AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Bryston Limited => Topic started by: James Tanner on 22 Jun 2015, 01:52 pm
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Bryston BDP-2 soundcard upgrade Bryston Audio Device replacing Juli brought significant improvements in the sound - image density, lower noisefloor, good overall bandwidth reproduction including an excellent low frequency delineation, very stable dynamic swing that gives equally stable & palpable soundstaging!
Superb job by Bryston!!
Joseph Ki Cheong Ming
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123210)
Old Card
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123213)
New Bryston Card
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Getting ready to install mine.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123252)
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Getting ready to install mine.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123252)
Awaiting your thoughts.
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Awaiting your thoughts.
Hi James!
How come you're upgrading the internal sound-card? From my understanding, the existing card is an ESI Juli@ which means it uses a VIA Envy24 chipset and as such, it a superb piece of audio hardware. I remember a Stereophile review from years back when Juli@ was stated to have the cleanest S/PDIF square-wave trace on the oscilloscope.
Can you please shed some light on this?
Cheers!
Antun
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One other thing - the website states all new BDP-2 players will be equipped with the new device. My question is - can the same upgrade be done to the BDP-1 (the original one with conventional XLR and BNC digital outputs)?
Cheers!
Antun
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One other thing - the website states all new BDP-2 players will be equipped with the new device. My question is - can the same upgrade be done to the BDP-1 (the original one with conventional XLR and BNC digital outputs)?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi Antun
No sorry the BDP-1 will not take the new Bryston integrated audio device only the BDP-2.
james
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Hi James!
How come you're upgrading the internal sound-card? From my understanding, the existing card is an ESI Juli@ which means it uses a VIA Envy24 chipset and as such, it a superb piece of audio hardware. I remember a Stereophile review from years back when Juli@ was stated to have the cleanest S/PDIF square-wave trace on the oscilloscope.
Can you please shed some light on this?
Cheers!
Antun
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Announcing Bryston Integrated Audio Device Card
May, 2015
Hi Folks,
We have been working on a Bryston proprietary “Integrated Audio Device” card with much improved specifications to replace the current two-piece ‘Soundcard’ and ‘SPDIF interface module’ (AES/BNC) utilized in our current BDP-2 Digital Player.
I am happy to report that an all new integrated version of the BDP-2 audio card is now going into production and should be available in a few weeks from now.
All BDP-2’s currently on order will be fitted with the new Bryston integrated audio card.
BENEFITS:
• No reliance on the quality level of third party products or having to modify said products
• Improve the performance by hand selecting and testing all the components in house
• Eliminates 3 connection points
• Integrates the output module and the sound processing section into one circuit instead of two.
• The Bryston audio device is directly powered by the high quality linear power supply rather than the motherboard.
Any current BDP-2 owners may have their units upgraded if desired.
James Tanner
Bryston
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Edited.
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Hi Antun
No sorry the BDP-1 will not take the new Bryston integrated audio device only the BDP-2.
james
Are there mechanical or electrical reasons for that? Or both?
Cheers!
Antun
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Are there mechanical or electrical reasons for that? Or both?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi Antun
A number of issues - mechanically will not fit , electrical connectivity issue and a power issue to drive the new board.
james
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Hi Antun
A number of issues - mechanically will not fit , electrical connectivity issue and a power issue to drive the new board.
james
Thank you for the info James!
Cheers!
Antun
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123312)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123313)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=123314)
I just installed the new card. The installation takes about an hour maybe less if you done it before. My biggest problem was not having 15 torx driver. Needed to take a trip to home depot. I spent more time taking my system apart and putting it back together than installing the card.
The card from the brief listening session get it. The bass wow. I didn't think the BDP-2 could get any better but it does. The high and subtleties just jump out at you. the background is darker. A+
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I have yet to listen to the BOT with the new card but I only suspect it sounds significantly better than the BDC-1.
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is there a blue LED on the new audio card ?
ed
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No
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James, considering that the new IAD is based on the BUC-1, would it be logical to assume that BUC-1 pffers better performance than the internal sound-card in the BDP-1/2 and that adding the BUC-1 to the BDP-1/2 would therefore improve audio quality?
Cheers!
Antun
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James, considering that the new IAD is based on the BUC-1, would it be logical to assume that BUC-1 pffers better performance than the internal sound-card in the BDP-1/2 and that adding the BUC-1 to the BDP-1/2 would therefore improve audio quality?
Cheers!
Antun
Its an option but integrating it directly into the BDP 2 has advantages.
james
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I have yet to listen to the BOT with the new card but I only suspect it sounds significantly better than the BDC-1.
Hi biski
Yes please let me know what you think - there has always been this controversy about CD Players vs Ripped files and also in the case of the BOT-1 when you listen to a CD you are using the buffer section and electronics of the BDP-2.
james
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Its an option but integrating it directly into the BDP 2 has advantages.
james
Hi James!
I was thinking about adding BUC-1 to the BDP-1? Would this have any advantages?
I am just curious. Like I said many times, I doubt there are reasons to improve upon the performance of the BDP-1.
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi James!
I was thinking about adding BUC-1 to the BDP-1? Would this have any advantages?
I am just curious. Like I said many times, I doubt there are reasons to improve upon the performance of the BDP-1.
Cheers!
Antun
Hi
I think the only reason to use the BUC 1 is if you are using a Laptop or Computer to manage and store your files. The USB input on the BUC 1 is ASYNC so it bypasses all the computer issues with handling music files and the quality is controlled by the BUC-1 rather than the computer. The computer just functions as your file management system. With the BDP-1 you already have a dedicated and optimized computer front end.
james
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@James Tanner
The upgraded BDP-2 looks quite improved. Has Bryston considered an upgrade path (or trade in program) for the early adopters with the BDP-1. Both are great devices.
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Hi Antun
No sorry the BDP-1 will not take the new Bryston integrated audio device only the BDP-2.
james
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I was wondering if the new card comes with the BDP1usb or if only the BDP-2 (as I have) and who to contact again to order one. Oh and will its benefits be noticed if using only the usb outputs to your dacs.
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I was wondering if the new card comes with the BDP1usb or if only the BDP-2 (as I have) and who to contact again to order one. Oh and will its benefits be noticed if using only the usb outputs to your dacs.
Hi
If you are only using the USB out there is no advantage to the new card.
james
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Hi James,
So is there is an audio improvement with the new card or just improved tech stuff.
debating whether its like power cables or any cable as far as some say there is an audible improvement and some say no.
Been the PC route and that's where I'm at..Bryston cabling which is as good as anything I've tried and were talkin lots and pricey.
I have the BDP-2 and have been mulling over whether to upgrade.
So what say you ...YEA or NAY..THX.
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Hi James,
So is there is an audio improvement with the new card or just improved tech stuff.
debating whether its like power cables or any cable as far as some say there is an audible improvement and some say no.
Been the PC route and that's where I'm at..Bryston cabling which is as good as anything I've tried and were talkin lots and pricey.
I have the BDP-2 and have been mulling over whether to upgrade.
So what say you ...YEA or NAY..THX.
Hi Don
Yes, I think it is a worthwhile upgrade.
james
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Yea!!!!!
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Hi James,
I only purchased my BDP-2 a few months ago :scratch: How much will this upgraded card cost?
cheers, david-
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Hi James,
I only purchased my BDP-2 a few months ago :scratch: How much will this upgraded card cost?
cheers, david-
Depending on where you are - In N.America it is $500
james
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Depending on where you are - In N.America it is $500
james
James, what's the process for ordering one from Montreal (QC) if I wanted to get it directly from Bryston and what payment options does Bryston offer?
