The Bryston BDA-2 is a state of the art external Stereo DAC (digital to analog converter) which delivers superb sonic performance through re-sampling and re-clocking of the digital input signal. The BDA-2 incorporates a new asynchronous USB input capable of 192/24bit resolution. It is compatible with CD Drives, Sound Cards, Computers, Music Servers, etc. Inputs: USB Class 2, 4x SPDIF (2 BNC, 2 RCA), 2x Optical (TOSLINK), AES/EBU Outputs: RCA Single Ended, XLR Balanced, SPDIF Bypass (RCA)* Control: RS-232 (DB9)**
T**T
Best at its price point
Summary: This is the best DAC I've heard. Combined with the BDP-2 digital server and also with a CD transport, I've compared it to older DACs from MSB and Musical Fidelity and to a new Oppo BDP-105D with all available Modwright modifications. The BDA-2 wins in all cases. I will say that the Oppo, playing the same tracks on SACD does equal this Bryston combination playing a 44 kHz-16 bit data stream (i.e., CD-quality).I recently gave the Bryson BDP-2 / BDA-2 combo an acid test. I have an original vinyl recording of the 1970s Jazz at the Pawnshop, which is one of the most famous audiophile recordings of all time. I also have downloaded Jazz at the Pawnshop in 88 kHz-24 bit high-rez files. I compared them head-to-head with the vinyl played on a $16K phono front end. The sound was almost indistinquishable! My point is that this Bryston equipment can make the best digital recordings sound like the information has never been digitized, and that says a lot. The analog amplification is also superlative.Compared to other digital equipment, the BDA-2 was clearer, cleaner, more highly resolving, yet had no penalty in added harshness. The BDA-2 was also a bit firmer in its bass response. Truth of timber across the midrange was excellent with both.Is the BDP-2 the state of the art in DACs? Probably not, at least by my definition. My guess is that DACs costing 10 to 20 times as much probably sound better. As for me, it's the best sounding DAC I've ever heard. Period. My only complaint is that the BDP-2 does not play DSD files. I understand that a BDP-3 is coming out that does, but it costs more.Associated EquipmentPreamplifiers: Mark Levinson 326S, Pass Labs XP- 15, and Pass Labs XP-30.Power Amplifiers: Pass Labs XA 30.8, Pass Labs XA 30.5; Cary 300SE; BAT VK-220; McIntosh MC 275.Phono Rig: Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge, VPI Scout II turntable and arm, Mapleshade phono platform, Pass Labs XP-25 phono pre-amp. (Phono comparison used the Pass Labs XP-30 and XA 30.8.)Speakers: Avantgarde Duo Omega, Sound Dynamics 300Ti.
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