AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Bryston Limited => Topic started by: Larry Dickman on 27 Oct 2017, 08:24 am
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I have no doubt that Bryston makes fine amplifiers. But Manic Moose is far from cutting edge. The video of Chris (if that is his real name) explaining the new Manic Moose release is positively amateurish, long pauses and whatever. And just look at all the complaints and questions about Bryston digital (except a CD player).
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I have no doubt that Bryston makes fine amplifiers. But Manic Moose is far from cutting edge. The video of Chris (if that is his real name) explaining the new Manic Moose release is positively amateurish, long pauses and whatever. And just look at all the complaints and questions about Bryston digital (except a CD player).
If the end-point is the SQ of the music files, you can't fault Bryston. BDP's just sound right when paired with a good DAC. :thumb:
As for the software, I think that if Chris were to trim off all the "extras" like cover art display, etc., Moose would be a smoother-operating software than now. Murphy's Law. Not an easy task, writing in-house software. Not sure if there's any other amp mfr who does this for their own players.
cheers
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I own a Bryston amp and the BCD-3 CD player. Good sound from these components. Very solid performers that I hope to have in my system for some time to come. But, I have to agree with the OP on this one. A huge part of the digital listening experience is the user interface. As digital playback has improved, the differences in sound quality between brands have been reduced significantly. As good as the Bryston digital playback components are, there are many competing brands with equal sound quality but with better user interface. Future buyers of streaming devices will be basing their purchasing decisions as much on what they see as what they hear.
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Future buyers of streaming devices will be basing their purchasing decisions as much on what they see as what they hear.
I think that's a mistake, but also admittedly it's a personal preference. Spending $3K+ on a player/interface should be for the music SQ, not for visuals. The latter isn't a deal-breaker for me. imho.
cheers
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It's not a deal breaker for me either...unless I can find another brand in the same price range that sounds as good or better AND has a great user interface. Those products are out there.
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Hi Randy,
any example of those? I can think about Aurender, Lumin, Melco.... not that many...
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I have no doubt that Bryston makes fine amplifiers. But Manic Moose is far from cutting edge. The video of Chris (if that is his real name) explaining the new Manic Moose release is positively amateurish, long pauses and whatever. And just look at all the complaints and questions about Bryston digital (except a CD player).
Manic Moose is fine. The only problem I have with it is displaying aiff cover art, but this is never a problem with downloads like HD Tracks. Aiff is an apple/iTunes files and I understand they handle their cover arts with a hidden file. Regardless, when I play my BDP-2, I am uninterested in the cover art, but rather the sound which the unit delivers in spades. :roll: :nono:
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When I want cover art... I play records.. those big black round things...
LPs have the original form of cover art. "Full size" cover art. :lol:
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When I want cover art... I play records.. those big black round things...
LPs have the original form of cover art. "Full size" cover art. :lol:
Elizabeth, You rock. :thumb:
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Hi Randy,
any example of those? I can think about Aurender, Lumin, Melco.... not that many...
I think Melco has it's own interface issues but yes, products from Aurender and Lumin are the first to come to mind. Others include Bluesound/NAD, Simaudio, Linn, Auralic... My point is that potential customers outside the Bryston bubble may have different priorities. One can make the argument that companies like Bryston put their money into the sound quality of their products and eschew such frivolities as user interface...or MQA. This point of view may resonate with the Bryston brand loyalists but I doubt that it translates to a broader customer base who are more inclined to look beyond the Bryston products when shopping for digital streaming/DAC products.
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Manic Moose or any of the MPad/MPod and Soundirok I've tried with BDP-1 are several steps below what Roon offers. I don't think any of the streamers from other brands offers software that is near Roon either. I used to hear in the past that Sonos was the king, but now with Roon and Roon Ready endpoints, pick the one with the features you like and the best sound quality. SQ is what ultimately I think most of us here is after. Otherwise, we'd all be just using our PCs.
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When I want cover art... I play records.. those big black round things...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170388)
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Elizabeth, You rock. :thumb:
+1 :thumb:
Be well...
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The Bryston Creed
I believe in Bryston, the only source, pre-amp, amplifiers, speakers, I will ever own.
I believe in the pursuit of the highest sound quality that can be obtained from an audio recording.
I believe that Bryston will do their technological best to deliver State of the Art audio products, at prices that are obtainable by the average hard working Joe with steady income.
I believe and support Brick & Mortar sales outlets that distribute Bryston products.
I believe that Bryston will continue with great customer service, honour their warranties above and beyond that experienced by any other business, audio or otherwise.
I want to be wrapped in Bryston burial cloth when I depart this world.
Amen
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When I want cover art... I play records.. those big black round things...
LPs have the original form of cover art. "Full size" cover art. :lol:
Some years ago I bought a Zeit vinyl box set just for the art size, I like so much this box I yet dont have open it.
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The Bryston Creed
I believe in Bryston, the only source, pre-amp, amplifiers, speakers, I will ever own.
I believe in the pursuit of the highest sound quality that can be obtained from an audio recording.
I believe that Bryston will do their technological best to deliver State of the Art audio products, at prices that are obtainable by the average hard working Joe with steady income.
I believe and support Brick & Mortar sales outlets that distribute Bryston products.
I believe that Bryston will continue with great customer service, honour their warranties above and beyond that experienced by any other business, audio or otherwise.
I want to be wrapped in Bryston burial cloth when I depart this world.
Amen
Wm S Burroughs ... a little eclectic taste in literature is required, but your post reminds me of a Burroughs passage.
Writing about patients in a ward who are grovelling to the Doctor in order to get "better" meds:
"When I die, [Doctor] I want to be buried in the same grave as you."
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I think Melco has it's own interface issues but yes, products from Aurender and Lumin are the first to come to mind. Others include Bluesound/NAD, Simaudio, Linn, Auralic... My point is that potential customers outside the Bryston bubble may have different priorities. One can make the argument that companies like Bryston put their money into the sound quality of their products and eschew such frivolities as user interface...or MQA. This point of view may resonate with the Bryston brand loyalists but I doubt that it translates to a broader customer base who are more inclined to look beyond the Bryston products when shopping for digital streaming/DAC products.
yes - the digital player without dac are few. I know that apps for Lumin and Aurender are good, Naim and Linn's ones too but they're designed for closed systems (also no DSD and quite expensive). I don't know about sound quality of Melco, Simaudio and Auralic...
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I had the BDP1 BDA1 combo and it sounded ok but just wasn’t user friendly. I switched to the LUMIN S1 because I just wanted to come home, flip the switch, and listen to music without having to work on a science project. The LUMIN sounds great, works every time, and has a simple app that runs on my iPad. If the BDP was functionally close I may have stayed.
Analog I’m Bryston for sure.
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I cannot say I am a Bryston cultist.
I have regretted buying the BP-26..
(I wanted a used ARC REF 5 preamp)
I also thought about buying Parasound John Curl designed amps.
But they were almost twice the price AND made in China.