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Depending on where you are - In N.America it is $500
james
James, do you know if these have started shipping internationally yet? I'm in Australia.
cheers-
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James, what's the process for ordering one from Montreal (QC) if I wanted to get it directly from Bryston and what payment options does Bryston offer?
Hi
Just email Mike at Bryston.
mpickett@bryston.com
james
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James, do you know if these have started shipping internationally yet? I'm in Australia.
cheers-
We have started shipping world wide - we have a new distributor in Australia so please check with them.
BusiSoft AV Pty Ltd
Suite 4, 792-796 High Street, Kew East, VIC 3102
Ph: +613 9810 2900
Email: info@busisoft.com.au
www.busisoft.com.au
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Hi James.
Installed the new Bryston card and it is fantastic really.
Noise floor has droped, details are better and bass is fantastic. These findings are in my setup, so don't know if everybody will have the same change. I'm using AES/EBU.
This is so much better that you should rename the BDP-2 with the new card to BDP-2.1, as older reviews done using AES/EBU with the old card is outdated!
Great work!!!
Regards,
Stig
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Couldn't agree more. The new card is a major leap forward.
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The Bryston Integrated Audio Card should be considered an essential upgrade.
My initial observations of the new card from a posting under the BDP-2 Thread were: "This is an essential upgrade to the BDP-2, especially for systems having high resolution. The new card simply seems to stay out of the way of the music. I was jotting down a few notes while listening and the first noticeable improvement is how much quite the back ground is, the noise floor has really been lowered (which I did not think possible after listening the first card). The sound stage is huge, both in width and depth. There is greater delineation of fine musical details. Notes seem suspended on a cushion of air with the space between notes better delineated. Micro and macro dynamics are improved and impressive (likely due to the lowered noise floor). Very subtile fine details in music are clearly delineated with this card (no need to lean into the music, just sit back and lots of detail will unfold naturally). Pitch definition is improved, especially in the lower frequencies. There is improved extension, delineation, and definition of low frequencies. All in all this new audio card is a spectacular achievement and elevates the already fine performance of the BDP-2 to a new level. Highly recommended upgrade!"
Having spent more time listening, I feel the factor that is vastly improved with the new integrated audio card is the lowering of timing errors. Timing errors will smear the sound causing a loss of focus and pitch definition. As I have been listening, I was struck by a similarity of the improved pitch definition of the new integrated audio card to my experience listening to a Meridian MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) lossless audio format technology demonstration. The Meridian MQA technology is impressive and one goal of this lossless audio format is to greatly reduce timing errors. One of the cuts demonstrated was Roberta Flack's Killing Me Softly With His Song. Without MQA, the kick drum has a bloated unfocused sound, but with MQA, the drum was focus with vastly improved pitch definition. The same is now heard with this particular cut with the new Bryston Integrated Audio Card. The drum is taut, focused, with vastly improved pitch definition (176/24 file). Vocals now have an organic quality due to lack of smearing. Cymbals have a more natural sound (an instrument that was murdered when digital was introduced), but the reason was partially due to timing errors in the digital signals. I consider the new integrated audio card a crowning achievement for Bryston's engineering team. Once heard, there will be no turning back!
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Just fitted mine, looked a bit daunting for my DIY skills but seemed to go fine with the detailed instructions.
Not sure what the little "Lollipop" device is for (no mention in instructions) maybe to hold small screws while attaching?
From limited listening so far +1 to all the previous comments. Plus, the new card does play DSD64 over Spdif if you check the box under audio devices as you would any compatible USB device.
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Norton, that's a coincidence, I also installed the board this evening.
Cheers
EJ
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What do you think of SQ with new board?
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I just received my kit to upgrade the BDP-2 with the new card. But...no instructions! Can anyone help?
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I just received my kit to upgrade the BDP-2 with the new card. But...no instructions! Can anyone help?
Email me - jamestanner@bryston.com
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Hi Guys,
Have any of you done a comparison between the new AES/EBU interface vs the USB interface to the BDA2?
I'd be very interested to hear your opinions.
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Hi Guys,
Have any of you done a comparison between the new AES/EBU interface vs the USB interface to the BDA2?
I'd be very interested to hear your opinions.
I have a different DAC, actually an integrated amp (Devialet 400).
Just received a new BDP-2 with the new sound card today.
As mentioned before, the AES/EBU output can stream DSD64.
(Not sure about DSD128, because my integrated amp does not support that yet.)
My comparison of the AES/EBU output and USB output, using very expensive cables from Kubala Sosna,
is that the quality of the AES/EBU is much better.
Of course, the BDP-2 needs to fully break in, and so I will listen critically again in 10 days.
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Just a comment that the BDP-2 with the new sound card really shines on cello music.
The Bach Cello Suites (Linn Records) in 192/24 is amazing!
The sound is much improved compared to my BDP-1 (which had the same sound card as the original BDP-2).
I need to re-listen to all my recordings.
Truly impressed so far.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston IAD Sound Card TEST
July 2015
Hi James
We tested your new Bryston ‘Integrated Audio Device’ in our BDP-2 digital player against the old card on our ‘Cowboy Junkies Mastering Project.’
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124467)
E ROOM MASTERING
The exact same Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions file played out via AES/EBU of the original BDP-2 audio card into the BDA-2 D/A Converter with up sampling on. This was then recorded ‘analogue’ at 176.4khz_24bit using the DAD (Digital Audio Denmark) AX24.
We then replaced the old sound card with the Bryston IAD and the exact procedure was repeated. The 2 files are aligned and phased match on parallel tracks and played, switching A & B between the two.
No Contest, empirically proven, Night and Day Difference. As if a wool sweater has been removed!!
The High frequency definition is outstanding, in fact, it is scary how rolled off the old card top end was. Slight improvement in bass transients. Sound stage was much more stable. Less sibilance on voice. Upper midrange was more open. Depth perception much deeper and wider (better resolution of high frequency reverb reflections)
Congrats James
Yours Truly
Peter J. Moore
President
E-mail: info@peterjmoore.com
Web: http://eroommastering.com
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James:
The new sound card can stream DSD64 through the AES/EBU output.
Can it also stream DSD128 through the AES/EBU?
How about DSD256?
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James:
The new sound card can stream DSD64 through the AES/EBU output.
Can it also stream DSD128 through the AES/EBU?
How about DSD256?
No DSD is not legal through AES and I am not sure why some DACs are allowing it with the BDP-2 and the new soundcard. I am wondering if the DAC is changing the bitstream to PCM on its input?
james
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No DSD is not legal through AES and I am not sure why some DACs are allowing it with the BDP-2 and the new soundcard. I am wondering if the DAC is changing the bitstream to PCM on its input?
james
BTW, can the BDP-2 stream PCM at 352kHz/24bit?
Wouldn't you need this capability for the BDA-3?
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BTW, can the BDP-2 stream PCM at 352kHz/24bit?
Wouldn't you need this capability for the BDA-3?
Yes it can do that - not that there is any material to speak of.
james
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Yes it can do that - not that there is any material to speak of.
james
Actually, hdtracks, acousticsounds, and others do sell albums in this format.
How about DSD256: can it stream that through USB and AES/EBU?
Again, there are albums in this format.
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Actually, hdtracks, acousticsounds, and others do sell albums in this format.
How about DSD256: can it stream that through USB and AES/EBU?
Again, there are albums in this format.
