[veloceleste]

I’m considering an upgrade which will probably be my last one. Current system is a BP173, BDA2, 3B3, Mini-T. Sources are a Pioneer Elite DVD37 as a transport and Apple TV. I listen mainly to cd’s, steam internet radio, and occasionally stream tv audio. Here are the options I’m considering:
1. Replace BP173 with BP19 and keep sources and dac.
2. Replace Pioneer and BDA-2 with BCD-3 while keeping BP173. I would relocate BDA-2 to a second system and forgo   streaming.
3. Get the internal dac for the BP17-3 and a better transport when the DVD-37 eventually dies, and relocate BDA-2 as stated above.
The biggest question to me is what will offer more improvement, the source and/or dac, or the preamp?
Thanks for your thoughts. I don’t think the possibility of an audition is possible. And please don’t say “Get both!”

[toocool4]

Option 1, the pre-amp will benefit everything in your system.

[alanford69]

If you listen mainly to CDs and you do not have a strong interest in hi res streaming (e.g. qobuz, tidal) I think upgrading to BCD-3 will give you the highest improvement. Otherwise, a BR-20 with an external transport (even a second-hand one), will give you an all in one device for streaming  as well + an excellent headphone amp.

Not sure the BP-17 options are still available since the device itself has been discontinued.

[Mariusz Uszynski]

Keep the BP-17³, 3B³, buy BCD-3/DAC, buy Cardas XLR cables, then make sure to set the GAIN to 23dB, at the back of your 3B³.And when you do all that, I'm telling you right now, that you will EXPERIENCE all your CD collection ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!!!
How do I know that????3 years ago, I sold my Arcam receiver AVR-450 and Arcam blu-ray BDP-300, only to purchase my Bryston combo:
BP-17³, 4B³, BCD-3/DAC, Puritan PSM156 and Cardas XLR and power cables.I also sold Dynaudio subwoofer SUB600, but I kept my speakers Dynaudio Excite X44.So with the same speakers, difference in sound between those 2 setups was is like day and night.BCD-3 is amazing player, if you really like cds, you won't regret it.I'm 60 year old heavy metal maniac and METAL never sounded so crispy and molten before.

Now, if you excuse me, I'm gonna go and crank some SLAYER!!!!!!!!

                          "IN BRYSTON WE TRUST"

[Mag]

My Story:
  I went to the Bryston Dealer and listened to their Bryston Set Up which I estimate to have been worth $40K. My system is pretty much all Bryston as well but not quite $40k. IMO my system sounded better, the difference the BCD-3, it's that good!!
  I wouldn't however throw out your other gear as you might become addicted to Streaming and listening to CD's may take a back seat.

The BCD-3 is a quality player but I had to send it in for Service as I use it everyday for like 3 years. It came back like new. So keep that in mind that even a quality player will wear out.

[veloceleste]

Thanks for the replies. While everything in a system affects the sound, I always considered the source and speakers the most important in attaining your preferred sound and upstream upgrades can offer the most improvement. The BCD-3 is the source so I’m leaning that way. However I do worry about longevity of any currently produced player. My Pioneer Elite player is a beast, in almost daily use for over twenty years with nary a hiccup. The one consideration that gives me pause about an expensive player is longevity.

[Mariusz Uszynski]

You welcome Veloceleste, We are the Bryston Nation, lol.I have a question to all of you guys.Let's just say, you done listening music, but you'll continue to listen in 3-4 hours later, do you turn off your gear, or not?I'm not concern about hydro use, but only what's best for my beloved gear?Thank you in advance.

          IN BRYSTON WE TRUST

[toocool4]

Mariusz Uszynski my equipment is never turned off, the only things that are turned off are the turntable and tape deck as the motors are always turning.

As long are you are not running valve kit, it's better for the kit to be on. Electrical equipment are under more stress at switch on with power rushing in.

[Mariusz Uszynski]

Mariusz Uszynski my equipment is never turned off, the only things that are turned off are the turntable and tape deck as the motors are always turning.

As long are you are not running valve kit, it's better for the kit to be on. Electrical equipment are under more stress at switch on with power rushing in.

Toocool4, thank you very much for reply.Constant switching on and off is (probably) not good for power pupply either.My Bryston CD player has a neat feature, I can turn off the display, while all the components are still on.

[veloceleste]

You welcome Veloceleste, We are the Bryston Nation, lol.I have a question to all of you guys.Let's just say, you done listening music, but you'll continue to listen in 3-4 hours later, do you turn off your gear, or not?I'm not concern about hydro use, but only what's best for my beloved gear?Thank you in advance.

          IN BRYSTON WE TRUST

Usually when I turn on my system, I leave it on for the day or until I’m sure I won’t be listening anymore that day. However, I do turn it off if I leave the house.

[Mariusz Uszynski]

Usually when I turn on my system, I leave it on for the day or until I’m sure I won’t be listening anymore that day. However, I do turn it off if I leave the house.


That would work too, turn it off before the bedtime.For some reason, I would rather have it turned off, for the night.

I hope, one day you'll purchase BCD-3.It is amazing machine.