(Made in China is a no go for me)
But over time my Bryston amp and preamp have never shown themselves to be a 'limiting factor',
As I upgrade other things.
The Bryston components show they can and do have the resolution and superior sound I need.
So call me a Happy Bryston Owner.
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I am impressed that no one attacked me...that was a somewhat angry and provactive post of mine. The Bryston DACs have garnered outstanding reviews, but i am quite disappointed in my Pi (which is not a DAC, obviously). It failed after 4 months due to a bad SD card. Bryston sent me a new SD card which was DOA. I was also sent a wrong size tool to unscrew the case, which slightly marred the screws, and I had to purchase a size 8 Torx screwdriver on my own. (Apparently I have an early production model, currently the Pi uses a larger, size 10 screw). A trip back to Bryston has fixed things, but they did not replace the screws, which will be an issue if I sell it (a marred screw could indicate that that the owner was monkeying around inside). But mostly I remain terribly disappointed with the Manic Moose software and Tidal application, considering the $1,250 price.
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I own the Bdp3 and the Lumin D1.
Bdp3 sounds slightly better, maybe because of USB vs the BNC of the Lumin.
The Lumin app on the other hands make the Manic Moose look like it has been made by amateurs, specially when Nas or Tidal is the source.
I wish the app on Bryston could be on par with the Lumin, it would make the Bdp the player to beat.
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I own the Bdp3 and the Lumin D1.
Bdp3 sounds slightly better, maybe because of USB vs the BNC of the Lumin.
The Lumin app on the other hands make the Manic Moose look like it has been made by amateurs, specially when Nas or Tidal is the source.
I wish the app on Bryston could be on par with the Lumin, it would make the Bdp the player to beat.
I never used a BDP3, but this is exactly the critic that I often found on the web.... Great sound quality but bad app... I think this is the problem of having an app built internally vs using a third party software (roon, JRiver ...).
On the other hand, BDP3 has features that not many competitors have: made in Canada and not in China, linear alim. (Not switching), many outputs and not limited to USB, it can read DSD, it can be used with big external drives AND with Nas... If agree with you that with a good app it will be the player to beat.
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I own the Bdp3 and the Lumin D1.
Bdp3 sounds slightly better, maybe because of USB vs the BNC of the Lumin.
The Lumin app on the other hands make the Manic Moose look like it has been made by amateurs, specially when Nas or Tidal is the source.
I wish the app on Bryston could be on par with the Lumin, it would make the Bdp the player to beat.
While I likely would agree (with the general analysis), it is not exactly an apples to apples comparison. The Lumin D1 is an entry level piece with a DAC and the BDP-3 is about 75% (?) more money. I'd expect it to sound better. I've more or less said the same thing about the OS (probably either in the BDP-2 vs. BDP-3 or the BDP-3) in threads (there was page after page at least at one point with issues). It seems, and it is not limited to Bryston, that everyone wants to design their own OS. From what I understand (could be mistaken), Lumin did the App for the Esoteric network player.
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On the other hand, BDP3 has features that not many competitors have: made in Canada and not in China, linear alim. (Not switching), many outputs and not limited to USB, it can read DSD, it can be used with big external drives AND with Nas... If agree with you that with a good app it will be the player to beat.
The USB connections in the BDP-3 are a great thing and give it wonderful flexibility.
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I am impressed that no one attacked me...that was a somewhat angry and provactive post of mine. The Bryston DACs have garnered outstanding reviews, but i am quite disappointed in my Pi (which is not a DAC, obviously). It failed after 4 months due to a bad SD card. Bryston sent me a new SD card which was DOA. I was also sent a wrong size tool to unscrew the case, which slightly marred the screws, and I had to purchase a size 8 Torx screwdriver on my own. (Apparently I have an early production model, currently the Pi uses a larger, size 10 screw). A trip back to Bryston has fixed things, but they did not replace the screws, which will be an issue if I sell it (a marred screw could indicate that that the owner was monkeying around inside). But mostly I remain terribly disappointed with the Manic Moose software and Tidal application, considering the $1,250 price.
There should be no reason that anyone attacks anyone over an opinion. That's why Baskin Robbins has many flavors of ice cream. Anything that has ever been made can have problems. The better companies like Bryston take care of those issues (vs. ignore them and move on to the next product year products) and that's why their customers keep buying their products.
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I am impressed that no one attacked me...that was a somewhat angry and provactive post of mine.
No prob, it will debt points in your bill...
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Apparently, the "cult" goes beyond audio gear....
http://inearspace.com/2015/05/29/bryston-gets-our-vote-for-best-drink-a-munich-high-end-show-2015-report/
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Love my Bryston gear. I have (and had) a lot of it. Absolutely hate MM. i use Soundirok to have a somewhat reasonable interface for the daily use of the thing. For equip mangement itself MM is sufficient. I need to do that about once every two weeks.
Why don't you Bryston guys leave MM for that and hire some decent web app developers to make apps like Soundirok or MPAD (but a lot better)? Come on. It cant be that hard. Geez the loner guys make this stuff in fly by night shops and sell them for peanuts.
My iPad gets a workout controlling my music playback. The $3 app i use doesn't have trouble with accents in composer’s names or showing my album art or artist images. It also doesn't have issues looking up info about albums or artists and it shows that info in reasonable ways. Also it doesnt have weird UI choices in it where labels and headers of sections are displayed over useful info from sections underneath.
Let’s not kid ourselves, the UI is generally appalling. We shouldn't be comparing it to other products in this category. We should be comparing it to best in class UI that we would really want for covering the tasks of displaying info to us users and giving us high quality controls for manipulating those views. I want good sorting and filtering of the info. Along with logical layout, proper adherence to generally accepted web UI/UX standards and a pleasant experience to use.
I have been waiting for somone else to raise this issue. Love the sound. Love the generally reliable operation of my BDP’s. (not sure what that other guy was talking about when he said it was like a science project). Really don’t like the UI that Bryston supplies for it’s players. I would not own one, if I didnt have anotherr choice through a web app. This thing costs thousands and it is hamstruung by MM.
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I have no doubt that Bryston makes fine amplifiers. But Manic Moose is far from cutting edge. The video of Chris (if that is his real name) explaining the new Manic Moose release is positively amateurish, long pauses and whatever. And just look at all the complaints and questions about Bryston digital (except a CD player).
I've lost count of the number of bugs I've taken the time to write-up and post here. Manic Moose is, by a wide margin, the worst audio playback user interface I've ever used (and I've used / seen just about everything).
Part of the problem is Bryston chose to build a web-based UI - for an app like this, that was a catastrophic choice. I'm sure it sounded like a good plan in the beginning.
The second issue with the BDP is that Bryston made some unfortunate software choices, with respect to third-party integration (DLNA, uPnP and TIDAL being stand-outs). Even with MPD, to this day, Manic Moose still struggles reading/processing audio track meta data, something I never encounter with the same audio files using media libraries like Roon, MinimServer, whatever.
