[EvanMcC]

Hello,

I'm considering my next upgrade to this system:

NAD C541i (used as transport)
Musical Fidelity V DAC
Bryston BP25/MPS1
Bryston 4BSST
Dynaudios Audience 72 floor-standers

Would my money be best spent on a Torus isolation transformer for the entire system, a BDP1, the new BDP Pi, or a BDA1 DAC?

Thanks!

[Phil A]

Just curious as to what you're using in your system now so we have an idea as to what may make a difference.

[EvanMcC]

Hey Phil,

I posted info above yours in the thread with current setup.

Also should note I am using a Blue Circle PLC Thingee for passive noise filtering. The Torus would replace this.

Look forward to your input thanks

[Rocket]

Hi,

I voted for Bryston Pi or BDP-1 because I think it would make your life so much easier.  Not sure if it will improve the sound or not?

Although I would say that the addition of a Bryston BDP-1 did have a slight improvement in SQ.

Cheers Rod

[zoom25]

I voted for the BDP-1. Not only was it a pleasant change in not needing to have a computer around all the time for music, but the step up in sound quality was very welcoming. I loved the clarity over previous CD player transports and Macs.

[CanadianMaestro]

I don't own a Torus, and I use a different brand power distributor/conditioner (Shunyata Triton and Typhon). I would vote for a power purifier hands-down as having the biggest impact on improving my enjoyment of music in my system. Basically, it removed a "veil" that I didn't even know was there.  And the great thing is that everything plugged into the purifier benefited -- so it's a system-wide improvement (and not a small one, either). The best investment I've ever made in my two-channel system.

[EvanMcC]

Great input everyone thank you! Look forward to hearing from others with experience with these products.

[Phil A]

I voted for the Torus - have one.  I have a friend who is a reviewer and generally horribly dislikes power conditioners used with power amps.  Many moons ago where I used to live (VA), I walked in the store and he was in the back room and said I have to hear this (RM20).  I don't remember all the components used (I believe the preamp used was a Bryston too at the time) but believe it was the BCD-1 CD player (I owned at that time), Thiel 3.7s (still own those) and Ayre monoblocks (I think they were $16k then).  Anyhow I listened and then he plugged the amps into the wall after removing them from the Torus and then back in and the difference was almost as much as going from CD to SACD.  I then bought the RM20 and have had it many years.  I do have other power conditioners in secondary systems (none as high end though) and it was something I never would have considered as a sound upgrade until I heard what it did.  If there is an opportunity to do something similar (with any of the components), do it.  There is no substitute for listening and hearing it for yourself.  As James would probably say, the Demo is everything. 

I went thru the same process when I bought my BCD-1.  The owner of the store was there and had three players hooked up to a system.  One was slightly ($700) less than the BCD-1.  One was just over double the price (played SACDs too).  He would stick other discs in and put the same track number on and I had no idea what was hooked to a particular input or what component he was playing.  Preferred the BCD-1 and bought it.

[Anonamemouse]

I don't own a Torus, and I use a different brand power distributor/conditioner (Shunyata Triton and Typhon). I would vote for a power purifier hands-down as having the biggest impact on improving my enjoyment of music in my system. Basically, it removed a "veil" that I didn't even know was there.  And the great thing is that everything plugged into the purifier benefited -- so it's a system-wide improvement (and not a small one, either). The best investment I've ever made in my two-channel system.

I can only agree here. Like CanadianMaestro I don't own a Torus, but several similar products from Kemp ( http://www.kempelektroniks.nl/en/185/kemp-elektroniks ). Installing them has made a massive impact on my system.
After that, the DAC is what makes the sound. If you are interested in a DAC upgrade I do suggest you test a couple different ones at home (personal suggestion: listen to the Schiit DAC's too. AMAZING) and hear which one tickles you the most.

[BrystonFan]

What Phil A said.

[BrystonFan]

Honestly, I have a BIT20 and it was very impressive the first time I plugged it in, along with my SP3, BCD1, 4BSST2 and 9BST.
Side note, my next upgrade is to jump to the 4BSST3

[alexone]

hi, BrystonFan!

did you try to compare the stereo sound of the 9BST vs. the 4B SST2 ? is the 9B ST still a good match with the newer amps? wouldn't it be better to have a 9B SST2 instead?

much more i would like to hear your opinions when you have the 4B3 installed...

al.

[CanadianMaestro]

Side note, my next upgrade is to jump to the 4BSST3

You should seriously consider a 14B3. Bigger jump, I expect. I went from a 4B2 straight to a 14B2 (next upgrade, maybe when the 14B5 comes out!  ). No regret whatsoever.

[BrystonFan]

Hi Alexone,

I find myself listening more to stereo these days, okay years! Than HT.
My 9BST is configured to run my centre, sides and rears and for the maybe once a week movie or soccer game I watch that is fine for my ears. I figure I would benefit more to jump to a cubed series 4 

[mojave]

I have a Torus RM20 and voted for the Torus isolation transformer.

[EvanMcC]

Would love to hear James' $0.02!

[witchdoctor]

Hello,

I'm considering my next upgrade to this system:

NAD C541i (used as transport)
Musical Fidelity V DAC
Bryston BP25/MPS1
Bryston 4BSST
Dynaudios Audience 72 floor-standers

Would my money be best spent on a Torus isolation transformer for the entire system, a BDP1, the new BDP Pi, or a BDA1 DAC?

Thanks!

The Torus will improve everything IMO, check this out:

http://mrgcustom.com/press/Electronic%20House%20Jan%202016%20Issue%20-%20MRG%20Theater.pdf