Is Bryson BDA-1 still up to date.

The only thing that's really out of date on the Bryston is its USB input.

I am not going to be using the USB so I guess the Bryston could work for me. Anyone have experience with the BDA-1 to give their experience on the sound?

I had a Wyred DAC 2, which I replaced with a Bryston BDA-1 (after getting a Bryston BDP-1). I find the Bryston to be slightly more forgiving than the Wyred, while the Wyred is slightly more resolving. I can listen to an Andrew Bird cut on the Bryston that I couldn't listen to on the Wyred. I believe the Wryed's best feature is its USB response. I like the Bryston better for CDs.

I don't own the BDA-1, but I've heard it extensively. If I had the funds, I'd buy it without regret. But I own a Bryston B60, so of course I'm biased. As was mentioned earlier, the only 'out dated' thing is the USB is limited to 44.1 or something similar. Most others are too though.

If you have a local dealer and they don't have a BDA-1, ask to hear the BCD-1, as they sound very similar.

I have the Bryston BDA-1 and the W4S DAC2 and agree with Sboots in that if you aren't using the USB input then the Bryston is superior. I find it extremely musical and more analogue-like. And the AES/EBU connections are the way to go, regardless of the DAC/Transport.

I also have found that digital interconnects do make a huge difference. The WyWires are the best for the money IMHO.