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rookie questions about used Bryston BDPs

I'm new to digital audio (and new out here), so be gentle with my ignorance!

I'd like to take the digital dive. I'm interested in streaming (Tidal and perhaps eventually Idagio or Primephonic); maybe Roon; definitely a hard drive with a range of music files, none of them obscure, many MP3s. That's it for now. Much of what I have is in iTunes.

For a few reasons, I'd like to go with Bryston. I can't afford a new BDP3; the Pi is doable, though as an experiment it's still pushing my budget. It doesn't look hard to find a *used* BDP1, BDP2, and BDP Pi. Almost certainly the BDP1 and BDP2 would be out of warranty; the BDP Pi would still be covered. My questions: assuming the used equipment is in excellent condition, would you rather have a BDP1 (at a modest price), a BDP2 (with or without the upgrade), or a (newer, under warranty) Pi? To tweak the question, if the BDP2 (let's say without the upgrade and out of warranty) and Pi (under warranty) were close to the same price, which would you choose? Full confession: I don't really know what the upgrade does, even after reading about it.

I understand that the BDP2 will have some features that the Pi doesn't have. I'm not sure if I would need those features; my needs seem pretty basic for now. Maybe a used BDP1 would do what I need. The subtext for my questions are obviously: is the Pi more "current" than the 1 or 2? Would the 1 do everything I need for now? And how important would you say the warranty is? 

Thank you for reading!

northman
northman OP
253 posts
 
Thank you all. I appreciate the help! I love Bryston (my amp is old enough to be out of warranty but still chugging along; my preamp is youthful enough) and live fairly close to their US offices. 

You've helped me narrow my choices to a used BDP2 or a Pi. 

And Pearlcfam: thank you, yes, I know the audiocircle forum that Tanner moderates. It's an amazing resource! I thought I'd try here first but that's a very good idea.

Thanks again!
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
765 posts
 
I bought an upgraded BDP-2 on audiogon about two years ago to use as a Roon endpoint. The only issue I have had is that I had to replace the little button battery inside which Bryston customer service helped me with. They were very responsive via email when I had the issue (error on boot) and it was easy to replace.  

I have it connected over AES/EBU to an Yggy DAC and it sounds great. 

As previously mentioned, their software is pretty dated and not nearly as flexible as BlueOS, so if you are not planning to use Roon, I'd also recommend the BlueSound Node 2i (which I have several of for other zones in my house).
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Ask the same questions over at AudioCircle before you do anything.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,491 posts
 
I have owned the BDP-2 now for several years. I have it connected to a 6TB hard drive where all my music including lots of HR files are stored. In addition, I am also running Quboz through it.
Perhaps the Manic Moose format is outdated but it works just fine for me!

I have installed the new IAD board which supports the AES/RCA output sound quality. But if you are only going to use USB out then the upgraded board is not necessary.

So, I say go for the BDP-2! Highly recommended by me!

ozzy


northman OP
253 posts
 
Thank you all so much. This is all VERY helpful, even the gently conflicting answers. The responses have not only helped shape my own answers, they've helped me to understand what questions to ask. And I hear you all: I'll pop over to Audiocircle and ask there.
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