Bryston BDP-2 with new Integrated Device Reviewed

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by elem79

Now you've got me thinking... I listen to a lot of DSD so thought maybe I could get away with just USB from the BDP-2.

He's got me thinking, too.

[craigs720]

Originally Posted by elem79

Wow I was excited to read over your post because we share more than a few of the same components! I'm using the Stalight from the BDP-2 to M1 currently and thought it sounded really good... I couldn't really discern a big difference with AES over the USB, maybe because I don't have the new sound card upgrade...

Now you've got me thinking... I listen to a lot of DSD so thought maybe I could get away with just USB from the BDP-2.

What AES/EBU are you using?

For reference my system consists of:

Speakers - Acoustic Zen Crescendo
Preamp - ARC REF 5SE
Amplifier - ARC GS150
Digital Bryston BDP-2, Bricasti M1, WireWorld Platinum Starlight USB
Power Conditioning - Shunyata Triton connected by Alpha HC,
Alpha HC - Amp
Alpha Analog - Preamp
Alpha Digital - BDP-2
Alpha Digital - Bricasti M1

elem79,

That's quite the system you have there! Congrats!

Before the upgrade I, too, could discern little difference between the AES and the USB so I generally just used the USB so I could easily have playlists that allowed a combination of DSD and PCM files. After the upgrade to the IAD, I was thrilled with the sound from the AES. I can A/B the AES and USB with the same PCM file and the winner, for me, is the AES.

I use a Mogami 110 ohm digital cable. I'm not a big wires guy. I can hear a difference in cable but, in general, I don't believe the difference is commensurate with the cost. I would rather put my money into acoustical treatments. I have friends who have extremely expensive systems that don't sound all that great. I have spent a great deal of time with bass traps, diffusors and absorption to get the acoustics right. That made the greatest impact in the sound.

[craigs720]

Originally Posted by gbaby

Thank you for sharing. I do not take your posting your equipment as egotistical, but rather, I take it as being proud of what you have put together for a great sonic experience. You should be proud. You have great equipment as well as cables. In fact posting your equipment gave your evaluation of the new sound card even more credibility.

gbaby,

Thank you for understanding my motivation.

[elem79]

Originally Posted by craigs720

elem79,

That's quite the system you have there! Congrats!

Before the upgrade I, too, could discern little difference between the AES and the USB so I generally just used the USB so I could easily have playlists that allowed a combination of DSD and PCM files. After the upgrade to the IAD, I was thrilled with the sound from the AES. I can A/B the AES and USB with the same PCM file and the winner, for me, is the AES.

I use a Mogami 110 ohm digital cable. I'm not a big wires guy. I can hear a difference in cable but, in general, I don't believe the difference is commensurate with the cost. I would rather put my money into acoustical treatments. I have friends who have extremely expensive systems that don't sound all that great. I have spent a great deal of time with bass traps, diffusors and absorption to get the acoustics right. That made the greatest impact in the sound.

Well that's quite the system you have as well! How do you like the GS150? It certainly is beautiful to look at! I'm really enjoying it.

I am going to give the IAD a shot on everyone's recommendations.

I'm all for acoustic treatments and bass trapping. I think acoustic treatments are probably one of the most underrated yet most important thing next to good speaker selection. I have plenty of Mogami lying around, I'll be sure to try it out. I'd love to save some money.

[dfontalbert]

Originally Posted by gbaby

Since James has already answered your question, can you please do a comparison of the new sound card using AES vs. USB?

Good Afternoon,

My impressions of the new sound card are very positive. I find non-DSD tracks played, apples to apples with the IAD and Juli cards to sound better with the new IAD. The IAD requires an adjustment in volume upward a tad, but has absolutely a quieter background presence, and uncanny realism with vocals. Mid-range and bass was expansive and tight, but very full and gratifying. I feel that it is a true improvement over the Juli.

That being said, the few DSD tracks I listened to, thru the USB output and, consequently, the Juli card, are awesome; I see DSD as a great advancement in digital playback.

So my conclusion would be to go with the IAD for non-DSD and keep the Juli on the ready for DSD.

Associated gear: Unison S8 24wpc Integrated Tube Amp, ML ETHOS speakers, Auralic Vega DAC, Stealth M7 Speaker cables, Kimber KCAG interconnects.

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by dfontalbert

Good Afternoon,

My impressions of the new sound card are very positive. I find non-DSD tracks played, apples to apples with the IAD and Juli cards to sound better with the new IAD. The IAD requires an adjustment in volume upward a tad, but has absolutely a quieter background presence, and uncanny realism with vocals. Mid-range and bass was expansive and tight, but very full and gratifying. I feel that it is a true improvement over the Juli.

That being said, the few DSD tracks I listened to, thru the USB output and, consequently, the Juli card, are awesome; I see DSD as a great advancement in digital playback.

So my conclusion would be to go with the IAD for non-DSD and keep the Juli on the ready for DSD.

Associated gear: Unison S8 24wpc Integrated Tube Amp, ML ETHOS speakers, Auralic Vega DAC, Stealth M7 Speaker cables, Kimber KCAG interconnects.

Hi

What connection are you using to listen to DSD? The USB?

James

[Sujay]

Hi James,


Could do with some help here. I am trying to play DSD through my BDP-2, which has the new integrated sound card. I am using the USB output into the USB input of the BDA-3. The file just doesn't play. Maybe I'm not doing something right.........grateful for some help

Cheers

Sujay

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by Sujay

Hi James,


Could do with some help here. I am trying to play DSD through my BDP-2, which has the new integrated sound card. I am using the USB output into the USB input of the BDA-3. The file just doesn't play. Maybe I'm not doing something right.........grateful for some help

Cheers

Sujay

Hi Sujay

USB does not use the soundcard so that will not make a difference.

On the BDP-2 go to the Dashboard and them click on Audio Devices at the bottom of the page.

Make sure the audio devices listed have a check make in the little square on the left and then hit Apply.

That will tell the BDP2 there is a DSD DAC attached.

james

[crwilli]

Sunday morning tech support! rops to James

[Sujay]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

Hi Sujay

USB does not use the soundcard so that will not make a difference.

On the BDP-2 go to the Dashboard and them click on Audio Devices at the bottom of the page.

Make sure the audio devices listed have a check make in the little square on the left and then hit Apply.

That will tell the BDP2 there is a DSD DAC attached.

james

James, you are a STAR!!! I am absolutely astounded at your dedication to respond to me on a Sunday morning. I frantically kept pressing the buttons on the front panel and guess what, the file indeed started playing!

Indeed, such level of client service is exemplary, to say the least!


Cheers and have a great weekend

Sujay
PS - I do have to crank up the volume quite a bit to get a comparable SPL on DSD. Anything to do with the BDA-3 output voltage on USB?