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How good is Bryston BDP-1?

I am awaiting to pull a trigger on something like Bryston BDP-1 digital. But there are almost no reviews/opinions comparing that device with top tier CD players like esoteric K-03/K-01, DCS Puccini, Ayon CD-5s, ARC CD8 and others.

Did somebody actually had a chance to compare the Bryston BDP-1 to those CD players, playing BDP-1 via their DACs vs. playing actual CD using those players transports and DACs. Does Bryston BDP-1 really out there on the same level? Please don’t post a comments advising on auditioning this device. If I could, I would do it already and did not ask for help. Thank you.
denon1
ronaldp
7 posts
 
Hi

I did a comparison between Brystons BCD-1 and the BDP-1 & BDA-1. With the cd vs the ripped cd (in wav) the cd player was better. The cd vs the hi-def downloaded version, the hi-def version was better. According to Bryston the cd player is better (cd vs ripped cd) due to the I2S interface being superior on the cd player. If you want to listen to your hugh cd collection with maximum clarity and detail, use a cd player. If you want to have all your cd's stored and available at a swipe of your touch screen interface use the BDP-1. If you want to go the hi-def music download route use the BDP-1.
dhl93449
455 posts
 
Ronald:

Did you use the BCD-1 analog out or use it's digial output to feed the BDA-1? Would be curious if you still found the stand alone BCD-1 better.

Interesting that James Tanner (marketing VP of Bryston) has told me that he prefers the ripped 16/44 through the BDP-1 vs the CD in the BCD-1. However, the ripped 16/44 has to be generated via "bit perfect" ripping software, and not all ripping software is. So the source of the digital file is also important.

The issue, even if you have a large 16/44 CD collection (like I have) is the fact that Bryston has discontinued the BCD-1 because the drives are no longer available. This makes the potential longevity and support for a BCD-1 questionable beyond the next three years or so.

I would like to know if folks have made any comparison with the PS Audio PWTransport (ie the PSA PWT + BDA-1 vs BCD-1). That unit does not use an audiophile transport, but a computer type CDROM drive which is way cheaper and easier to replace into the future.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 
If you are using flac files Wav ,or other hi rez medium, and a. Good
Filing system suchas DB Power amp, or J Rivers ,for Windows,Almarra for Apple,
Or others also for Apple the Bryston BDP is without peer !!
It makes everything sound much more alive and natural sounding.
One word of advise ,but the best cables you can afford. Myself using Wireworld Platinum USB from my Seagate 1T external drive,to a Wireworld Platinum digital XLR going from the bdp player to he Dac.
P.s it is Great with the Mpad -App i use my Ipad or Iphone to bring up
Any album on the drive ,withall album art.I will never go back to vinyl.
Buy the Bdp-2 with a dac capable of Hirez DSD playback and
It is incredible !!
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