BDP-1USB Digital Player

I am considering buying a Bryston BDP-1USB or a BDP-2
However before I part with my money, I am seeking any advice, on the relative merits between a homemade dedicated FLAC player and the Bryston Digital Player.
I don't want to purchase a BDP-1USB or BDP-2 and discover there is no discernible difference between the audio output from the Bryston and my dedicated FLAC player.
I currently own a number of hand built "Audiophile PCs" housed in Streacom FC5WS Evo Fan less Cases.
I initially selected this case because the motherboard I was going to use required the CPU to be forced cooled. The motherboard turned out to be unsuitable so I decided on a dedicated motherboard for Audiophile use.
I purchased a Intel DN2800MT with Intel Atom CPU, but I then decided to build the PC using a Supermicro X10SBA with a Intel Celeron J1900 (10W, 4C) CPU. and 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L.
The PC uses a SOtM tX-USB PCIe USB Card and is powered by my hand made 12 volt Linear PSU.
After numerous trials with various Operating Systems including Ubuntu, Jaguar, DSL Damm small Linux, Microsoft Server 2012 R2 (with Audiophile Optimizer), I finally decided to use Windows 8.1.
The Server 2012 R2 with Audiophile Optimizer option was dropped partly because of its high price, and fact that none of the people I invited to listen to my system could detect any improvements between Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 when both are optimized.
The Operating System is installed on a dedicated Intel mSATA drive and the FLAC files are on a separate Plextor mSATA drives.
The OS being on a separate drive allowed me to independently compare the relative merits of each system.
The BDP-1USB or BDP-2, will be used with a Bryston BP25, Bryston BDA-2, Bryston BHA-1, Meridian M100 speakers (upgraded by M.R.S), Sennheiser HD800 and HD650
 
Hi Bryston Fan

it would certainly be a good test and given your ability to assemble a dedicated operating system and computer parts, power supply etc. I think it would be a close call. Most people do not have the skill set to assemble a quality dedicated operating system and sound card etc. which is what the BDP-2 is aimed at.

This review much preferred the BDP-2 to the MacPro (which is a popular choice for many running software like AudioRvana etc.)

Bryston BDA-2 and BDP-2 | AudioStream

james
 
James Tanner - Bryston said:
Hi Bryston Fan

it would certainly be a good test and given your ability to assemble a dedicated operating system and computer parts, power supply etc. I think it would be a close call. Most people do not have the skill set to assemble a quality dedicated operating system and sound card etc. which is what the BDP-2 is aimed at.

This review much preferred the BDP-2 to the MacPro (which is a popular choice for many running software like AudioRvana etc.)


james
Click to expand...

Many thanks for the reply James, but unfortunately for me, it is not what I wanted to hear.
I deeply regret not purchasing the BDP-2 when I purchased my BDA-2, instead of building my own FLAC player.I daresay have spent more on computer parts in my quest to build an Audiophile player than the cost of a BDP-2.
To-date I have tried 4 motherboards, and even more switching power supplies before I eventually decided to build my own Linear PS.
Had I purchased the BDP-2 in the first place, much of my time could have been spent listening to music, rather than wasting time and money and becoming frustrated doing A versus B comparisons with various PC builds and operating systems.

Regards
 
Bryston FAN said:
Many thanks for the reply James, but unfortunately for me, it is not what I wanted to hear.
I deeply regret not purchasing the BDP-2 when I purchased my BDA-2, instead of building my own FLAC player.I daresay have spent more on computer parts in my quest to build an Audiophile player than the cost of a BDP-2.
To-date I have tried 4 motherboards, and even more switching power supplies before I eventually decided to build my own Linear PS.
Had I purchased the BDP-2 in the first place, much of my time could have been spent listening to music, rather than wasting time and money and becoming frustrated doing A versus B comparisons with various PC builds and operating systems.

Regards
Click to expand...


Its a great point and one I try to inform people of when the question gets asked about why should I purchase the BDP2 rather than build my own. In most cases you end up spending more than the BDP-2 and expertise in power supply design and even positioning of sensitive circuit boards within the chassis to reduce any interaction etc. is not something you can accomplish without sophisticated test gear.

The other problem that generally comes up is people do not realize what is going on behind the scene with typical operating systems like Windows and MAC that affects the 'bit perfect' functionality of the digital files.

james
 
James Tanner - Bryston said:
Its a great point and one I try to inform people of when the question gets asked about why should I purchase the BDP2 rather than build my own. In most cases you end up spending more than the BDP-2 and expertise in power supply design and even positioning of sensitive circuit boards within the chassis to reduce any interaction etc. is not something you can accomplish without sophisticated test gear.

The other problem that generally comes up is people do not realize what is going on behind the scene with typical operating systems like Windows and MAC that affects the 'bit perfect' functionality of the digital files.

james
Click to expand...

Well said James and so true.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Another point to keep in mind is the BDP-2, and BDP-1, look like a piece of audio gear that belongs in your rack with the other gear, versus having a computer in your rack.
 
BlueFox said:
Another point to keep in mind is the BDP-2, and BDP-1, look like a piece of audio gear that belongs in your rack with the other gear, versus having a computer in your rack.
Click to expand...

Yes and also the BDP's do not have any internal moving parts so no fans or noisy switching power supplies to deal with if the computer is in the same room as your audio system

james
 

Hi BlueFox

I agree with your comments, but in my defense the Streacom case does not have the looks of a conventional PC. and blends in with my existing Bryston equipment, that was the main reason for selecting it.
Apart from the Linear Power Supply, the handmade Digital Player does not look too much out of place

Its a pity I am unable to post a JPG.

