I would like to share my experience after almost 200 hrs of listening to the BDP1, the assessment being made for the unit not paired with the BDA, since it was added to my digital transport and DAC (Blu and QBD76). The comparison with this reference I think is useful for a correct positioning of this player amongst well recognized sources. Moreover, for a “fair” comparison I’ve used only ripped CD’s (DBPoweramp – flac uncompressed), even if the Blu does up sample to 24/176 via dual digital cables. For the test I have left the Blu with dual AES/EBU and used S/PDIF for the BDP1. More on cables afterward.
Both sources are standing on the same equipment rack, which I found brings a clear benefit to the sound. The CDP1 was additionally put on pulsar points which furthermore enhanced the soundstage. The power chords were replaced with Blue Heaven.
The first 50 hrs or so I’ve switched between the Blu and BDP1 both playing in parallel the same music, listening to endless records: the Blu systematically provided more texture and palpability, the soundstage was better defined and it was a clear liquidity in the midband and hights which BDP was lacking; this happened until my new S/PDIF with proper BNC arrived (until then I was using adaptors to RCA). The difference made by a proper cable erased 75% of that difference with Blu (please do not use any of those is a waste ….).
Now for a more critical listening since with a proper cable the differences are more subtle, and now both players shear the same type of cable the Silver Shadow, (just as a small test I’ve borrowed a digital cable costing more than the BDP1: the upgrade is fantastic even if hard to sustain..). The Blu is still slightly more fulsome with an ease and fantastic timing, the music is standing out in a dramatic and believable manner, but the BDP is very, very close. It is now more a matter of taste and habit, since I’m listening more and more to the BDP. I admire the unbelievable dynamics both micro and macro, the music emerges in a precise location in the soundstage with full scale and with beautifully timmed decays. It is just a hint of overall cohesion which separates the players, but I believe that this will diminish with time.
I do not know if the ripping of DBPoweramp actually corrects my CD’s (which are labeled accurate rip – even if some are not defined as accurate) by comparing them with other available data, but the results are really impressive.
HD files: I have a mixt bag of opinions, none related to the BDP1. Raising Sand (flac 24/96) sounds worse than the ripped CD; samples from classical files flac 24/96 and 24/192 (2L) are truly unbelievable, never heard my system sounding like this with classical music. But still some samples from the Triangle CD are equally impressive. For me the god news is that with redbook the BDP is amazing, since most of the music I love is still not available as a high rez file. And if 24/192 is engineered by a MP3 fan…the results are zero (horrible Nevermind!).
Concluding, I can report that the Bryston really does a fantastic job. It deserves to be fully accessorized with proper cables and support, as high as you can afford, and partnered accordingly.
My best sound per pound upgrade.
Vlad
