Anyone try the Bryston BDP-2 or the BDA-2 Dac

I have heard the BDA-2. And I am sort of known as the DAC guy out my way because I have owned and mucked around with a LOT of DAC's.

For the money its OK, but the old saying with Bryston gear is its really Dryston is there to my ears. That saying is a bit hard because it's not that bad - just slightly dry - I have heard a lot worse. I did take it over to someone with a LOT of experience with Bryston and he said it's just their typical house sound - no better or worse than other bits of gear they make. If that's what you like, meaning you generally like Bryston gear, then you will probably like that DAC.

However to my ears, and for a similar amount of money, the Chord Qute HD with an upgraded power supply MURDERS it - but it has a sound that is FAR from the Bryston house sound.

Bottom line is, as in all things audio, you must check it out for yourself.

I also have to say if you are willing to spend more (say about $5k) you will reap the benefits. The difference between DAC's in that price range and the Bryston is quite big. For example, what is likely the best DAC I have ever heard (its needs to be fully run in to totally evaluate), a Phasure DAC, is simply a joke comparison. I have zero doubt that anyone that heard the difference would do everything in their power to find a bit extra money.

Still all of us have budgetary constraints - but I would definitely check out the Chord.

Thanks
Bill

Thanks,Joman and Bhobba for your comments.

Joman, the only Dac I have used thus far has been the Dac inside of my Cary SACD 306 player which I have been very pleased with.

Bhobba, I guess I moved towards trying the Bryston BDA-2 Dac because of the BDP-2 player.
When I read the reviews of the BDP-2 player there seems to be synergy in using both products.

It's all about the "supporting staff" with the Bryston's. I would not consider them "world-class" with stock power cord and fuses. With high caliber PCs, digital cable and IC's, as well as AMR or Synergistic (but not HiFi Tuning or Furutech) fuses, they will SING. Definitely not Bryston-dry (I don't like the "Bryston sound", in fact, and have no other Bryston equipment). Agree with 300+ hours break in, leaving on continuously playing signal.

Tympani, That's very interesting about your comment on the fuses. I have used both HI-FI Tuning and Synergistic fuses. Why do you prefer one over the other?
And can you share with me the fuse sizes and values?
Thanks,
ozzy

Ozzy, the Hifi Tuning Supreme fuses, althouth nice and airy, give up too much deep bass. This was especially apparent in live recordings with ambient "room rumble" which was lost with the Supremes. It was very noticeable when I switched to the HD P4 power cables, which allow that really deep info to come through. The Furutechs are warm but somewhat thick, and the music gives up some excitement.

The Synergistic fuses are wonderful, but unfortunately every one I've tried in the BDP-2 has "popped" I think the SR's are "over-rated" from a slow-blow standpoint (not soundwise!) because they also pop in my Cary preamp. I suspect their melt time is probably quicker than HiFi Tuning, and can't take the inrush current of the Bryston BDP or Cary.

I would have been stuck putting up with the HiFi's or (God forbid) stock, if I hadn't stumbled on the AMR fuses. At $20 a fuse, these gems are a bargain in this ridiculously priced arena. But the sound is really nice. A bit on the lush side, with full bloom, and wonderful depth. No compromise in detail.

The combination of the HD P4's and the AMR fuses makes the Brystons anything but "dry". I'm not looking to try new gear now, only to listen to more music.

BTW, the resolution of this combo really allows you to hear the difference in fuse orientation. A bit of a pain, but rewarding once you get it right.

The Bryston BDP-2 takes two fuses, a 500mA and 250mA, small size, slow-blow. The BDA-2 takes a single 500mA, small, slow-blow.

Cheers