Bryston did a nice job with Roon, but Roon is designed for vendors like Bryston that really don't want to build their own UI and Roon does the bulk of the heavy lifting.
A vendor like Bryston really has 2 choices:
1. Go all-in with your own user experience and build your own apps with a dedicated team of software developers (e.g. AURALiC being a good example of this approach that was successful);
2. Delegate to third parties *everything* except basic admin functions (e.g. Sonore's xRendu series being the poster child for this model). If Bryston had partnered with someone, like Volumio, they would have a better MPD player and UI than Manic Moose.
Hindsight is 20/20 and, to be fair, the BDP-1 was designed in a "simpler time" when things like Roon and TIDAL didn't exist and putting music onto thumb drives was something people still did. I have my library on a pair of large thumb drives and use the BDP-1 as an MPD player with Soundirok or as a Roon endpoint. The hardware stands up well in these modes and sounds fantastic.
So, I am not unhappy. But to be honest, I would have a hard time justifying the cost of a new BDP-3 with all of the above as a backdrop.
Bryston needs a new software strategy if they are going to continue selling really expensive digital players.
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Bryston needs a new software strategy if they are going to continue selling really expensive digital players.
I have to agree.
Trying to do this in house, or with somebodies brother in law is not working.
On the other side. it is easy to say it needs to be better.
MAKING it better... may be a long hard road the Bryston money guys may not be willing to pay for.
Needing a genius, or to fork out for patents..
(If it has to pay it's own way.. It may never happen. Which is what I think has been going on so far. No willingness to front the money until it is there from sales. But then few sales since the system is sucky.)
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I have my library on a pair of large thumb drives and use the BDP-1 as an MPD player with Soundirok or as a Roon endpoint. The hardware stands up well in these modes and sounds fantastic.
So, I am not unhappy. But to be honest, I would have a hard time justifying the cost of a new BDP-3 with all of the above as a backdrop.
Bryston needs a new software strategy if they are going to continue selling really expensive digital players.
Well put. I might have considered a BDP-2 or BDP-3 due to their ability in handling MPD libraries better than BDP-1. However, I have lost my interest in continuously tweaking my library to make it work perfectly with MPD and third party apps. It's too much work. Roon solves all of that. So, while the USB inputs and Bryston standalone use via MPD is definitely a plus to still have in BDP-1 and other models going forward, it just no longer carries the same weight that it did in the past. The software is just not worth dealing with for me.
Essentially, my main and only purpose for using a BDP-1 is as a Roon Ready endpoint for SQ. It sounds better than feeding my DA directly from a computer. As mentioned, there are already devices like "xRendu" that serve this purpose already. So for me, going forward, I will be picking RoonReady endpoints based on SQ alone UNLESS that device offers something else that is comparable.
Bryston BDP-3 is priced at $3495 and has bunch of stuff that at the current moment I don't need. Now, I'm sure the BDP-3 sounds better than my BDP-1 since people seem to prefer BDP-2 over the BDP-1, but at that price, I wonder if there is something better sounding than the BDP-3 at a lower price that only has to worry about maximizing performance as a pure network streamer/RoonReady endpoint.
That's currently where my mind is regarding media and network players, and what Bryston is offering currently or plan on offering in the future.
(FWIW I'd love to see a comparison of SQ of BDP-1 vs. BDP-2 vs. BDP-3 in identical RoonReady modes. Everything else turned off and nothing attached to the USB.)
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I have to agree that it's a pity that Bryston, over so many years, has not really perfected the UI for the BDPs. I am not technical and I love music. I want something which is just plug-and-play without fuss. I have a BDP-1 (of which firmware I had not updated since 2013 or earlier) which I used to control with MPad on my iPad. I loved the sound of the BDP-1 when plugged into my BDA-1. I did not want to update the firmware because of 2 issues: 1) I am not technical and it sounds complicated and 2) reading on this forum about the issues users face with the MM discouraged me from doing anything. I have not used my BDP-1 for almost a year now (due to a combination of reasons, interface being one) so it's collecting dust. In place of it, I am using a different music server and it has served me very well....sounds very good too and the interface just works without hiccups.
I am still a big Bryston fan and have ordered a good range of upgrades (cube monos, BP-17 cube, BDA-3 and Model T Actives) but have refrained from ordering a BDP-3 for the reason I mentioned above. I have no doubt BDP-3 sounds great but the enjoyment of my music depends on more than just good sound. It's a pity because I'd really have liked an all-Bryston system.
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RoonReady is a nice feature and it's tough to beat the Roon UI. HST, when I tried Roon it failed on my mostly classical collection. I hear it's better now but still not very good.
I am using Linn Kazoo, MinimServer and upmpdcli to control my BDP-1 and I'm very satisfied with the experience. Not all that different from the Sonos experience when I think about it.
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Hi Folks
This is not a whine – just an explanation of the evolution of our BDP products.
The original BDP concept was quite targeted in that all I wanted was a dedicated quality computer to allow the playback of USB type drives and have the ability to create playlist etc. But over the years more and more features were being added due to our customers wanting more and more flexibility in the software.
The earliest versions of the MM software were rudimentary in feature sets but over the years has evolved to become much more feature laden than what I originally conceived the BDP to be. So not an excuse just a realization that the software interface was becoming more important than the technical expertise and sound quality in the BDP’s.
So long story short the latest software being developed by Chris is head and shoulders above the first software offerings (especially the latest beta versions) and is improving every day. So please bear with us as we go forward and be aware that we are attempting to improve the software continually and allowing our customers to update their BDP’s with better software interfaces as we go.
james
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I've certainly learned a good deal from the posts on this thread, especially the various UI's available to control BDP -- Linn, etc. I may explore these but as I said, the SQ is still the prime driver (as with most owners of BDP) around my household, not the extras. I've never had any serious operational issues with my BDP -- the Bryston UI allows me to load, update, play, view, select, create playlists. For me, that's good. Good enough? Maybe if I developed an urge to see all the cover art, do global searches of my library flawlessly, etc., then nope. There's room for improvement definitely.
Having said that, I agree with the other posters here -- the current MM pales in comparison to the other after-market external UI's available, as far as graphics are concerned.
I think the fact that BDP can still be used with the other beautifully designed UI's is a credit to the "open" software compatibility of the player (if I'm using the wrong terminology here, knock me).
Keep the thread goin'.
p.s. the allegation that a particular software developer at Bryston is employed because he is a "brother-in-law" of a Bryston exec is hilarious but uncalled for imo.
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p.s. the allegation that a particular software developer at Bryston is employed because he is a "brother-in-law" of a Bryston exec is hilarious but uncalled for imo.
[/quote]
Gee's where did you hear that? - there are no software engineers at Bryston related in any way to an exec - except maybe related as part of the human race!
james
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p.s. the allegation that a particular software developer at Bryston is employed because he is a "brother-in-law" of a Bryston exec is hilarious but uncalled for imo.
