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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
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Brytson is great. Warm, full, detailed with great bass and extended highs. Prior to the Bryston, I owned (mostly) or auditioned:

Berkeley Alpha Dac

MHDT Labs Havana

Bel Canto Dac3

TAD PreDac

PS Audio III

Benchmark DAC1 USB

Cary Audio Xciter

Musical Fidelity (older one)

PS Audio Perfect Wave

and a few more

I picked the Bryston and have kept it
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
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