Bryston SP3 Preamp-Processor

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by nicoff

I realize that the SP3 has been out for a while, but does anyone know how the DAC in the SP3 compare to that of other current Bryston products?

The best feature to me that the SP3 offers is its ability to play surround whether discreet or using surround modes. Although the BDA3 has a better D/A converter, I'd rather have the surround capability of the SP3 over the slight improved 2 channel sound the BDA3 offers. The surround sound from the SP3 is so immersive, its addicting.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by phishphan

I have the SP3, and I feel that the BDA-3 is superior. Not saying the SP3 is any kind of slouch, but the BDA-3 is better. I run my BDA-3 via the balanced XLR to my SP3, and run the SP3 on bypass so it doesn't process it again. I think it sounds great. I know Gbaby might disagree because he likes 5.1 and 7.1 music, but I still prefer 2 channel.

You have great equipment. Have you ever tried listening to a 2 channel source in Stereo7 7.1 or DPLIIx music? Please try both and let me know what you think. I listen to 2 channel rarely using my BDA3, however, compared to surround, the sound of 2 channel seem to collapse the sound of the music.

[Stefan_DR3]

FYI Appendix-A of the user manual has descriptions of the various surround modes.

"The Stereo7 (Seven-Channel Stereo) Mode converts stereo input to surround sound. The stereo signal is distributed to the 7 satellite channels plus sub-woofer, creating a giant stereo image in your listening space."

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by Stefan_DR3

FYI Appendix-A of the user manual has descriptions of the various surround modes.

"The Stereo7 (Seven-Channel Stereo) Mode converts stereo input to surround sound. The stereo signal is distributed to the 7 satellite channels plus sub-woofer, creating a giant stereo image in your listening space."

The entire manual of the SP3 is like a combination of a whole bunch of appendices (13 in total actually) each written by different folks. It is perhaps the worst manual that I have ever seen. That said, I like the sound of my SP3 very much. [emoji16]

[phishphan]

Originally Posted by gbaby

You have great equipment. Have you ever tried listening to a 2 channel source in Stereo7 7.1 or DPLIIx music? Please try both and let me know what you think. I listen to 2 channel rarely using my BDA3, however, compared to surround, the sound of 2 channel seem to collapse the sound of the music.

I'm in San Diego for a couple weeks but will try it when I get home. I listen to quite a bit of live music, I'll throw on a good dead show and give a listen.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by phishphan

I'm in San Diego for a couple weeks but will try it when I get home. I listen to quite a bit of live music, I'll throw on a good dead show and give a listen.

I find these surround modes work best with studio recordings.

[nicoff]

Anyone here uses the Sonore Microrendu connected via USB to your SP3? Curious to know your experience/feedback.

[nicoff]

I just learned that the Microrendu works best when connected to asynchronous USB. The SP3 does not have an asynchronous USB so that's a no go for me.

[nicoff]

Question for James at Bryston:
Does Bryston plan to offer hardware upgrades to owners of the SP3 or does Bryston plan to release a replacement unit?
If so, is there a timeframe that could be shared at this time?

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by nicoff

Question for James at Bryston:
Does Bryston plan to offer hardware upgrades to owners of the SP3 or does Bryston plan to release a replacement unit?
If so, is there a timeframe that could be shared at this time?

I think you can upgrade your USB hardware now, however, I would not do it. Considering the shipping and cost, you may as well get the BDA3.