BDA2 and BDP2 Reviews

James Tanner - Bryston said:
Hi All,

Here's a link to a folder containing user's manuals which I hope to keep reasonably up to date as Chris continues to make changes to the firmware. Let me know if there is information you think is missing or if particular explanations are unclear. Thanks all!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/54y93ha7jlieegp/AABY4SZlLVaMAC9kgHf8CKAia
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At the end where it explains the front panel, it does not show how to turn the display off. Many people, like myself, despise lights on stereo, and HT, gear. I hope this upgrade does not break that function.
 
I have to admit, every time I hear the BDP/BDA setups at friends homes, I really enjoy it. If I didn't own a Lumin already, I would get the BDA-2/BDP-2 combo. Very musical and no computer required.
 
Mike said:
I have to admit, every time I hear the BDP/BDA setups at friends homes, I really enjoy it. If I didn't own a Lumin already, I would get the BDA-2/BDP-2 combo. Very musical and no computer required.
Click to expand...

Yes, two fantastic products from a fantastic company, bravo Bryston.
 
Mark Jones said:
Yes, two fantastic products from a fantastic company, bravo Bryston.
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+1 I started with the BDP-1, and graduated to the BDP-2. Very happy with both units. I change/chase the SOTA dacs to stay on top of the latest improvements. An easy system to deal with. I am having some issues with the newer large 3.0 flash drives though (Winten 3.0 drive.....128gb I believe). Maybe Mr. Tanner can chime in with some help in this matter. Otherwise, its been smooth sailing for several years.
 
I upgraded my BDA-2 to an Auralic Vega DAC in anticipation of the new BDP firmware letting us play DSD files. Other than not being able to handle DSD, the BDA-2 is a great DAC, and is in my spare stereo/HT setup.
 
James, when are you going to tell us how to get the Manic Moose upgrade? I try to read this and AA, and I do not remember seeing this published. Probably, a new thread specifically for this would be best. Thanks.
 
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nf2uiwywmqe4yis/BDP%20Manic%20Moose%20Update.pdf">Firmware Install Instructions</a><br><br>

If the above method doesn't work, try repeating it, <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6demrr8wcn43gom/firmware20140430alt.bin">but with this file instead</a><br><br>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/cyffqtuz9uw9qxl/Manic%20Moose%20Manual-S2.04_2014_06_19.pdf">User's Manual for Firmware Build from June 19</a><br><br>

If the above instructions just don't work for installing Manic Moose,<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/705xrtxd1xulcw5/BDP%20Manual%20Manic%20Moose%20Install.pdf"> you can force it with these instructions.</a>Or call

Bryston support for further assistance.

[email protected]
 
James Tanner - Bryston said:
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nf2uiwywmqe4yis/BDP%20Manic%20Moose%20Update.pdf">Firmware Install Instructions</a><br><br>

If the above method doesn't work, try repeating it, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6demrr8wcn43gom/firmware20140430alt.bin">but with this file instead</a><br><br>
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/cyffqtuz9uw9qxl/Manic%20Moose%20Manual-S2.04_2014_06_19.pdf">User's Manual for Firmware Build from June 19</a><br><br>

If the above instructions just don't work for installing Manic Moose,<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/705xrtxd1xulcw5/BDP%20Manual%20Manic%20Moose%20Install.pdf"> you can force it with these instructions.</a>Or call

Bryston support for further assistance.

[email protected]
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Thanks. I managed to decipher those links. :)
 
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston BDP-2 Digital Player

July 2014

The Bryston won every A/B test with the expensive Audio Aero Player using the same (also expensive) DAC!

Capture2.JPG

Hidden away in Ste Sauveur, I am here with Jim from Tenor Audio listening off centre stage — and not missing three-dimensional imagery.

A newly installed (connected) Bryston BDP-2 Digital player on the shelf; Audio Aero player preamp and WLM crossovers also visible.

Nice stuff here . . . .

Ernie Fisher
Inner Ear Magazine
 
Hello All:

This is my first post here after lurking around for a while.

I reviewed the BDA-1 DAC, and subsequently purchased the review sample.