HI MV
NO DSD is not legal through AES. Yes 128 is available through USB. Also I realize there is some material available but it is not common and I feel that some of this is just 'spec-man-ship" it does not mean you automatically get a better recording.
james
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HI MV
NO DSD is not legal through AES. Yes 128 is available through USB. Also I realize there is some material available but it is not common and I feel that some of this is just 'spec-man-ship" it does not mean you automatically get a better recording.
james
But integrated amps support DSD through AES/EBU, and evaluators (e.g. at positivefeedback, I think) seem to like DSD256.
The Spirit of Turtle and other offer DSD256.
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But integrated amps support DSD through AES/EBU, and evaluators (e.g. at positivefeedback, I think) seem to like DSD256.
The Spirit of Turtle and other offer DSD256.
HI
Yes I am aware of the integrated amps but I wonder if they are changing the input to PCM in order to get around the legal issues - not sure on that - just know we can not access the native DSD file due to Sony ownership? It will be interesting to see where all this ends up.
I am all in favour of better recordings and we will certainly add software to our products to be able to take advantage of these new technologies as they develop but the music software available will certainly determine the success or failure moving forward. Our new BDA3 DAC has all these different bit rates available and the BDP-2 will evolve in that direction as well if the market plays out.
james
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HI
Yes I am aware of the integrated amps but I wonder if they are changing the input to PCM in order to get around the legal issues - not sure on that - just know we can not access the native DSD file due to Sony ownership? It will be interesting to see where all this ends up.
I am all in favour of better recordings and we will certainly add software to our products to be able to take advantage of these new technologies as they develop but the music software available will certainly determine the success or failure moving forward. Our new BDA3 DAC has all these different bit rates available and the BDP-2 will evolve in that direction as well if the market plays out.
james
The market is definitely there and headed in that direction.
You must be keeping track of how many of your competitors are including such functionality, and how their
number increases every couple of months.
So, Bryston might as well adopt a proactive approach and be among the leaders!
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The market is definitely there and headed in that direction.
You must be keeping track of how many of your competitors are including such functionality, and how their
number increases every couple of months.
So, Bryston might as well adopt a proactive approach and be among the leaders!
Hi MV
We will certainly watch it but many times in this industry new so call advancements are announced that do not materialize for various reasons.
james
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Hi MV
We will certainly watch it but many times in this industry new so call advancements are announced that do not materialize for various reasons.
james
The Spirit of Turtle has some excellent recordings,
many of which are available as DSD256, and other formats.
You should check them out.
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The Spirit of Turtle has some excellent recordings,
many of which are available as DSD256, and other formats.
You should check them out.
Hi MV - yes thanks I have some and have some Blue Coast as well as 2L - trying to acquirer as many as possible for testing the new DAC.
james
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NEWS
Bryston BDP-2 Upgrade
By Michael Lavorgna • Posted: Jun 1, 2015
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124561)
While I typically don't regurgitate press releases, I do enjoy hearing about improvements to existing products that deliver sonic rewards. From the Bryston Integrated Audio Device (IAD) press release:
“There were several important factors that led us to develop the IAD,” reported Bryston VP James Tanner. “We were confident that by eliminating three connection points, hand selecting and testing all of the components and shifting to our meticulous in-house manufacturing that we could improve transient capability while enhancing low resolution detail,” Tanner added. The Bryston IAD is also directly powered by the BDP-2’s premium quality linear power supply rather than by a power source shared with the motherboard.
I was very impressed with the BDP-2 when I reviewed it back in September 2014 (see review - http://www.audiostream.com/content/bryston-bda-2-and-bdp-2#fHS7bkHSJAoq38k9.97 )- so even greater low level resolution stikes me as something I didn't think needed improving. The Bryston sound has always struck me as being concerned with diggin' out the details.
The new IAD delivers improved specifications and replaces the current two-piece third-party sound card and SPDIF interface module (AES/BNC) utilized in the BDP-2. All new BDP-2 players are currently shipping with the new IAD installed, and legacy BDP-2 consumers have an option to retrofit to the new device for an MSRP of $500. IAD upgrades will be managed at the Bryston factory until dealers and international distributors have been trained to properly install the new module.
If I was a BDP-2 owner I'd be taking a serious look at the new Bryston IAD module and if I was interested in thinking about what kind of things make a difference, I'd be, and am, intrigued.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston IAD Sound Card TEST
July 2015
Hi James
We tested your new Bryston ‘Integrated Audio Device’ in our BDP-2 digital player against the old card on our ‘Cowboy Junkies Mastering Project.’
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124467)
E ROOM MASTERING
The exact same Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions file played out via AES/EBU of the original BDP-2 audio card into the BDA-2 D/A Converter with up sampling on. This was then recorded ‘analogue’ at 176.4khz_24bit using the DAD (Digital Audio Denmark) AX24.
We then replaced the old sound card with the Bryston IAD and the exact procedure was repeated. The 2 files are aligned and phased match on parallel tracks and played, switching A & B between the two.
No Contest, empirically proven, Night and Day Difference. As if a wool sweater has been removed!!
The High frequency definition is outstanding, in fact, it is scary how rolled off the old card top end was. Slight improvement in bass transients. Sound stage was much more stable. Less sibilance on voice. Upper midrange was more open. Depth perception much deeper and wider (better resolution of high frequency reverb reflections)
Congrats James
Yours Truly
Peter J. Moore
President
E-mail: info@peterjmoore.com
Web: http://eroommastering.com
Did they burn in the new sound card and for how many hours before this experiment?
There is definitely a change in the sound quality as the new card gets used for many hours.
Mine has not yet reached 200, and so I will not judge critically until then.
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HI MV
NO DSD is not legal through AES. Yes 128 is available through USB. Also I realize there is some material available but it is not common and I feel that some of this is just 'spec-man-ship" it does not mean you automatically get a better recording.
james
+1
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No DSD is not legal through AES and I am not sure why some DACs are allowing it with the BDP-2 and the new soundcard. I am wondering if the DAC is changing the bitstream to PCM on its input?
james
Isn't the legal aspect only to do with DSD output from a SACD player? Surely there is no restriction, other than technical limitations, for output once you have files in DSD format (e.g. DSD downloads)?
My BDP2 is definitely outputting DSD64 (DoP) over SPDif with the new sound card. As I understand it single wire SPDif is technically limited to DSD64 though. I don't know about AES, as my DSD DAC doesn't have that input, but I imagine the BDPs capability and the technical limitation are the same as SPdif.
I'm not using a Bryston DAC, but definitely now prefer SPdif output over USB with the new IAD, including for DSD64.
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Isn't the legal aspect only to do with DSD output from a SACD player? Surely there is no restriction, other than technical limitations, for output once you have files in DSD format (e.g. DSD downloads)?
My BDP2 is definitely outputting DSD64 (DoP) over SPDif with the new sound card. As I understand it single wire SPDif is technically limited to DSD64 though. I don't know about AES, as my DSD DAC doesn't have that input, but I imagine the BDPs capability and the technical limitation are the same as SPdif.
I'm not using a Bryston DAC, but definitely now prefer SPdif output over USB with the new IAD, including for DSD64.
And I prefer the AES/EBU output over USB for both DSD and PCM (for both the new and the old cards, with the new one definitely an improvement)
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The market is definitely there and headed in that direction.
You must be keeping track of how many of your competitors are including such functionality, and how their
number increases every couple of months.
So, Bryston might as well adopt a proactive approach and be among the leaders!
