due to an earth quake having damaged his home and equipment. You can read about it one the avsfourm.com in the "Official Bryston SP3" thread.

[SoThere]

Originally Posted by netroamer

I not quite sure I understand your response. Have you ever compared sending the output of the BDP-2 directly to the SP-3 via the AES/EBU or SPDIF connections and the comparing that output to the BDP-2/BDA-2 to the SP-3 via the BDA-2 balance output?

I have not sent the output of the BDP-2 directly to the SP3, as I don't have apt cables long enough to do so. I purchased the BDA-2 for its power and flexibility and for the ability to put it in a two-channel system. It's an excellent sounding device and quite a bargain at its price point.

Best fishes,

Rich
_______________
Shaky Napa Valley

[moonhawk]

I have my BDP1 connected directly to my SP3, and I consider the sound outstanding. However, I have nothing else in place to compare it to fairly, and it's not a BDP2.

Also, I don't do multi-channel up-conversions like you do, so I don't know if that's much help.

But I will repeat, the BDP1 directly into the SP3 is fantastic.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by moonhawk

I have my BDP1 connected directly to my SP3, and I consider the sound outstanding. However, I have nothing else in place to compare it to fairly, and it's not a BDP2.

Also, I don't do multi-channel up-conversions like you do, so I don't know if that's much help.

But I will repeat, the BDP1 directly into the SP3 is fantastic.

Dave, you have answered the question I have been trying to have answered for months. Thanks. Is the sound so good that you play vinyl less often?

[moonhawk]

I don't do vinyl.I don't listen to music enough to be worth the hassle.

I'm really surprised you haven't tried one of the BDPs into your SP3 before, considering how much you like the SP3. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to do your multi-channel thing as well. It's a really nice setup, once you have it configured. Of course, I'm the type who hasn't upgraded the firmware since I bought it in 2012--or whenever it was. I guess I should.

BTW, I just ordered a 9BSST(2) from AA. Replacing a Parasound Halo A51. I love the Halo, but the Bryston will give me four matching Bryston components in my rack, take a little less space, and hopefully generate a little less heat and use a little less power.

BDP1, SP3, BIT20, and now the 9BSST2. Other sources are an OPPO 103, connected by HDMI to the SP3 (for movies, not music), and a Dish DVR, hooked up to a 75" Sammy F8000.

Oh, and I built my own speakers--from North Creek kits.

I'm a pretty happy guy, really.

[Grit]

Originally Posted by moonhawk

I don't do vinyl.I don't listen to music enough to be worth the hassle.

I'm really surprised you haven't tried one of the BDPs into your SP3 before, considering how much you like the SP3. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to do your multi-channel thing as well. It's a really nice setup, once you have it configured. Of course, I'm the type who hasn't upgraded the firmware since I bought it in 2012--or whenever it was. I guess I should.

BTW, I just ordered a 9BSST(2) from AA. Replacing a Parasound Halo A51. I love the Halo, but the Bryston will give me four matching Bryston components in my rack, take a little less space, and hopefully generate a little less heat and use a little less power.

BDP1, SP3, BIT20, and now the 9BSST2. Other sources are an OPPO 103, connected by HDMI to the SP3 (for movies, not music), and a Dish DVR, hooked up to a 75" Sammy F8000.

Oh, and I built my own speakers--from North Creek kits.

I'm a pretty happy guy, really.

Hey Dave,

I'd LOVE to hear your impressions of the 9B-SST2 vs the Halo A51, both on heat and on sound. If you don't mind, please post when you get a chance.

[Grit]

Originally Posted by netroamer

I not quite sure I understand your response. Have you ever compared sending the output of the BDP-2 directly to the SP-3 via the AES/EBU or SPDIF connections and the comparing that output to the BDP-2/BDA-2 to the SP-3 via the BDA-2 balance output?

I had my BDP-2 connected via AES/EBU to my SP3 initially, for troubleshooting purposes. I'm waiting on balanced cables... right now, my BDA-2 is connected via unbalanced to the SP3.

I did not do a critical or A/B test, and there's a volume difference (the BDA-2 is louder). All that being said, I enjoyed the BDA-2 sound for music over the SP3.

I'll re-test this a bit in a few weeks when I have to pull the cabinet out for those balanced wires and a different amp, and I'll let you know what my impressions are.