Gee's where did you hear that? - there are no software engineers at Bryston related in any way to an exec - except maybe related as part of the human race!
james
Maybe it's just the pictures on the web and they assumed one was your nephew? :green:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170502)
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Maybe it's just the pictures on the web and they assumed one was your nephew? :green:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170502)
LOL - my younger days. :lol:
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p.s. the allegation that a particular software developer at Bryston is employed because he is a "brother-in-law" of a Bryston exec is hilarious but uncalled for imo.
Gee's where did you hear that? - there are no software engineers at Bryston related in any way to an exec - except maybe related as part of the human race!
james
I have to agree.
Trying to do this in house, or with somebodies brother in law is not working.
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I have to confess that I too am underwhelmed by the MM interface.
I appreciate James' comments that it has evolved way beyond the original design intent. But there are still functions that do not work as advertised. I have literally spent hours updating metadata for my music using the MM "editor" and the results NEVER get saved. I have asked Bryston personnel for help on several occasions and they have responded, but the issue still exists. I was told that the problem occurred because my files are stored in .WAV format, but the problem persists even with FLAC files. As a result the "wonderful" new features, such as the artist view don't work properly. Chris told me that this would be fixed in the 2.38 release.
Please, please, clean up what is already there before continually going wild, adding new features.
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I have literally spent hours updating metadata for my music using the MM "editor" and the results NEVER get saved.
Don't use the MM editor. I looked at this issue this summer and found nothing useful and efficient on Mac. I had to use my old Windows laptop and used MP3Tag: https://www.mp3tag.de/en/
It works with any format and can let you do batch corrections and even look up stuff for you. It saves the metadata correctly. I did it for around 200 albums and it worked perfectly on Manic Moose. However, it was still very time consuming. I never ended up doing my whole library. Roon solved it. FWIW, I've had problems with WAV on Roon as well with duplicate/split album versions. FLAC works the best.
MP3Tag is especially great for compilations and playlists you want to make.
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Hi Folks
This is not a whine – just an explanation of the evolution of our BDP products.
The original BDP concept was quite targeted in that all I wanted was a dedicated quality computer to allow the playback of USB type drives and have the ability to create playlist etc. But over the years more and more features were being added due to our customers wanting more and more flexibility in the software.
The earliest versions of the MM software were rudimentary in feature sets but over the years has evolved to become much more feature laden than what I originally conceived the BDP to be. So not an excuse just a realization that the software interface was becoming more important than the technical expertise and sound quality in the BDP’s.
So long story short the latest software being developed by Chris is head and shoulders above the first software offerings (especially the latest beta versions) and is improving every day. So please bear with us as we go forward and be aware that we are attempting to improve the software continually and allowing our customers to update their BDP’s with better software interfaces as we go.
james
Sorry, a $1250 purchase doesn't qualify me as a guinea pig for your UI experiments. Manic Moose/Tidal UI is poor, and internet radio interface is no prize, either. One quick example: Tidal 'back' buttons.
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MM will never be competitiv with the user interface on streamers like Auralic, Lumin, Naim etc no matter how much you tweak it.
These other apps are seamless, responsive and easy to learn, not like the MM wich is like a scool project in comparison.
Get professional help to make an app (from scratch) that a 3500$ streamer should have, and I believe customers will gradually demand.
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Sorry, a $1250 purchase doesn't qualify me as a guinea pig for your UI experiments.
:thumb:
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Sorry, a $1250 purchase doesn't qualify me as a guinea pig for your UI experiments. Manic Moose/Tidal UI is poor, and internet radio interface is no prize, either. One quick example: Tidal 'back' buttons.
Why dont you sell it and move on?
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MM will never be competitiv with the user interface on streamers like Auralic, Lumin, Naim etc no matter how much you tweak it.
These other apps are seamless, responsive and easy to learn, not like the MM wich is like a scool project in comparison.
Get professional help to make an app (from scratch) that a 3500$ streamer should have, and I believe customers will gradually demand.
I have had a BDP3 since August and love the sound. Manic Moose is used for setting DSD and enabling DAC's. I run a Chromebook with the latest operating system and an Android phone with the latest operating system. On both these devices the side tab for quick scroll on music selection in Manic Moose does not work properly. The same with the drop down letter menu. This is immensely frustrating. I use MPD for slecting music and managing play lists. Unfortunately the latest update for Chromebook operating system has killed MPD. For the moment MPD still works in current Android operating system but I suspect the end is nigh there as well.
This means that Bryston will have to develop an app as an adjunct to Manic Moose for music selection or bite the bullet and fix Manic Moose for playing music. Again I love the sound and have no intention of selling the BDP3. Bryston please address these issues.
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Why dont you sell it and move on?
Point well taken. That's probably what will happen.
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Why dont you sell it and move on?
I never BOUGHT one. LOL
As for ever buying something like it? I will most likely be dead first.
(I don't need no stinking computer music. I GOT music. thousands and thousands of album IN THE FLESH.)
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Point well taken. That's probably what will happen.
Before you do that, ask yourself did you buy the digital player for the sound or the cover art? My cover art does not show unless I play an HDTrack file, but I don't care because, I am not interested in the cover art, only the sound of the music. :)
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I never BOUGHT one. LOL
As for ever buying something like it? I will most likely be dead first.
(I don't need no stinking computer music. I GOT music. thousands and thousands of album IN THE FLESH.)
I guess you're missin' out on a ton of good musik, eh? :green:
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Before you do that, ask yourself did you buy the digital player for the sound or the cover art? My cover art does not show unless I play an HDTrack file, but I don't care because, I am not interested in the cover art, only the sound of the music. :)
Wow are you missing the point. Other viewers allow you to use cover art to browse your music collection. Text lists suck for that. MM did experiment with the dashboard doing that but it was flawed because of the inability to jump up and down the list using an alphabetical scroll. Soundirok is much better at these kinds of tools, but far from perfect as well. I dont just play music and stare at the art.
Manic moose should be a configuration tool only. Pull the music player out of it. I agree with the previous poster that MM will never provide the experience that beautiful players like these deserve.
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ok, this is getting pretty good...
here's the deal. we love music. we love great sounding gear. we're talkin' digital...
and we ALL agree, the sound of bryston gear is top notch. SQ is through the roof. it is a beautiful thing.
we all bought bryston digital players (most anyway, Elizabeth) because we love the bryston sound.
the convenience of apps, phones, iPads, androids, etc to control our listening experience has evolved at a rapid pace.
the point is, do you spend your R&D resources on making the music sound pure and beautiful. or do you spend it on making your app, or iPhone display album art in a pretty way, and organize your files for you? it's a no brainer folks. its about the music.
for those folks who spent $3K on a digital player (or $1250), and thought they were getting a fancy app, i feel your pain. but as a knowledgeable buyer, you gotta take responsibility for your purchase decision. reading only a few articles should educate buyers of weaknesses in the interface - it's a fairly common observation of reviews.
i have an old BDP-1 and i love it. I am impressed the Bryston folks have dedicated time and energy making the BDP1 compatible with Tidal and Roon. This upgrade has transformed my listening experience and i didn't have to pay Bryston a dime. Simply a download. they did that for all of us. and continue to do so. let's be patient folks.