Regards
But I'd still prefer_
 
Bryston FAN said:

Hi BlueFox

I agree with your comments, but in my defense the Streacom case does not have the looks of a conventional PC. and blends in with my existing Bryston equipment, that was the main reason for selecting it.
Apart from the Linear Power Supply, the handmade Digital Player does not look too much out of place

Its a pity I am unable to post a JPG.

Regards
But I'd still prefer_
Click to expand...

just wondering are you using the FC10 case
attachment.php
if so nice case
 

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CPP said:
just wondering are you using the FC10 case if so nice case
Click to expand...

Hi BlueFox

I have the Streacom ST-FC5S series of case. They are not as deep (100mm) as the photo you posted.

The cases I used to build my Digital Players are physically the same width and depth (60mm) as my current Bryston equipment.

I have cases in both silver and black. They are not as good as the Bryston product but at first glance they are an acceptable match.

Best regards
 
Hi CPP
Thanks for posting the JPG of the Streacom case


I have the Streacom ST-FC5S series of case. They are not as deep (100mm) as the photo you posted.

The cases I used to build my Digital Players are physically the same width and depth (60mm) as my current Bryston equipment.

I have cases in both silver and black. They are not as good as the Bryston product but at first glance they are an acceptable match.

Best regards
 
Etunes said:
James,

Looks like a great unit.

I'm wondering about the software it mentions a limit at 30,000 songs. Can you explain does it use its own software for sorting files ?

Thx for any help on this.
Click to expand...

The 30,000 is a low estimate as I have over 50,000 on my setup. It is just that the more files you have the longer the sort time and at some point you need the BDP-2 if you start getting into 50,000 and more files loaded.

james
 
Yes the BDP-1 or USB can handle tons of files but not as well as a BDP-2. If the plan is to have multiple TB's of music, just spend the extra and get 2. If not, save your money and get the new affordable unit.
 
I am still working on filling up a 500GB drive with FLAC and ALAC files on my BDP-1. I already have more music than I can listen to. :)
 
To: James Tanner
Bryston Limited
From: Ray Smith

I received my BDP-1 on 09-30-2014 and it has proven to be one of the best audio investments I have ever made, not only with regard to sound quality, but also with regard to the significantly improved control of my two channel system.
Untitled.jpg
My two channel system consists of the following:
Teres Audio Model 255 turntable
Graham Phantom II tonearm
Ortofon MC Windfeld phono cartridge
Cary Audio CD 306 Professional Version SACD/CD/HDCD player
PS Audio PowerBase isolation platforms for turntable and SACD player
Black Diamond Racing isolation Pits and Mk IV Cones
Pass Labs XP-30 line level preamplifier
Pass Labs XP-25 phono preamplifier
Pass Labs X600.5 monoblock power amplifiers
AudioQuest Sky XLR interconnects
AudioQuest Everest speaker cables
AudioQuest LeoPard tonearm cable
PS Audio PerfectWave AC-12 power cords
PS Audio PerfectWave P-10 AC Regenerator
Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL loudspeakers (heavily modified)
Salamander Synergy Triple 30 audio credenza

I listen mostly to instrumental jazz. Listening evaluations are done with well recorded material and consists of describing the quality, size, and three dimensional placement of all sound images in the sound stage. Spatial maps are used to record positions of sound images and their relative size. The BDP-1 is connected to the DAC section of the Cary CD 306 Pro Version SACD player

There were significant differences in image weight, bass detail, bass weight and small improvements in overall clarity and detail as I went from the BPD-1. Playing ripped CD music files through the BDP-1/CD 306 PV combination resulted in music with deeper base, greater sound stage depth, and increased clarity and detail compared to playing the same music file from the original CD through the CD 306 PV. Apparently, bypassing the CD 306 PV's transport removes a significant amount of mechanical and electrical noise.
 
James Tanner - Bryston said:
To: James Tanner
Bryston Limited
From: Ray Smith

I received my BDP-1 on 09-30-2014 and it has proven to be one of the best audio investments I have ever made, not only with regard to sound quality, but also with regard to the significantly improved control of my two channel system.
attachment.php

My two channel system consists of the following:
Teres Audio Model 255 turntable
Graham Phantom II tonearm
Ortofon MC Windfeld phono cartridge
Cary Audio CD 306 Professional Version SACD/CD/HDCD player
PS Audio PowerBase isolation platforms for turntable and SACD player
Black Diamond Racing isolation Pits and Mk IV Cones
Pass Labs XP-30 line level preamplifier
Pass Labs XP-25 phono preamplifier
Pass Labs X600.5 monoblock power amplifiers
AudioQuest Sky XLR interconnects
AudioQuest Everest speaker cables
AudioQuest LeoPard tonearm cable
PS Audio PerfectWave AC-12 power cords
PS Audio PerfectWave P-10 AC Regenerator
Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL loudspeakers (heavily modified)
Salamander Synergy Triple 30 audio credenza

I listen mostly to instrumental jazz. Listening evaluations are done with well recorded material and consists of describing the quality, size, and three dimensional placement of all sound images in the sound stage. Spatial maps are used to record positions of sound images and their relative size. The BDP-1 is connected to the DAC section of the Cary CD 306 Pro Version SACD player

There were significant differences in image weight, bass detail, bass weight and small improvements in overall clarity and detail as I went from the BPD-1. Playing ripped CD music files through the BDP-1/CD 306 PV combination resulted in music with deeper base, greater sound stage depth, and increased clarity and detail compared to playing the same music file from the original CD through the CD 306 PV. Apparently, bypassing the CD 306 PV's transport removes a significant amount of mechanical and electrical noise.
Click to expand...

This is is Ray's review on the Polk Audio forum.

Bryston BDP-1 Digital Player - First Impressions - Polk Audio
 
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