Zero point one percent of material available in DSD is hardly a market. One has to stop and think about why the format failed in the first place. Sony is now supporting it but they might abandon it within two years if the profit quotas aren't met. Just like they shovelled off their hi-fi segment.
Bryston is a performance-driven company, not specification-driven. You can buy a 200 Euro DAC that supports DSD but to what purpose? To most of companies, DSD is but a specification, a matter of compatibility, even though they'll happily say how good it is.
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Zero point one percent of material available in DSD is hardly a market. One has to stop and think about why the format failed in the first place. Sony is now supporting it but they might abandon it within two years if the profit quotas aren't met. Just like they shovelled off their hi-fi segment.
Bryston is a performance-driven company, not specification-driven. You can buy a 200 Euro DAC that supports DSD but to what purpose? To most of companies, DSD is but a specification, a matter of compatibility, even though they'll happily say how good it is.
Where does the 0.1% come from?
And of what material?
Many reviewers are very happy with DSD128.
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Where does the 0.1% come from?
And of what material?
Many reviewers are very happy with DSD128.
Hi!
I think you missed my point. Only 0.1% of music material is available in DSD and this is a very optimistic number at that. Also, reviewers don't make much of a market, millions of people who buy music do.
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi!
I think you missed my point. Only 0.1% of music material is available in DSD and this is a very optimistic number at that. Also, reviewers don't make much of a market, millions of people who buy music do.
Cheers!
Antun
No, I didn't miss any point.
There is a significant market of non-reviewers, but regular consumers who buy and listen to DSD recordings.
Otherwise, why would companies such as NativeDSD.com exist?
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No, I didn't miss any point.
There is a significant market of non-reviewers, but regular consumers who buy and listen to DSD recordings.
Otherwise, why would companies such as NativeDSD.com exist?
Hi!
Regular consumers who are willing to pay four times as much for an album because it is in DSD? Hardly. 800 million albums in Europe are sold every month and less than 20 thousand of them are in high-resolution formats. Ratio is undeoubtedly different in US but not dramatically so.
But I wasn't talking about DSD as such, whether it is worthy as a format or not. Instead, I was talking about it's commercial viability. You, on the other hand, said how reviewers like DSD128 so clearly, you were talking about DSD as such and how it sounds.
Cheers!
Antun
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I received my IAD kit on Wednesday and replaced the sound card last night (Thursday).
Overall, everything went very well but I did not get the chance to audition the upgraded sound card.
Going through the instructions, I had an issue with Step 8 (see below). When it came time to install the T10 screw in the "elevated" bracket of the IAD (red circle), I could not find a single screw that was long enough for the installation. However, I did noticed that with the two T15 screws (yellow circles) the new sound card is well secured, so no big panic.
One suggestion I had for Bryston, when putting together the kit (very nice kit), is maybe mark the bags with the screw sizes since I really do not know what a T10 or T15 screw looks like.
By the way, I also had some grief with the Phillips screws on the XLR connector. Maybe these should be replaced by either Torx screws or Robertson screws since they are real tinny and need a good grip to be reinserted into the new XLR connector.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124780)
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I received my IAD kit on Wednesday and replaced the sound card last night (Thursday).
Overall, everything went very well but I did not get the chance to audition the upgraded sound card.
Going through the instructions, I had an issue with Step 8 (see below). When it came time to install the T10 screw in the "elevated" bracket of the IAD (red circle), I could not find a single screw that was long enough for the installation. However, I did noticed that with the two T15 screws (yellow circles) the new sound card is well secured, so no big panic.
One suggestion I had for Bryston, when putting together the kit (very nice kit), is maybe mark the bags with the screw sizes since I really do not know what a T10 or T15 screw looks like.
By the way, I also had some grief with the Phillips screws on the XLR connector. Maybe these should be replaced by either Torx screws or Robertson screws since they are real tinny and need a good grip to be reinserted into the new XLR connector.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124780)
I would kindly suggest you go back to Step 7. The chassis screw boss needs to fit through the hole in the IAD and into the screw bracket. I found it takes a little time to make sure alignment is perfect. The T10 screws provided are of correct length if the chassis screw boss is fitted properly through the the hole in the IAD. The 3 point mounting makes the IAD much more secure.
I do agree the Phillips screws anchoring the XLR are snug. Otherwise I found the IAD install straight forward.
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I would kindly suggest you go back to Step 7. The chassis screw boss needs to fit through the hole in the IAD and into the screw bracket. I found it takes a little time to make sure alignment is perfect. The T10 screws provided are of correct length if the chassis screw boss is fitted properly through the the hole in the IAD. The 3 point mounting makes the IAD much more secure.
I do agree the Phillips screws anchoring the XLR are snug. Otherwise I found the IAD install straight forward.
Ned, you're right, looks like I completely missed that part from Step 7. I'll take a second look tonight.
Thanks! :D
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James,
Can the BDP-2 (with the new sound card) stream the following files over a USB cable:
352.8, 384 kHz and DSD256?
And can it do DSD native streaming by ASIO2.1 (up to 11.2MHz)?
The NewPrime DAC-10 can play the above.
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James,
Can the BDP-2 (with the new sound card) stream the following files over a USB cable:
352.8, 384 kHz and DSD256?
And can it do DSD native streaming by ASIO2.1 (up to 11.2MHz)?
The NewPrime DAC-10 can play the above.
It should be able too - it is really a matter of what the Linux operating system will allow. So far I have played up to DSD 128 and PCM 352. The great thing about open source operating systems like Linux is they evolve as the market evolves.
james
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It should be able too - it is really a matter of what the Linux operating system will allow. So far I have played up to DSD 128 and PCM 352. The great thing about open source operating systems like Linux is they evolve as the market evolves.
james
But can you please try all the formats that I listed, and let us know for sure?
Then you can list them on the web site for the BDP-2, and in all marketing materials, and increase your sales.
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But can you please try all the formats that I listed, and let us know for sure?
Then you can list them on the web site for the BDP-2, and in all marketing materials, and increase your sales.
HI
Yes I will do that once we have the prototype up and fully functional.
james
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HI
Yes I will do that once we have the prototype up and fully functional.
james
Just get the DAC-10 to play with and study, and try it now :-)
It can increase your sales of the BDP-2.
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Hi!
Would it be possible to see a close-up pic of the IAD please?
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi!
Would it be possible to see a close-up pic of the IAD please?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi
Other than what is already on this thread?
James
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Hi
Other than what is already on this thread?
James
Hi James!
Yes, well, if you have a bigger picture, it would be nice to see it.
Cheers!
Antun
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Integrated Audio Device – Feedback
July 2015
BDP-2 – New Integrated Audio Device
Well, well, well, got my BDP-2 back with the new integrated sound card installed. She does sound way more open than the old card.
Could it be as I haven't had her here for a few weeks, NO it sounds way to obvious. Somebody mentioned before a veil being lifted off and I will agree 1000%. Reminds me when I had my BCD-1 CD playe, music opened up big time (I miss her a tad) not like my BDP though. For 500, as far as I'm concerned do the upgrade as it's too obvious not to hear the improvements.
I guess I's happy and especially to have her back. A couple of weeks is not enough for my memory to go sour as have been doing music for 47+ years so yes you hear the difference.
Pull the curtain back and be ‘Entertained’.
THX to MIKE and AudioArk.
Drummer Mitchell
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I updated the two fuses on my new BDP-2, which came with the new Integrated Audio Divice,
to the following kind:
Platinum Reference “More Than a Fuse”
http://www.audio-horizons.com/pages/fuse.html
This improved the performance easily with 7 - 12%.
