I've had my BDP-2/BDA-3 combo for about a week now. I previously owned the BDP-1/BDA-1 stack which I also enjoyed.
This is a great combination! I can't directly compare with the old gear, but I seem to be enjoying the music more.
I spent the last two nights comparing the AES/EBU and USB inputs on various types of music and resolution. I now have both programmed as soft-keys on my remote so that I can choose which is best for a particular track.
I find that the AES/EBU input is superior on 16bit/44.1kHz music. They both have their strengths. The USB is a bit muddier in terms of sounstage and slam, but has an ease of presentation that is useful on less-than-ideal recordings. The AES/EBU is laser-clear, and is more exciting, but I sometimes wish for more ease on average-quality recordings. Either input, when I'm not bouncing between them, allows me to simply enjoy the music, but I lean towards the AES/EBU.
On 24bit/96kHz PCM data, the inputs are very similar, and they both shine! The USB no longer has a muddy aspect, and instead just seems to have ease and coherence to the soundstage. This is a big improvement over 16/44.1 . The AES/EBU has a character very similar to 16/44.1, but just better. The two inputs are difficult to tell apart on high-res data, and I enjoy both of them. On orchestral work, I tended to prefer the USB for what I can only describe as a slightly more coherent picture of the sound. But, on solo voice, I tended to like the slight increase in immediacy that the AES/EBU provides. I am very happy that I have the option to choose based on source material.
I am enjoying all my music more now, which is what it's all about.
Gear: Bryston BDP-2, Wireworld Starlight 7 USB, DH Labs AES/EBU, Bryston BDA-1, Harmonic Tech Magic interconnects, Placette Passive Preamp, Linar Audio 250i amplifier, Revel Ultima Studio speakers.