I believe the Bryston guys have bent over backwards for us. How many manufacturers would spend the time listening to our moans and actually DO SOMETHING about it? It is amazing customer service, respect and accountability for making improvements based on our feedback. Anytime i called or emailed bryston about a technical issue, the response was second to none. respectful, no questions asked, and boom. done. AND Canadian made. Cant't get much better.
come on folks. ease up. and keep listening :thumb:
TJ
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Before you do that, ask yourself did you buy the digital player for the sound or the cover art? My cover art does not show unless I play an HDTrack file, but I don't care because, I am not interested in the cover art, only the sound of the music. :)
Do you still use DOS also? Maybe the user interface doesn't matter to you but I am pretty sure a generation of buyers who are accustomed to intuitive graphical interfaces on their smart phones, tablets, computers...and other electronic devices are not going to be too thrilled with a list of their albums. You no longer have to make a choice between slick interface and sound quality. You can have it all. You just will have to venture away from the "cult".
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TJ, I agree with much of what you have written above. I also believe that constructive criticism, in a frank but polite fashion, is not only fair, but is often the impetus for excelling -- in this case, pushing Bryston to develop a version of MM that is less failure-prone/flawed. It's also a fact that there have been many too frequent releases of updated versions of MM, which turn out to be flawed after users (owners) find glitches that can be really annoying -- failure to save certain parameters, accessing playlists, etc. Beyond just cover art imperfections.
Bryston never releases amps or audio gear that are sonically or electrically flawed. That would be fatal for their reputation. I applaud that (I own 14-squared, BDP-1, BCD-1, BDA-1, and BHA-1 currently, for a few yrs now). So...why would Bryston not be cautious with releasing flawed versions of MM prematurely?
Bryston should stop releasing versions of MM until they can iron out the imperfections identified by clients, troubleshoot at factory, and then release a version that runs smoothly vs. the problems i.d.'ed by these posts. It was Bryston's choice to get into the BDP UI. They should take the same high bar of quality control as with their electronic gear and TTs, apply it to MM, and release the Moose only when glitches have been ironed out. The remark by Larry, "guinea pigs", isn't too far off the mark.
cheers
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p.s. I think it would be really useful if Bryston kept a systematic log book of problems encountered by users of their BDP UI, as described here in this forum's many threads. Then they could check them off as they work towards a perfected version of the UI. Seems like some problems with UI get repeated by diff users over a stretch of time, judging from the threads. They never really get eliminated completely (the problems, that is).
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I don't think anyone is here bashing. I see a handful of people here over the years that are always helping provide feedback meaningful feedback in the software that improves things for all of us. I appreciate it, as it saves me from writing up things.
Bryston does listen to customers. IMO they got it right with I/O on the BP-17 cubed and the upcoming BDA+BP combo. As a local provincial neighbour to Bryston, I'd like to continue to stick with Bryston whenever possible. So all the feedback helps IMO.
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CM, I hear ya, and agree. and i believe, in all of this debate, we should recognize and credit the origin of the BDP, it's original design and intent. The player removes a computer from the picture and plays digital files. It works. And the software is in fact continually improving. It is an evolution and will take time. I think a previous post mentioned it, and I would agree - the MM interface will unlikely ever achieve the level of integration as others have without an overhaul of the approach. To start over. We shall see, I suppose. But I think JT, Chris and the gang hear the 'constructive criticsim' loud and clear and, like everyone else, it comes down to priorities and resources. Would you rather have new cubed series amp, new digital crossovers, new active speakers, new 3 channel amps, BDA3's, turntables, etc...or a slick interface? maybe that's unfair. but I guess we know the answer, and I'd probably do the same.
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TJ, absolutely. The dedicated music player, with none of the computer innards that make noise/distortion, was what sold BDP for me. I don't doubt it. Bryston's a leader with amp design, and more recently, digital playback design. It's their choice to do it, as it is with the UI for BDP. Specialists are great, jacks of all trades....the ones who do everything really well, are a rare breed.
[An "expert" is not someone who knows everything in their field. It's someone who knows what they don't know, and can take actions to fill those gaps in knowledge].
-----------------------------------------------
NYC is in mourning tonight. As a former New Yorker, I am shattered by today's events, so close to the WTC Memorial.
Off to think.
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for those folks who spent $3K on a digital player (or $1250), and thought they were getting a fancy app, i feel your pain. but as a knowledgeable buyer, you gotta take responsibility for your purchase decision. reading only a few articles should educate buyers of weaknesses in the interface - it's a fairly common observation of reviews.
TJ
I agree. Places like here are a great resource to help make a decision on what is or isn't ones cup of tea. I also have a friend who is a reviewer (and has reviewed Bryston stuff and currently has a BDP-1 and a BDA-3 I believe). He is not only a really great reviewer and has a great grasp of knowledge on digital audio but he is wonderful to bounce things off of either via email or telephone. Before I moved almost 4 years back (almost 900 miles), he would help out on occasion at a local audio shop. If I was in the market for something I'd wait until I know he would be around. For one thing, I am familiar with his preferences and probably would be inclined to have similar ones on 90+% of things and the other is that I would get an honest analysis and opinion vs. sales guy hype (and he also has worked in the industry for a very long time from retail sales to part of the audio manufacturing environment). Before the move, we would also get together on occasion and do comparisons either in the store or in my house. It was such a helpful experience of both learning new things and refining knowledge as well.
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I took the plunge and bought Roon.
Now I have the best sounding streamer and the best interface(imo) :thumb:
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Wow are you missing the point.
I am not missing the point; you are. I just care about the cover art. This is my personal opinion. Even when I was listening exclusively to CD's I never held the CD in my hand to look at the cover art. Its too small. As far as the Bryston digital player, the fact that it allows me to have access to my entire music collection at the touch of a finger is amazing enough for me. :D
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I took the plunge and bought Roon.
Now I have the best sounding streamer and the best interface(imo) :thumb:
Congrats. Roon is the undisputed champ when it comes to interface.
The best thing is that when Roon goes into radio mode after the playlist has finished. The music never stops. When I'm moving around, I can use my Logitech Harmony 350 remote to control the BDP-1 and Roon for play/pause and forward. No need to touch a tablet or computer in those cases. Like a 400 CD changer.
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I am not missing the point; you are. I just care about the cover art. This is my personal opinion. Even when I was listening exclusively to CD's I never held the CD in my hand to look at the cover art. Its too small. As far as the Bryston digital player, the fact that it allows me to have access to my entire music collection at the touch of a finger is amazing enough for me. :D
Have you tried other apps, like Lumin or Lightning (Auralic), and experienced how much faster and smoother they work overall, and specially in Tidal, (and how much better they look)?
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Have you tried other apps, like Lumin or Lightning (Auralic), and experienced how much faster and smoother they work overall, and specially in Tidal, (and how much better they look)?
Thanks.