Further improved details and depths of the soundstage.
(I am not affiliated with that company.)
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I updated the two fuses on my new BDP-2, which came with the new Integrated Audio Divice,
to the following kind:
Platinum Reference “More Than a Fuse”
http://www.audio-horizons.com/pages/fuse.html
This improved the performance easily with 7 - 12%.
Further improved details and depths of the soundstage.
(I am not affiliated with that company.)
Interesting!
What amperage & size models did you get for the BDP-2?
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Interesting!
What amperage & size models did you get for the BDP-2?
The amperage is listed in the user manual, and so are other characteristics, e.g., for the US:
Both fuses should be 5x20mm glass fuses,
rated 250V and slow acting (time lag) types
These are for use in the US, and so the voltage should be 120V.
The first should be rated 250 mA
The second 500 mA
(Actually, the fuses are the same for the BDP-2 as for the BDP-1.)
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Dear Bryston,
The Bryston Integrated Sound card arrived here today, installation was a breeze with the included instructions, and an hour later I’m listening to music. I really appreciate that you included the necessary tools. Thank you for excellent service!
As it so happened, a long holiday intervened but now I’m back in front of the system and listening, to old & new music.
I’m hearing a quite significant upgrade to the sound with the new Bryston card - definitely the same source as before, but more intense, focused?
Connected via SPDIF into an Accuphase DAC30.
Erik
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I would kindly suggest you go back to Step 7. The chassis screw boss needs to fit through the hole in the IAD and into the screw bracket. I found it takes a little time to make sure alignment is perfect. The T10 screws provided are of correct length if the chassis screw boss is fitted properly through the the hole in the IAD. The 3 point mounting makes the IAD much more secure.
I do agree the Phillips screws anchoring the XLR are snug. Otherwise I found the IAD install straight forward.
Hi
Just received my kit, but the instructions is lacking. Can you provide me this? I tried to install, bud had to go back to the old soundcard :-(
BR Petter
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Hi
Just received my kit, but the instructions is lacking. Can you provide me this? I tried to install, bud had to go back to the old soundcard :-(
BR Petter
Sure - email me and I will send.
jamestanner@bryston.com
james
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Connected via SPDIF into an Accuphase DAC30.
Oh I look forward to this. I am currently on vacation but had my dealer reserve the new IAD for me and I am currently using the BDP-2 with the Accuphase DAC40 in the C2120.
It's like I want to go home from vacation to install the new card!
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You'll love it. I have a BDP-1 which I moved to my second system. I put the first generation BDP-2 in my first system and the improvement was mostly convenience. Then I purchased a BDA-2 and which made a noticeable improvement over the BDA-1. Now the new sound card has taken the BDP-2 and BDA-2 to a new level. With the new card the BDP-2 should be called the BDP-3.
I like to thank the Bryston team for making the BDP-2 upgradable. James if you could do something for the BDP-1. (I know)
Definitely looking forward to the BDA-3!
Cheers
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I like to thank the Bryston team for making the BDP-2 upgradable. James if you could do something for the BDP-1. (I know)
+1
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You'll love it. I have a BDP-1 which I moved to my second system. I put the first generation BDP-2 in my first system and the improvement was mostly convenience. Then I purchased a BDA-2 and which made a noticeable improvement over the BDA-1. Now the new sound card has taken the BDP-2 and BDA-2 to a new level. With the new card the BDP-2 should be called the BDP-3.
I like to thank the Bryston team for making the BDP-2 upgradable. James if you could do something for the BDP-1. (I know)
Definitely looking forward to the BDA-3!
Cheers
I would like to see a BDP-1 upgrade. Would putting more memory in make a difference to the performance? At the very least it would be able to run the latest version of the Music Player Daemon.
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I would like to see a BDP-1 upgrade. Would putting more memory in make a difference to the performance? At the very least it would be able to run the latest version of the Music Player Daemon.
Isn't it possible to easily upgrade the memory with a larger one?
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The RAM is on-board on the BDP-1, so it isn't upgradeable.
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The RAM is on-board on the BDP-1, so it isn't upgradeable.
But isn't there a memory card (those that were used on old models of digital cameras) that is plugged into the circuit board of the BDP-1?
If so, it should be possible to replace with one of larger capacity.
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That's not system memory, non volatile storage for firmware and settings
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The RAM is on-board on the BDP-1, so it isn't upgradeable.
The BDP-1 chipset will support more memory. In practice though I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing it. But professionally....
Here's Chris' comment from another posting:
The BDP-1 system board has the system memory integrated as part of the system board. Although it's chipset will support an additional 768MB, you'd need some fancy soldering gear to pull it off. BDP-2's ship with the maximum amount of system memory that it's chipset will support.
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The BDP-1 chipset will support more memory. In practice though I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing it. But professionally....
Here's Chris' comment from another posting:
The BDP-1 system board has the system memory integrated as part of the system board. Although it's chipset will support an additional 768MB, you'd need some fancy soldering gear to pull it off. BDP-2's ship with the maximum amount of system memory that it's chipset will support.
Or is it more cost effective to replace the motherboard?
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Or is it more cost effective to replace the motherboard?
you'd have to find a system board with a rear I/O similar to the existing system board, otherwise the USB and Ethernet ports wouldn't line up with the rear of the metal work. It would also need to consume the same amount or less current and the board is already pretty low powered as it is, 1Amp. To give you perspective most desktop computer power supplies provide 18Amps on the 12v rail alone.
Cheers,
Chris
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you'd have to find a system board with a rear I/O similar to the existing system board, otherwise the USB and Ethernet ports wouldn't line up with the rear of the metal work. It would also need to consume the same amount or less current and the board is already pretty low powered as it is, 1Amp. To give you perspective most desktop computer power supplies provide 18Amps on the 12v rail alone.
Cheers,
Chris
lol
I was hoping you say, "Great idea Ron! we'll release an upgraded version of the BDP1 motherboard with more memory."
The BDP1 has an alix1d motherboard, right? With 256MB DRAM?
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The BDP1 has an alix1d motherboard, right? With 256MB DRAM?
No one has really confirmed this but the specs on Alix1d are almost identical to the specs of the BDP-1. If it is an Alix board, Bryston could have still made modifications to it. For instance, the mini-PCI slot. I really can't say I've seen a computer board where additional computer cards are installed borizontally like in the BDP-1 so this could have been one of the modifications. I am not sure though, I'd need to buy an Alix board and have a look. But note the prices online, they are pretty expensive.
Cheers!
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James
The new IAD is really very good. My old Chord DAC64 now sounds so good via AES that I'm ignoring the Hugo I bought to replace it.
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James
The new IAD is really very good. My old Chord DAC64 now sounds so good via AES that I'm ignoring the Hugo I bought to replace it.
Hi Norton
Glad you are enjoying it - Stereophile is doing a follow up review on it as well and so far my sneak peak indicates a winner :thumb:
james
PS - sorry what is a Hugo?
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Hi Norton
Glad you are enjoying it - Stereophile is doing a follow up review on it as well and so far my sneak peak indicates a winner :thumb:
james
PS - sorry what is a Hugo?
James, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not "pulling my leg" as we say in the UK over that last comment. The Hugo is Chord's very well reviewed DAC/Pre/Head amp which has had wall to wall publicity here. I bought it to replace the DAC64 I've had for 11years, and pretty much agree with all the +ve reviews, but after upgrading to the IAD, I've gone back to the DAC64 as it sounds so good now over AES.
