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How does the Bryston BDA-1 DAC sound?

I would like to hear from someone who actually owns a Bryston BDA-1, how it sounds and what else they considered before buying the Bryston?
My system presently is an iPod in an Onkyo ND-S1 Digital Media Transport, a Matrix Mini DAC, Bryston SP-2 digital sound processor/analog pre amp, Axiom Audio A-1400-8 digital 8 ch. amp, Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.5 mains, AGA Strada centre ch. and AGA aDiva Ti surrounds with an SVS PC Ultra subwoofer. Also a Sony Blueray DVD and a Samsung 67" DLP TV.
dhc
keithr
1,306 posts
 
macdad- can you compare the BDA1 to the Berkeley? I have often thought about upgrading to the Berkeley from my Bryston and using the volume control....
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I thought the Berkeley was a little bit better overall, slightly clearer highs, but was no where near worth the additional $$$
artmaltman
769 posts
 
How about Xciter vs Bryston? I've tested the Bryston in my home, but own a lot of Cary gear and tend to like the Cary family sound in tube gear anyway....
Thanks,
Art
ral
124 posts
 
Keithr - I have had both the Bryston and Berkeley in my system (they were broken in). IMO the Bryston provides very accurate but ultimately hi-fi sound, while the Berkeley is overall more organic and palpable. Along with the ability to drive an amp directly, this makes the Berkeley worth the extra cost IMO, assuming of course the rest of your system will reveal the differences. That said, once you are up in the price range of the Berkeley, there are some other DACs out there to think about....
keithr
1,306 posts
 
what other Dacs with volume controls would you guys recommend?

it appears resale on Berkeleys is falling, so maybe i will try one some day.
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