Should have done it long time ago, Im super happy now, it works flawlessly and look awesome.
I even think the sound is better, but its maybe in my imagination :lol:
It was costly, but worth every penny :thumb:
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Thanks.
Should have done it long time ago, Im super happy now, it works flawlessly and look awesome.
I even think the sound is better, but its maybe in my imagination :lol:
It was costly, but worth every penny :thumb:
Hi Xinon,
If I'm not wrong you still need a PC as roon core, don't you?
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Thanks.
Should have done it long time ago, Im super happy now, it works flawlessly and look awesome.
I even think the sound is better, but its maybe in my imagination :lol:
It was costly, but worth every penny :thumb:
I also find the sound excellent. Better than all the USB hard and flash drives and Jitterbugs and other tweaks I've tried. Ethernet is far more convenient. It still requires a little bit of care, but is the best option.
I wonder if Bryston will ever consider a Roon Ready DAC like the Direct Stream with Bridge, since Bryston is going modular like with their upcoming BDA+BP.
I see a lot of demand for Roon Ready DACs.
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Hi Xinon,
If I'm not wrong you still need a PC as roon core, don't you?
For now I have installed Core on my MacBook and also use this as a remote, music is stored on NAS.
Unplugged all drives from Bdp3 and set it in Roon ready mode, it works great.
I have ordered a NUC and planning to install ROCK and run Core from it.
It takes me longer to learn all this new stuff(Im turning 50 this year), but I get good help from the forums.
When its all set and done it will be worth the effort, and if I get tired of all the high tech, I can always go to my small hifi room and spin some vinyl :thumb:
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Hi Xinon,
If I'm not wrong you still need a PC as roon core, don't you?
Yes, you need a computer (Windows, Linux, or Mac) that runs the Core. The Core computer has the library and does all the DSP processing and decoding. Then it can send out PCM to various endpoints whether it's a DAC connected to the same computer through USB or a BDP on the network via ethernet.
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Yes, you need a computer (Windows, Linux, or Mac) that runs the Core. The Core computer has the library and does all the DSP processing and decoding. Then it can send out PCM to various endpoints whether it's a DAC connected to the same computer through USB or a BDP on the network via ethernet.
so the signal path will be much longer than a direct-attached drive to BDP with iPad-mounted UI, right?
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I also find the sound excellent. Better than all the USB hard and flash drives and Jitterbugs and other tweaks I've tried. Ethernet is far more convenient. It still requires a little bit of care, but is the best option.
Weren't you sold on Jitterbug a while back? :scratch:
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so the signal path will be much longer than a direct-attached drive to BDP with iPad-mounted UI, right?
With MPD, you have to consider that whether you are using WAV or FLAC, the decoding will be taking place within the BDP, along with other stuff.
With Roon's RAAT, you are sending PCM that is being buffered asynchronously. All the switches employ store and forward where everything is regenerated as well.
So you cannot look at the signal path in a traditional sense like with USB.
In terms of CPU usage, when you use MPD with just MPD and USB mount turned ON, the CPU will always be higher than just with RoonReady running.
I find adding any kind of USB, even flash drives adds some hash. You'll get really clean background, but there will still be some edge. The best way to test is to listen to purely vocals or even a high quality interview, or a late show. I find that is the best way to tell differences with regards to any digital glare. It's still noticeable in full music, but easier to learn and pick out with isolated speech. Let human evolution guide the way.
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Weren't you sold on Jitterbug a while back? :scratch:
I actually have 2 now. It's still a great thing. I use it to connect my iMac to my DAC for stuff like Spotify, Youtube, Netflix and watching videos on the net. In some situations it doesn't yield any noticeable difference, in others it can be quite obvious, and in others I've felt that it did more harm than good.
I still haven't fully looked into the Rednet stuff and other ethernet solutions that offer very low latency so it works with audio video needs. That's why I still have the Jitterbug for direct USB connection.
Although, when it comes to optimized ethernet vs. external powered hubs (from LPS which I didn't get around to...yet) with Jitterbugs, I'm going with ethernet.
There are multiple factors in comparing MPD vs. RAAT: ethernet vs. USB, power supplies of each component and their interactions, software and hardware path within the BDP.
EDIT: another thing to mention is airborne interference, especially with computers and SMPS. Use an AM radio and you can tell quite a bit about how much each of these devices put out and how they behave differently at various loads. You can hear all these things.
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Ok... But BPD's aim should be avoiding computers.... :scratch:
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BDP is a computer!...but I get your point.
If you want to put music on hard drives and plug and play, you still have that option.
Although, if you think about it, it's even easier than before. For me before, I'd have to put music on the hard drive and then attach and reattach to the BDP-1 when adding music. Now I just leave the hard drive plugged into the computer all time. No plugging or unplugging. Either way, you'll still be using computers in both scenario when adding music to the drive or NAS. With Roon, you never have to unplug.
You can still sit down and control the music with a tablet. Instead of using Soundirok or the MPod/MPad (discontinued), you are using the far superior Roon app.
The only thing that you need to do day 1 is setup ethernet, which most already have in the first place to control BDP-1.
Although, Bryston now has the option for external Wifi dongle, or internal Wifi, which even eliminates the need for ethernet cables running around. However, I haven't seen any feedback on that and how it differs in sound vs. ethernet.
I was considering the Wifi dongle for convenience, but that dongle is USB based, and I fear that it'll be adding noise back into the system.
James, I'd love to know if there has been any feedback from users with regards to SQ from either the external or internal Wifi option in comparison to ethernet. Since the announcement of the dongle, I haven't read a single report. Is it even out in the market?
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BDP is a computer!...but I get your point.
If you want to put music on hard drives and plug and play, you still have that option.
Although, if you think about it, it's even easier than before. For me before, I'd have to put music on the hard drive and then attach and reattach to the BDP-1 when adding music. Now I just leave the hard drive plugged into the computer all time. No plugging or unplugging. Either way, you'll still be using computers in both scenario when adding music to the drive or NAS. With Roon, you never have to unplug.
You can still sit down and control the music with a tablet. Instead of using Soundirok or the MPod/MPad (discontinued), you are using the far superior Roon app.
The only thing that you need to do day 1 is setup ethernet, which most already have in the first place to control BDP-1.
Although, Bryston now has the option for external Wifi dongle, or internal Wifi, which even eliminates the need for ethernet cables running around. However, I haven't seen any feedback on that and how it differs in sound vs. ethernet.
I was considering the Wifi dongle for convenience, but that dongle is USB based, and I fear that it'll be adding noise back into the system.
James, I'd love to know if there has been any feedback from users with regards to SQ from either the external or internal Wifi option in comparison to ethernet. Since the announcement of the dongle, I haven't read a single report. Is it even out in the market?
Sounds like you have quite the highend system, let us know your accompanying gear
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Sounds like you have quite the highend system, let us know your accompanying gear
High-end to the point that I can hear all the changes...or some may argue (rightly?) that it's broken or imperfect somewhere as there should be no difference in an ideal system. A balancing act. You never really know which one it is in the end.