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James, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not "pulling my leg" as we say in the UK over that last comment. The Hugo is Chord's very well reviewed DAC/Pre/Head amp which has had wall to wall publicity here. I bought it to replace the DAC64 I've had for 11years, and pretty much agree with all the +ve reviews, but after upgrading to the IAD, I've gone back to the DAC64 as it sounds so good now over AES.
Yes I was being flippant ! I really like the AES as well with the new card
James
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Hi Norton
Glad you are enjoying it - Stereophile is doing a follow up review on it as well and so far my sneak peak indicates a winner :thumb:
james
PS - sorry what is a Hugo?
Hi James!
When the review becomes available, perhaps you could share it with us? I am interested to read what they have to say, especially if they conduced some measurements.
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi Guys,
I've installed the IAD in my BDP2 and while I haven't done any extensive testing it seems to be working well. I've upgraded the BDP to the latest firmware but I do not see the card listed under audio devices as described in the final steps in the instructions. Is this normal?
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Hi Guys,
I've installed the IAD in my BDP2 and while I haven't done any extensive testing it seems to be working well. I've upgraded the BDP to the latest firmware but I do not see the card listed under audio devices as described in the final steps in the instructions. Is this normal?
Hi
If you are getting sound through the AES or COAX then the new card is working. It should look like this in Audio Devices.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126416)
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Hi
If you are getting sound through the AES or COAX then the new card is working. It should look like this in Audio Devices.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126416)
Hi James,
Thanks for getting back to me. Mine doesn't list any devices on that screen at all but does seem to work none the less. I'm wondering if it's just an issue with the way the web interface is being rendered within Safari on my mac.
Probably a question for Chris...is a way I can check if it's been detected correctly within the terminal console?
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Well it is likley the page isn't renderin correctly for what ever reason, but it has been tested with safari on a Mac. Are you running atleast firmware S2.14? And what version of Mac OS X is on your Mac?
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Well it is likley the page isn't renderin correctly for what ever reason, but it has been tested with safari on a Mac. Are you running atleast firmware S2.14? And what version of Mac OS X is on your Mac?
Hi Chris,
I'm running the latest version of MM, I think it's S2.16 with MacOS 10.10.5. I'll try another browser to see if that makes a difference and get back to you.
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Hi,
I am Peter from Malaysia.
I received the new Bryston integrated audio card the next day after I paid online.
Thank you for superb service.
The new Bryston card really brings the BDP-2 digital player to another level. I would say night and day difference. The sound is more musical and analog, less digital sounding.
We are impressed and super happy. :)
Regards,
Peter Cheeng
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Well it is likley the page isn't renderin correctly for what ever reason, but it has been tested with safari on a Mac. Are you running atleast firmware S2.14? And what version of Mac OS X is on your Mac?
Hi Chris,
I tried Chrome on a Windows PC and got the same result (see screenshot below).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126463)
I did however find the following within the MPD logs:
[ 2.037070] usb 1-2: New USB device found, idVendor=1db5, idProduct=0002
[ 2.037153] usb 1-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
[ 2.037229] usb 1-2: Product: Bryston BDP Audio Device
[ 2.037297] usb 1-2: Manufacturer: Bryston BDP
[ 2.037362] usb 1-2: SerialNumber: 999999
Is this the IAD?
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Hi Chris,
I tried Chrome on a Windows PC and got the same result (see screenshot below).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126463)
I did however find the following within the MPD logs:
[ 2.037070] usb 1-2: New USB device found, idVendor=1db5, idProduct=0002
[ 2.037153] usb 1-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
[ 2.037229] usb 1-2: Product: Bryston BDP Audio Device
[ 2.037297] usb 1-2: Manufacturer: Bryston BDP
[ 2.037362] usb 1-2: SerialNumber: 999999
Is this the IAD?
If you place it in service mode and email me the service id i can take a look
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If you place it in service mode and email me the service id i can take a look
Thanks Chris, email sent.
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Could someone post a close-up photo of the BUC board?
Thanks!
-
Could someone post a close-up photo of the BUC board?
Thanks!
Hi
There is a shot of it in the first post on this thread.
james
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Hi
There is a shot of it in the first post on this thread.
james
James,
i believe he wants some pics of the BUC and not the BDP?!?
al.
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I am that Peter guy from Malaysia. Since adding the new card improves spdif/AES outputs so much better than usb audio output, I got a silly question to ask. Is there a way to upgrade usb to use dedicated audiophile usb card with BDP-2 like the SOTM usb card to seperate its power supply and interference from motherboard. This will also entice more people to shift to BDP from computer related server like CAPS.
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I am that Peter guy from Malaysia. Since adding the new card improves spdif/AES outputs so much better than usb audio output, I got a silly question to ask. Is there a way to upgrade usb to use dedicated audiophile usb card with BDP-2 like the SOTM usb card to seperate its power supply and interference from motherboard. This will also entice more people to shift to BDP from computer related server like CAPS.
Hi
You could use the BUC-1
james
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James,
i believe he wants some pics of the BUC and not the BDP?!?
al.
Oh no, I was just hoping to see a larger picture of the BUC board inside the BDP-2 so that ICs used would be visible.
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I know it's not the best thread to ask but... Is there a big improvement using AES instead of BNC on the BDP-2 ?
Thanks :)
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I know it's not the best thread to ask but... Is there a big improvement using AES instead of BNC on the BDP-2 ?
Thanks :)
I think its more of a preference thing, some people seem to like one over the other and they have there reasons.
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I think its more of a preference thing, some people seem to like one over the other and they have there reasons.
It's also DAC dependent. BNC is the only true 75 ohm connection. Though AES/EBU is specified at 110 ohms, there are no terminals specifically rated at this spec. AES/EBU has the benefit of CMR which is a big advantage due to rejection of noise, but it lacks the guaranteed impedance. BNC can maintain proper impedance but lacks inherent noise rejection of the balanced approach and relies instead on the shielding of the coax cable.
With the BDA-2 (in my system anyway) both sound awesome. I have an illuminati digital coax cable and a straightwire AES/EBU. Switching between them on my BDA-2 reveals subtle differences, but I have no idea which is more "right". Both sound so so good!
-
Thanks for the feedback, think I'll need to investigate which AES cable I should give a try eheh =)
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Thanks for the feedback, think I'll need to investigate which AES cable I should give a try eheh =)
Have a look at the Atlas Mavros AES/EBU cable!
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Hi Chris,
I tried Chrome on a Windows PC and got the same result (see screenshot below).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126463)
I did however find the following within the MPD logs:
[ 2.037070] usb 1-2: New USB device found, idVendor=1db5, idProduct=0002
[ 2.037153] usb 1-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
[ 2.037229] usb 1-2: Product: Bryston BDP Audio Device
[ 2.037297] usb 1-2: Manufacturer: Bryston BDP
[ 2.037362] usb 1-2: SerialNumber: 999999
Is this the IAD?
Hi Chris,
I have same situation. no any device shown in "Setting"
Listen is OK, but DAC shown "no lock"
Any suggestion?
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Hi all,
I need to ask someone who already upgraded to new audio device and has BDA2 DAC to perform a little test. I shared two tiny wav files in zip archive here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwDFPltehD96R21hRk0waFlPWHM/view (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwDFPltehD96R21hRk0waFlPWHM/view). Each track contains "one, two, three" spoken words and lasts only 1.5 seconds - in 96k and 44K sampling rate. Please add them to playlist in order they numbered and play together through SPDIF or AES. If new card fixed old issue with skipping on sampling rate change then both track should be reproduced without glitches. Otherwise you will hear audible skipping at the very beginning of each track. I already reported this behaviour to Chris long time ago, he confirmed an issue with SPDIF protocol, but didn't promise to fix it. I'm still curious whether Bryston fixed this issue with a new IAD. I'm tired to have this issue with lot of actual music tracks.