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-ac...ston-bda-1-dac review.html

Well, many, many more DACs have come through the system for review, and let me say, the BDA series STILL never ceases to amaze me. It's, forgive me, analog like, insightful, and beautiful presentation has been the one to beat. Regardless of source, and associated equipment, its magic comes through. Considering the price, and what the competition is offering, you can bet I am holding on this unit.

I know DSD functionality has been discussed here, and my attitude is that Bryston will get to it and when they do, it will be an engineering triumph with none of the shortcuts I am seeing from other vendors.

Cheers , Andre Marc
 
Hi James

I would like to thank Mike and Chris for there great support in getting my BDP-1 up and running again. It seems that when I did a software update to Manic Moose for the BDP-1 the compact flash card did not partition correct. So a quick call to Chris and I was sent out a new card with the new software on it. I was able to install it my self and get the BDP-1 up and running again, It even works great from my Samsung 2 - 10” tablet just had to install Google Chrome Browser.

The music that I hear from the Bryston equipment is over whelming clear, detailed, and with the feeling of being there. I am able to sit back, close my eyes and enjoy!

Thanks again for the great support and I very proud I bough your equipment.

I own these Bryston produce: 14BSST², BP26 Preamplifier, MPS-2 Power Supply, BCD-1 CD Player, BDA-1 External DAC, BDP-1 Digital Player, along with a Torus 20 Power Conditioner, Transparent Super Audio Cables and B&W 703 Speakers. I hope to add a set of Bryston speakers in the near future.

Larry Stevenson
 
Hi James,

I just received my bdp2 and got it installed. This thing never ceases to amaze me! I had previously altered my system and my Mac Mini running Audirvana was sounding really awesome again. But the BDP is just clearly superior...and that's after only 10 minutes of use! Who buys a CD player anymore?! ;)

Anyway thanks again for your help. Oh and the speaker plugs was also a very nice gesture! They're not making a huge difference in my room (a difference none the less) but I plan on trying them in the store in as many configurations as possible.

Thanks!
James
 
Hi Folks,


This is my first Bryston product (BDP-2) and wow! The speed and quality of the service was the best I've seen in the industry. Thank you James and Chris.

With the help from Chris I managed to flash my CF card with a bit of Mac Os Terminal magic and I can play music now. Which is great.

I am sorry to say that as a transport it beats my Wadia S7i marginally. Insane.

Thank you James. The sound is amazing.


Cheers everybody

SkotiPati
 
BDA-2 and BDP-2 user thoughts.
I am new to owning Bryston gear, but not unfamiliar to the brand. First off, I am a techie, being a computer consultant by trade.
Prior to receiving my equipment, I began the 20+ year CD collection of ripping thru DBpoweramp software into my NAS. I also upgraded my home network to Gigabit switches to accommodate the Bryston gear.
...I'm still ripping as I write this, so far over 300 discs in non-compressed FLAC format.

The Bryston gear was easy to hookup. I used the AES/EBU connection with a Madrigal cable.
I have tried various interfaces now. Mpod(on a iPod), MPDroid(on a Samsung Note 2), Bryston Max/Mini(on PC, laptop, various smartphones and Windows 8 tablet), sevenMPC(for my Windows phone 8.1), and Gnome Music Player Client(GMPC) for PC.

Mpod I rate as a 8 out of 10
MPDroid as a 7 out of 10
Bryston as a 5 out of 10
sevenMPC as a 3 out of 10
GMPC as a 8 out of 10

After looking at the MPad video on Youtube, it looks like possibly the winner as far as MPD interfaces go. I am NOT an Apple lover, but they definitely have the best App for the job. I will probably eventually get an iPad Mini for this sole purpose. Each App has their benefits, and it has been fun just using them all.

The Bryston gear itself has exceptional sound quality out of the box(thank goodness no DAC shout), but I noticed as the hours tick by, there is a definite improvement. I first tried it without upsampling my music, but I have a preference to the upsampled sound. If DSD comes to the forefront I will just add another DAC to the BDP-2. Hopefully Bryston will have their own unit. Not sure if I will go for a BOT unit, as by the time it gets out to retail, I will probably have all my discs ripped.

Thanks Bryston for some great digital gear! I can't wait to see how the software matures.

Rod
 
Agreed I love the BDP and also love using it with MPad my fav interface.