Anyways, the system is as follows: Torus 15, Bryston BDP-1, Dangerous Source powered by Teradak 12V13A, Amphion Amp100, Amphion Amp 100, and Sennheiser HD 800. For AES and analog cables, I use Grimm TPR. For speaker cables, I use Amphion speaker cables that's used inside their gear, so it's the same cable throughout the chain. Stock 14AWG shielded cables. Belkin Gold USB double shielded cables, 2x Jitterbug.
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For ethernet, it's not fixed at the moment. Running some tests with 2 switches [D-Link DGS-1005 (non-shielded) and DGS-108 (shielded)], LPS (incoming), and cables: UTP, S/STP (reduced crosstalk), paying attention to grounding combination on all the ends. John Swenson is doing some stuff on leakage current.
I do have some literature on this. I might add it to my older thread later on along with the results.
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I think the gear makes some difference, but it's mostly listening critically, comparing, taking notes, isolating things one at a time for hundreds of hours that made far more of a difference.
But then again, my family members can't really describe or hear any difference between my nearfields and midfields, so I may very well be hallucinating to hear such trivial changes. :thumb:
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Have you tried other apps, like Lumin or Lightning (Auralic), and experienced how much faster and smoother they work overall, and specially in Tidal, (and how much better they look)?
If Manic Moose was any faster on my BDP-2, I could not keep up with it. :lol: I have not tried other apps as I don't have a problem with MM.
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Ok... But BPD's aim should be avoiding computers.... :scratch:
hey GH, i'm not sure that's the objective. rather, i'd say the aim is to maximize SQ trough the elimination of noise generated by 'traditional computer' playback. and related complexities.
the 'external' computer is used only for controlling playback - and is the choice of the user. in fact, the BDP is happy to play music all by itself without an app or computer to 'talk' to it. i suppose that's what this debate is all about.......the listeners choice to use software to control the BPD. again, it's the listeners choice. :thumb:
TJ
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Hi TJ,
got your point, but it's quite complicated to play music without an app - it's quite boring to browse the library with the faceplate buttons even for small/medium ones. BDP comes with a dedicated app which is supposed to work right out of the box, and apparently this is not the case (I never had the chance to try a BDP3, so I can't say much about SQ or functionality). son the listeners don't have many choices in the end :D
I'd really wish to have it in my system but I can't afford an expensive digital player PLUS a computer PLUS another app/software like roon...
GH
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Hi GH, do you have a BDP player? The interface (MPD) actually does work right out of the box - she just ain't pretty - but it sounds devine. You really don't 'need' a computer - just any old device that's connected to the internet. and you're good to go! :thumb:
TJ
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Hi TJ,
No I don't but maybe in the future :thumb:
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Hi TJ,
No I don't but maybe in the future :thumb:
Dec 25 is just 7 weeks away..... :green:
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I am fine with the PI and I don't use the buttons. Navigating that way is just too painful.
Just grab the table or laptop and fire it up. No it is not the most elegant interface ever but I can find and load the music I want to hear quickly enough and it sounds awesome. Except for turning everything on I don't move from the sofa. The tablet and the remote take care of all my needs.
I am well past the slick interface requirement. It is nice but not necessary. So long as I can do what I want/need to do the interface is secondary. I do expect further improvements in the future but that is just gravy at this point. I downsized from separates and disk players to a hard drive solution with the 135 and BDP-PII and could not be happier. I still keep my turntable but have not used it in 10 years.
Sonically, my gear has never sounded better. And that is what I care about.
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Sorry I missed this thread, as I just added my dissatisfaction re. Bryston software in the MM thread... but I agree with much of the discussion regarding Bryston's software side for their otherwise excellent digital players. I would only add that for my uses, the original vision, well stated by James, of an audio component that would be network-enabled but otherwise firmly in the tradition of audio separates, is still valid. Turning to Roon, as an example, to sort out my mess, brings the audio system back into the version treadmill of MS or Apple, something I chose to avoid by purchasing the BDP. I tagged my audio right the first time, and do not need to pay Roon to do it (which they cannot for classical in any event), and I love the fact that when my Adobe Lightroom needs upgraded because Apple OS requires it, etc etc, I can just play music on the Bryston without thinking about it. IMO we need to keep that option - maybe there needs to be a more connected series of digital players for those who will constantly be trying the next big thing in streaming etc.
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lately I've found myself living at least 2 lives:
1 - as a BDP1- user, being rather underwhelmed because of the limiting factor the hardware forces upon my library, (not helped by the firmware getting bigger, probably heavier on the processor, and too cumbersome to use all functionality )
2 - as a Bryston enthousiast (wouldn't call myself a cultist) trying to help in finding obstacles in MM and reporting back about that. Considered by some being a beta-tester. Enjoying the imperfections ;=)
all of the above has led me to want for upgrading the BDP1, but also to fearing the upgrade won't be a BDP. At or below the price point the bdp3 is going for, there's a lot of competition. And though i believe James with my eye closed and would trust the man with my house keys, without ever having met him, the result of MM thus far forces me back to my hesitation described above.
Playing around with a 60 RaspberryPi setup just about compares to the BDP-Pi, give or take an extra quality power supply, though even that is prone for discussion. Never understood this device, and couldn't imagine buying it. Same goes for the BOT. Very well built maybe, but very very overpriced. Not even talking import taxes et all.
A BDP3 is very necessary for anyone with a medium to larger library, especially when using it for more than what I've been forced to do: only use default view, browsing the file-library. I don't mind that, even like it that way. Miss that functionality in Roon to be honest. But buying a BDP3 without several modernizations being described in this thread would be solely bought for the larger memory and processor capacity. (and dsd, and better and more usb 2 out, and ..... ). Which wouldn't justify the tremendous cost compared to the competition...
Imho.
Please prove me wrong here. a bit of a cultist after all..
Cheers,
Marius
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A BDP3 is very necessary for anyone with a medium to larger library, especially when using it for more than what I've been forced to do: only use default view, browsing the file-library. I don't mind that, even like it that way. Miss that functionality in Roon to be honest.
Please prove me wrong here. a bit of a cultist after all..
Cheers,
Marius
Marius I have never been clear - do you use folder view because you have 3000+ CDs, or because you do not have appropriate metadata tags on your music that would allow various sorting? To me, browsing (and first maintaining in a consistent order...) 1000's of folders is not really much of an improvement over keeping organized my plastic CD cases in the pre-digitial era... that is why I went digital, even more so than for SQ, for the instantaneous access which itself is a joy, and for that you just need tags, but also a UI that can use these tags...
And it is exactly here where the MM evolution has been such a disaster for me - in adding all the functionality for the streaming world which I am not interested in, Bryston has paid little attention to the basic functionality to sort one's collection, with album art visible at all times, using the most common tags - Artist (yes MM has this), Album (MM-No), and Genre (MM-No), Composer would be even more wonderful but this is almost always ignored in this Pop-oriented music age. This was essentially the job that MPad did - it seems little to ask that the native Bryston UI, which will "live with the hardware" forever, at least do this.