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Hi Chris,
I have same situation. no any device shown in "Setting"
Listen is OK, but DAC shown "no lock"
Any suggestion?
Hi Chris,
After I power off and on again, DAC shown lock.
And I change to IE from chrome, the setting shown the device, I can saw the" BUC" device.
when I listen the new IAD, become wide and bass become normal(previously bass is not enough)
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Hi all,
I need to ask someone who already upgraded to new audio device and has BDA2 DAC to perform a little test. I shared two tiny wav files in zip archive here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwDFPltehD96R21hRk0waFlPWHM/view (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwDFPltehD96R21hRk0waFlPWHM/view). Each track contains "one, two, three" spoken words and lasts only 1.5 seconds - in 96k and 44K sampling rate. Please add them to playlist in order they numbered and play together through SPDIF or AES. If new card fixed old issue with skipping on sampling rate change then both track should be reproduced without glitches. Otherwise you will hear audible skipping at the very beginning of each track. I already reported this behaviour to Chris long time ago, he confirmed an issue with SPDIF protocol, but didn't promise to fix it. I'm still curious whether Bryston fixed this issue with a new IAD. I'm tired to have this issue with lot of actual music tracks.
Hi
What DAC are you using?
james
-
Hi
What DAC are you using?
james
BDA 2, of course
-
BDA 2, of course
Thats strange as I have never noticed that before?
james
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This is noticeable with hires records where first track is recorded without enough silence at beginning. So my test is an easy way to reproduce this behavior. But this issue is common with many actual music tracks. For example I just purchased new Motorhead record on HdTracks and immediately noticed skipping when started playing first track, same was with Led Zeppelin I, Black Sabbath "Never Say Die" and many other. BDA-2 simply cannot synchronize in time when switching sampling rate from default 44k to higher. And here is explanation from Chris: http://support.bryston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=121&p=467&hilit=Spdif+protocol#p467 (http://support.bryston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=121&p=467&hilit=Spdif+protocol#p467) . The user who provided wav files to him was me.
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This is noticeable with hires records where first track is recorded without enough silence at beginning. So my test is an easy way to reproduce this behavior. But this issue is common with many actual music tracks. For example I just purchased new Motorhead record on HdTracks and immediately noticed skipping when started playing first track, same was with Led Zeppelin I, Black Sabbath "Never Say Die" and many other. BDA-2 simply cannot synchronize in time when switching sampling rate from default 44k to higher. And here is explanation from Chris: http://support.bryston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=121&p=467&hilit=Spdif+protocol#p467 (http://support.bryston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=121&p=467&hilit=Spdif+protocol#p467) . The user who provided wav files to him was me.
I experience the same skipping/glitch on my BDP-2/SP3 combination, when the tracks switch sample rates.
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I experience the same skipping/glitch on my BDP-2/SP3 combination, when the tracks switch sample rates.
Have you upgraded to new audio card?
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I believe, unless you use a USB DAC (I mean DAC not USB converter), it will always take the dac chip a second or two to realize the pcm resolution has changed and to reconfigure its self for the new resolution.
+1 for USB DACs
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I believe, unless you use a USB DAC (I mean DAC not USB converter), it will always take the dac chip a second or two to realize the pcm resolution has changed and to reconfigure its self for the new resolution.
+1 for USB DACs
USB DACs are great but BDP-2 simply sounds better via AES output - at least with BDA-2. And this is why so many people are curious about new IAD. So issue with skipping should be fixed - I'm not the only customer complaining about it, just check support forums. I don't know much about possibility to implement delay on sampling rate change in sound card driver, but a lot of well known software players have a fix for the problem - they can be configured to play an extra second of silence in target resolution before starting playback or on sampling rate change. For example, Jriver has option "Play silence at startup for hardware synchronization" with following description:
"Some hardware requires a lead time from when a signal is delivered to when sound is produced. This option allows outputting leading silence so no actual sound is lost in these cases. Note that this option is only in effect in two cases - at the first playback after the program starts, and between tracks with different sample rates. This silence will not be played between tracks with the same sample rate. "
So Jriver can do it, why Bryston cannot do the same? MPD has no similar option, but it is open source. You may create a patch for it. BDP-2 is expensive device, it is simply unacceptable to have any problems with playback.
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I'm not sure if all DACs have this problem when a sample rate change is made. My DAC, in native mode, has around a 4 or 5 second delay when the sample rate is changed when using AES ( with Toslink it's almost instantaneous ).
What I had to do, within dedicated playlists, is create a track of silence around 6 seconds long and insert it at a sample rate change. There would have to be one of these silence tracks for each sample rate in your library. Of course this will not work if you are playing in "Shuffle" mode, but most of my playlists are based on types of classical music i.e. Symphonies, Violin Concertos, Ballet etc. So a delay between one composition and the next ( with a different sample rate ) is almost the proper thing to do.
The J River thing is probably a better way to solve this issue if it is doable, but how much silence do you insert, or do you make this silence amount adjustable?
One thing I have noticed about the BDP-2 is playback starts with no silence at all when I know for sure most of my rips have some silence at the beginning of the first track in an album.
-
I almost never create playlists, I like to tap album in MPAD and listen it. So skipping is very annoying for me, there is quite a few albums in my collection without silence at beginning of first tracks.
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I almost never create playlists, I like to tap album in MPAD and listen it. So skipping is very annoying for me, there is quite a few albums in my collection without silence at beginning of first tracks.
I just do not have this issue - not sure what is going on here. :scratch:
james
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James, did you try my test wavs? If not I'm sure that Chris may demonstrate you an issue.
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James, did you try my test wavs? If not I'm sure that Chris may demonstrate you an issue.
OK thanks - will ask him tomorrow.
james
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I almost never create playlists, I like to tap album in MPAD and listen it. So skipping is very annoying for me, there is quite a few albums in my collection without silence at beginning of first tracks.
I agree with you on this issue. I would like to play any track at any sample rate without thinking about it.
Chris mentioned that the USB connection in lieu of the AES connection would solve this issue. However, the SP3 USB connection cannot process high resolution tracks, so that is not a solution I can implement and test.
The way you described JRiver's fix for this issue would work for me, if the feature could be toggled on/off by the user. To do this, I assume that the player would need to look ahead at every track to check the sample rate. If it does not, change, it would play continuously, so gapless playback would work. However, if the sample rate does change, then it would insert a silent track of its own that matches the upcoming sample rate to force the DAC to switch over.
By the way, one other interesting thing that I noticed with the BDP-2 and SP3 combination is that when the units are first powered on, the SP3 shows the BAL-1 digital connection as PCM 5.1. This cannot be, since the BDP-2 only sends out 2.0. I presume that the SP3 is defaulting to 5.1, and the BDP-2 does not send a signal until the first track starts playing. The result is that when the first track is played, there is the skip, while the DAC changes to 2.0.
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I agree with you on this issue. I would like to play any track at any sample rate without thinking about it.
Do you have a chance to upgrade or at least try new IAD?
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Has anyone successfully used the new IAD board in the Bryston BDP-2 connected via a XLR or Coax to a PS Audio Direct Stream Dac?
I have now tried two 2 separate IAD boards, and when playing Hi Rez (at 24/192 PCM) I am getting severe distortion.
