Got a Pi but was wondering what the difference is internally with the BDP2 vs the Pi. Basically with SQ?
update: found another thread on BDP2 vs Pi but it didn't have a lot of meat so leaving this question out there.
Hi! The differences inside are plenty – BDP-2 uses an Intel-based board for processing, either an ESI Juli@ or Bryston’s own board (so-called IAD or BUC board) for audio and a custom built 5A linear PSU based around a single toroid, whereas the BDP-Pi is based on a Pi board and if I’m not mistaken, an off-the-shelf daughter-board for audio that’s meant to work with Raspberry boards. Both perform the same function but BDP-2 likely does that to a higher standard when it comes to conventional (electrical) digital outputs. They’re probably the same when using a USB output.
To the best of my knowledge, providing BDP-2 is equipped with the newer IAD audio board instead of the ESI board (which in itself is a marginal difference at best – had both side by side and perfomed many A/B blind tests with my own recordings), the BDP-2 and BDP-3 are essentially the same machine. The latter has a newer CPU and more RAM so it’s a faster ‘computer’ but the audio board and PSU are the same.
How much of a difference between a BDP-2 or -3 and a BDP-Pi you will hear depends entirely on you. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it though and far bigger differences can be achieved elsewhere in the chain and for a lot less money, I might add. I still own a modified Pioneer DVD player (inspired by the Lampizator site – back then it was nothing but an enthusiast’s site, now they make some very expensive stuff) and it sounds as good as the BDP.
Cheers,
Antun