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Marius,
How about a BDP-2? it's fast enough for loading/updating attached 2-TB drives. Some audiomarts have it for relatively less $$.
cheers
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Marius,
How about a BDP-2? it's fast enough for loading/updating attached 2-TB drives. Some audiomarts have it for relatively less $$.
cheers
I can't see myself spending over 1000 euri for 'obsolete' hardware. If they come that cheap. And yet, the BDP2 isn't capable of building the DB over 30k tracks? Especially for the artist/album view. I take it it will do for default view.
Cheers,
Marius
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Marius I have never been clear - do you use folder view because you have 3000+ CDs, or because you do not have appropriate metadata tags on your music that would allow various sorting? To me, browsing (and first maintaining in a consistent order...) 1000's of folders is not really much of an improvement over keeping organized my plastic CD cases in the pre-digitial era... that is why I went digital, even more so than for SQ, for the instantaneous access which itself is a joy, and for that you just need tags, but also a UI that can use these tags...
And it is exactly here where the MM evolution has been such a disaster for me - in adding all the functionality for the streaming world which I am not interested in, Bryston has paid little attention to the basic functionality to sort one's collection, with album art visible at all times, using the most common tags - Artist (yes MM has this), Album (MM-No), and Genre (MM-No), Composer would be even more wonderful but this is almost always ignored in this Pop-oriented music age. This was essentially the job that MPad did - it seems little to ask that the native Bryston UI, which will "live with the hardware" forever, at least do this.
I use folder view because thats the way my mind works ;)
I do like to browse and enjoy coverart, but couldnt care less about the recommendations Tidal offer me.
Ive spent some time tagging with the Music Brainz app, and that worked really well. So its no issue of having appropriate metadata. That is to say, in the classical department we're on our own mostly. So I've given up on that for now.
All in all, i would like a BDP with updated hardware.
Cheers,
Marius
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I can't see myself spending over 1000 euri for 'obsolete' hardware. If they come that cheap. And yet, the BDP2 isn't capable of building the DB over 30k tracks? Especially for the artist/album view. I take it it will do for default view.
Cheers,
Marius
As a player, and for SQ in a properly set up system, BDP's not "obsolete". Not even close.
There's probably nothing out there that meets your fussy specs.
Design your own, for now. :lol: Or just keep on fantasizing.
cheers
p.s. If I sound like a "cultist", no apologies. I'm not the one writing stuff like:
"And though i believe James with my eye closed and would trust the man with my house keys, without ever having met him,.."
LOL :roll:
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As a player, and for SQ in a properly set up system, BDP's not "obsolete". Not even close.
sure it is, its been around for 5 or 6 years ;-) thats prehistoric in computer terminology. Seriously, when investing another couple of Grand, it hope for it to last another 5 or 6. And 'need' the latest specs. nothing fuzzy. Remember BG's most famous quote about internal memory?
p.s. If I sound like a "cultist", no apologies. I'm not the one writing stuff like:
"And though i believe James with my eye closed and would trust the man with my house keys, without ever having met him,.."
LOL :roll:
Cool. that was a bit overstating things.. no apologies needed on your behalf.
Cheers,
Marius
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I have a BDP-1, only 4,000 tracks. I use MinimServer (http://www.minimserver.com) running on an old laptop to provide the search and browse functionality. I use upmpdcli (https://www.lesbonscomptes.com/upmpdcli/) to "bridge" that MinimServer to an iPad running Linn Kazoo.
I have my library tagged with composer, compositions, ensemble, performer, period and instrument as well as the normal album, album artist, conductor etc. MinimServer/Kazoo can browse through any of those. Or I can search for any of those things.
The experience is quite good and better than Roon for classical (because Roon is terrible at classical).
Some NAS have MinimServer included. If you have a something you can use to run upmpdcli then that's all you would need.
The minimserver author is quite helpful. I could share with you how I have upmpdcli configured and then you'll be much happier, I think, and won't need to upgrade your BDP-1 ever.
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I have a BDP-1, only 4,000 tracks. I use MinimServer (http://www.minimserver.com) running on an old laptop to provide the search and browse functionality. I use upmpdcli (https://www.lesbonscomptes.com/upmpdcli/) to "bridge" that MinimServer to an iPad running Linn Kazoo.
I have my library tagged with composer, compositions, ensemble, performer, period and instrument as well as the normal album, album artist, conductor etc. MinimServer/Kazoo can browse through any of those. Or I can search for any of those things.
The experience is quite good and better than Roon for classical (because Roon is terrible at classical).
Some NAS have MinimServer included. If you have a something you can use to run upmpdcli then that's all you would need.
The minimserver author is quite helpful. I could share with you how I have upmpdcli configured and then you'll be much happier, I think, and won't need to upgrade your BDP-1 ever.
Artur, thank you for that option - not one I had come across, though needing a computer as part of my system is a no-go, running a server app on a NAS might be acceptable. Will look into this.
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And though i believe James with my eye closed and would trust the man with my house keys, without ever having met him...
I have no doubt who plays Santa Claus at the Bryston Christmas party
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I have no doubt who plays Santa Claus at the Bryston Christmas party
...or Scrooge, judging from all the glitches identified in Manic Moose.... :lol:
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Marius I have never been clear - do you use folder view because you have 3000+ CDs, or because you do not have appropriate metadata tags on your music that would allow various sorting? To me, browsing (and first maintaining in a consistent order...) 1000's of folders is not really much of an improvement over keeping organized my plastic CD cases in the pre-digitial era... that is why I went digital, even more so than for SQ, for the instantaneous access which itself is a joy, and for that you just need tags, but also a UI that can use these tags...
And it is exactly here where the MM evolution has been such a disaster for me - in adding all the functionality for the streaming world which I am not interested in, Bryston has paid little attention to the basic functionality to sort one's collection, with album art visible at all times, using the most common tags - Artist (yes MM has this), Album (MM-No), and Genre (MM-No), Composer would be even more wonderful but this is almost always ignored in this Pop-oriented music age. This was essentially the job that MPad did - it seems little to ask that the native Bryston UI, which will "live with the hardware" forever, at least do this.
I have to say, NorthMac, your opinions mirror mine to a tee on the topic of MM usability. I have tagged everything in my library as well as I can, and I want to be able to sort on those tags. Also I use the cover art to browse my library, whether sorted by date, artist name, album title, ... to pick what I want to play... much like I use to browse albums in the record store to pick what I wanted to buy. I have grown use to the album art being tied to particular music and I use the visual cues to remind me what I have. Folder lists don't let me move through my music collection the same way.
Cheers
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Nicely articulated BigG. makes a ton of sense to me.
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Sorry, no relation to anyone in the company, not that i haven't been mistaken as Jame's or Brian's son.
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Marius, just keep the BDP-1 and be done with it. I still have mine and love it.
After all, it's really about listening.