Ozzy
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Until Bryston figures out the problem, I had to go back to my previous ESI Juli circuit board.
The XLR output on that board works fine with my PS Audio Direct Stream Dac.
I also went back to using the USB out with my Uptone Regens. The sound is back to wonderful.
James, Chris, Mike,
I hope you can find the time to figure out why the new IAD Board puts out so much distortion with my PS Audio Direct Stream.
Mike, never called back. Chris was too busy, etc.
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MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston New Integrated Audio Device - Feedback
Hi James;
The BDP-2 with the new Bryston IAD audio card is outstanding!
Bravo to you and the rest of the Bryston team! The detail and resolution of the BDP-1 is still there, but the soundstage is now deeper and wider and the imaging is spot on. Instruments now occupy a very distinct 3-D position in space, and you feel like you can reach out and touch them. The “texture” of sound is also more apparent – plucked and bowed strings really show this off.
Coming from a BDP-1 with the ESI Juli@ soundcard, the BDP-2 with the Bryston IAD is a distinctly audible improvement.
Anyone with a BDP-2 who is thinking of upgrading to the Bryston IAD should just do it, you won’t be disappointed. Also, anyone who thinks that analog is superior to digital (personally I see them as equals) should give the BDP-2/BDA-2 combination a try to hear just how good digital can be (and it’s damn more convenient than fussing with vinyl to boot).
Thanks again James for another fantastic product !
Dan
P.S. I love the look of the 19” rack mount too – it ties in nicely with my vintage 10B.
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James,
I really like my BDP-2. Especially the convenience of having my 5000+ collection at my fingertips.
But, I was told a few hours ago from Chris that my PS Audio dac doesn't like the wave form that is produced by the IAD. That is why I was getting distortion from using that combo.
So, its back to using the Bryston USB output with my 2 Jitterbugs attached and 2 Regens attached to PS Audio Direct Stream.
Which, I must say overall has greatly improved the overall sound quality from the Juli board.
James can you let me know when a fix is created? :(
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James,
I really like my BDP-2. Especially the convenience of having my 5000+ collection at my fingertips.
But, I was told a few hours ago from Chris that my PS Audio dac doesn't like the wave form that is produced by the IAD. That is why I was getting distortion from using that combo.
So, its back to using the Bryston USB output with my 2 Jitterbugs attached and 2 Regens attached to PS Audio Direct Stream.
Which, I must say overall has greatly improved the overall sound quality from the Juli board.
James can you let me know when a fix is created? :(
Hi
Yes we will continue to investigate but it looks like there is a issue with compatibility on the PS Audio DAC on the SPDIF outputs from the BDP-2 - USB works fine.
james
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Hi James,
Did you have an opportunity to look into issue with skipping on sampling rate change? I still don't understand whether this behaviour is the same with new IAD.
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Hi James,
Did you have an opportunity to look into issue with skipping on sampling rate change? I still don't understand whether this behaviour is the same with new IAD.
No change in behavoir, the delay in changing resolution is a product of a dac configuring itself for a new
resolution based on the spdif signal. The only way to get around this is with a USB dac with a USB interface that reconfigures the dac chips automatically (ie the USB input on the BDA-2).
Cheers
Chris
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My BDP-2/BDA-2 combo drops the first half of "one" when using AES/EBU out on the IAD. With S/PDIF being "one way", the DAC has to receive a handful of samples to be able to lock onto the correct sampling frequency.
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No change in behavoir, the delay in changing resolution is a product of a dac configuring itself for a new
resolution based on the spdif signal. The only way to get around this is with a USB dac with a USB interface that reconfigures the dac chips automatically (ie the USB input on the BDA-2).
Cheers
Chris
Chris, I don't like the idea to use USB output - simply because BDP-2 / BDA-2 combo performance is better via AES interface. BTW, in BDP-2 "Getting Started" paper I read following: "If you have a Bryston BDA-1 or BDA-2 DAC, the AES/EBU connection will deliver the best sound quality". And we already have quite a few people complaining about skipping issue here and on support board. First topic about it was posted in 2013 (!!!): http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=115249.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=115249.0). So it should be fixed and it is obvious how to do this - simply generate a second of digital silence on sampling rate change - like Jriver does. If this is impossible to implement without MPD team - just contact them, this is open source software.
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Some pictures from my installation of the new IAD card can be found here (http://www.euphonia-audioforum.se/forums/index.php?showtopic=11879&st=0&start=0)
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Hi Ola,
Thanks - the pictures look great :thumb:
Did you notice any difference in sound?
james
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Yes I did. To be fair I didn't expect too much, I bought the card more for "feel good" reasons. The difference between the BDP-2 with juli@ card and with the new IAD-card is substantial, the BDP-2 with new card has much better resolution and the sound-stage is more three dimensional and stable. The old version sounds almost "broken" in comparison :o I have compared the BDP-2 with my computer before and there was a small difference but no night and day difference. I found this a bit odd since the hifi press has been raving about the BDP-2 performance :scratch:
Before I did the upgrade I compared these two chains
BDP/BDA-2 ->analogue -> AudioNET DNP -> Bryston 28B-SST
BDP-2 ->digital ->AudioNET DNP -> Bryston 28B-SST
The chain using the built in DAC in the AudioNET DNP sounded far more resolving and cleaner. After installing the IAD I did the comparison again and now the BDA-2 played as detailed as the built in DAC and even more three dimensional. The AudioNET DAC is still sounding a bit "crisper" but I prefer the DAC-2 overall (by a very small margin). Is the BDA-2 really that sensitive regarding the digital input signal? Bad PLL-circuits?
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Actually, I tend to think quite the opposite. No matter the signal quality, as long as the sampling rate is accurate, the BDA-2 locks onto it in less than half a second. The lock remains stable and reliable no matter the cable length, even with optical connection. It's even better than many professional hrade convertors which were meant for instant and reliable operation, always.
I have a BDP-2 with factory-installed BUC board now but I have had a BDP-1 and at one time I had both at the same time. I did not notice any differences in terms of connection reliability and BDA-2 would always miss one fraction of the first second if it had to reconfigure itself from 192kHz to 44.1kHz. I was extremely merciless in my tests, trying to cause a series of events that would freeze both machines to cause skipping as I was already having problems with BDP-1 and wanted to make sure BDP-2 would be a good choice even if it cost significantly more.
I had asked a question about this a long time ago and someone explained that unlike with CD transports where there is a prefix code delivered to the DAC so that it already "knows" what sampling rate to expect, devices like DVD players or computers don't provide this benefit.
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James - maybe I missed it on the website but is there a location to go to for the installation instructions? A buddy of mine who has the BDA2/BDP2 combo asked me if this a best to be done by dealer or DIY....
Tia
Ron
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If you ever did any work on computers it's pretty simple. Bryston has posted some video's on utube.
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Hi James,
FYI, a text message from a customer who just upgraded his BDP-2 with the new audio device…
Hello! Bryston should have called it a BDP3.. it's a step-up.
The difference is immediate. It's more musical n' 3d soundstage . The highs flares up( I didn't notice much highs been rolled off until the sound card been replaced w Bryston one). You must encourage all the existing bdp2 users to listen to it.
Regards,
Low
Malaysia
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Mods Please move this post into the BDP-2 feedback topic...Sorry
New here..
I just bought a BDP-2 and BDA-2, I just have to say Bravo to the Bryston Team what a Fantastic Pairing I just love how my gear sounds now, the lows are so clear, everything is so clear..Thank You for making Great Products..
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139216)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139217)