Bryston BDP-2 with new Integrated Device Reviewed

[dfontalbert]

Hi, just installed the new sound card, and haven't had a chance to really try it out. Have a couple of questions though: 1) Since DSD is only via the USB out, does the new card play any role? 2) can i leave both the AES and USB cables hooked up to the BDP2 and use my DAC (Auralic Vega) to select input based upon stream (DSD vs. other) or do I need to have only one hooked up at a time? Thanks in advance! Dave

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by dfontalbert

Hi, just installed the new sound card, and haven't had a chance to really try it out. Have a couple of questions though: 1) Since DSD is only via the USB out, does the new card play any role? 2) can i leave both the AES and USB cables hooked up to the BDP2 and use my DAC (Auralic Vega) to select input based upon stream (DSD vs. other) or do I need to have only one hooked up at a time? Thanks in advance! Dave

Hi Dave

No the new card does not affect the USB decoding.

james

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by dfontalbert

Hi, just installed the new sound card, and haven't had a chance to really try it out. Have a couple of questions though: 1) Since DSD is only via the USB out, does the new card play any role? 2) can i leave both the AES and USB cables hooked up to the BDP2 and use my DAC (Auralic Vega) to select input based upon stream (DSD vs. other) or do I need to have only one hooked up at a time? Thanks in advance! Dave

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

[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?

Hi, I would be happy to do so; tonight I will sit down and have a listen.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by dfontalbert

Hi, I would be happy to do so; tonight I will sit down and have a listen.

Great!

[craigs720]

I have recently upgraded the soundcard on my BDP-2 to the IAD. I think Mr. Tanner has undersold the benefits. Using the AES connection I find the sound vastly improved.

I have both AES and USB cables connected at the same time and switch inputs on my Bricasti M1 dac with no problems. I think the AES is superior and only use USB for playing dsd.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by craigs720

I have recently upgraded the soundcard on my BDP-2 to the IAD. I think Mr. Tanner has undersold the benefits. Using the AES connection I find the sound vastly improved.

I have both AES and USB cables connected at the same time and switch inputs on my Bricasti M1 dac with no problems. I think the AES is superior and only use USB for playing dsd.

What USB cable are you using?

[craigs720]

I am using the Wireworld Starlight usb cable. Just as a point of reference so you understand where I am coming from and what I hear (and, hopefully, not to stroke my ego :-) ), here is the rest of the system: Speakers - Eventus Audio Nebula, 2 JL Audio F112 subs. Preamp - Pass XP-30, Herron Audio phono Amplifier- Audio Research GS150 Turntable/Tonearm - SOTA Millennia/Graham Phantom/TechDas phono cartridge Digital - Bryson bdp-2, Bricasti M1, Oppo bdp-105 Cable - various Nordost, Morrow Audio, Mogami

[elem79]

Originally Posted by craigs720

I am using the Wireworld Starlight usb cable. Just as a point of reference so you understand where I am coming from and what I hear (and, hopefully, not to stroke my ego :-) ), here is the rest of the system: Speakers - Eventus Audio Nebula, 2 JL Audio F112 subs. Preamp - Pass XP-30, Herron Audio phono Amplifier- Audio Research GS150 Turntable/Tonearm - SOTA Millennia/Graham Phantom/TechDas phono cartridge Digital - Bryson bdp-2, Bricasti M1, Oppo bdp-105 Cable - various Nordost, Morrow Audio, Mogami

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

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by craigs720

I am using the Wireworld Starlight usb cable. Just as a point of reference so you understand where I am coming from and what I hear (and, hopefully, not to stroke my ego :-) ), here is the rest of the system: Speakers - Eventus Audio Nebula, 2 JL Audio F112 subs. Preamp - Pass XP-30, Herron Audio phono Amplifier- Audio Research GS150 Turntable/Tonearm - SOTA Millennia/Graham Phantom/TechDas phono cartridge Digital - Bryson bdp-2, Bricasti M1, Oppo bdp-105 Cable - various Nordost, Morrow Audio, Mogami

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.