Hey Rod, have you updated the BDP to Manic Moose yet. It's much nicer to use than the old Looney Loon. But still much prefer MPad.
 
Hi Mark,
yes I specified that the BDP-2 have the latest Manic Moose build which was 7-25 I believe. I just downloaded the latest firmware last night which was 8-18. My Bryston gear is really fresh, only 3 days old haha.

Cheers.
Rod
 
Hi James!

I am still in a bit of a shock over here. I mean, I spent money on assembling a PC with noiseless power supply, processor cooling and everything else only to find out the driver business is an unpenetrable obstacle. At that point I started questioning computers can be a reliable source for music playback and that put a shade on the external DAC for me and I wondered why on earth I didn't get a CD player instead.

The BDP-1 changes my mind again. Now, I am sure there is a computer somewhere inside there but it certainly doesn't show and to me, this is a real achievement. Together with the BDA-2, it makes for a compelling highly integrated separates system that makes a lot of sense. It can be as simple or as powerful as you want it to be. I had no idea... I did not think a digital transport could enhance the performance in such an extent. I have used a PC, a dedicated CD transport with fine mechanics and DVD players that measured the best on the scope but all of that is now in the past. I get shivers when I hear the Firebird Suite. It completely bowls me over. And all this time, I had no idea...

I took a bit of time to relisten to some of the old samples of vintage analogue synthesizers and let me tell you, the Spectral sounds as good as I have heard it. Searing and melodic. Staggering.

You know, when I was a kid, I heard a pair of Kef Cresta 2 soeakers connected to a Kenwood amplifier and the matching CD player. I still remember the experience and to this day I haven't been able to repeat it even though I have heard much better systems. Until now. Something clicked into it's place and I lost ground. I have no idea what you did to this player or how, but you are to be congratulated. It was the missing link that combines it all together and makes the system greater than the sum of it's parts will allow. Every part of me, as a musician and as a music listener, tells me this is right and it sounds as good as studio sessions or live venues did. Look at me! I am excited over something that knows only 0s and 1s! Insanely great!

I must also thank you for including the cute little Bryston USB thumbdrive with a lovely music selection.

I am left with no words.

Antun
 
Hi Antun

You are spot on with "it just sounds right". I think there is a very fine line between a Great audio system and a Superb audio system - the difference is the ability to express the emotion in the music. If the system has the ability to induce 'shivers', 'make the hair stand up' and 'take you there' in my opinion that is the icing on the cake.

james
 
SkotiPati

BRYSTON BDP-1/2 DIGITAL PLAYER FEEDBACK/REVIEWS

I just bought a second hand BDP-1 unit.

My plan was to free myself from plastic disks laying around my house without any loss in sound quality. I have a Wadia S7i CD Player so going beyond it's transport capabilities was a hard target. I always had doubts that any digital server on the market can even equal the CD Transport of the Wadia on playing ripped CDs. I tried to use Apple Mini and Macbook Pro as a transport with different programs such as Audirvana and Amara. They were great for simplicity but CD Playback of the Wadia was a bit better every time. I am a critical listener so I couldn't really get into this digital media server based system because of my fail attempts. I value the sound always more than how user friendly the system works.

That's why I bought BDP-1 second hand. I didn't want to loose money on it for just a blank shot. I thought I would end up with the same result as my Apple trials.

It was nothing like that. I was hoping to equal in sound quality but no BDP-1 definetely excelled over Wadia's transport. There was so much air between instruments, so much silence and certainty with the music. I was always a Wadia fan so I was depressed and excited at the same time. I still think Wadia's DAC is part of the equation in the great sound I am getting now but there is no comparison between BDP-1 and Wadia's transport. BDP-1 wins in every domain there is at evaluating hifi performance.

I can not get back from using BDP-1. It is impossible. Now my question is; can BDA win over my Wadia DAC. I still don't think it can but now I respect Bryston so much that I will try to find out the answer even if they are not on the same league in terms of price.

Components like BDP come one in ten years. I bought and sold maybe more that 50 components over my hifi adventure and BDP makes into top 3 in terms of most impact on my senses. And I'm talking only about sound quality not about how user friendly is to work with it instead of messing with CDs.
 
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