[vlach]

 I think lasker98' attempt was to bypass the preamp section of the BHA-1 and have the signal from his DAC applied to only ONE amplification stage.

Edit: I re-read lasker98' earlier response and indeed, he appears to think that having the BP-17 in the equation (even though it really isn't when using the fixed outputs) results in double amping which is clearly not the case, as you've already explained. Apologies for the mix up.

[lasker98]

"I re-read lasker98' earlier response and indeed, he appears to think that having the BP-17 in the equation (even though it really isn't when using the fixed outputs) results in double amping which is clearly not the case, as you've already explained."

Sorry for the confusion. I'm definitely aware that when the BP-17 is using fixed output, it's doing no amplification. I use my BDA 3.14 with fixed volume as well, since as I stated in an earlier post, I control volume from my Lumin U2 streamer. So streamer with volume control connects to BDA 3.14 which connects to either my 4B3 or my headphone amp which has volume pots bypassed. That means there's only a single volume control and a single amplification stage in my setup. I hope to achieve the same result with the BHA-1 replacing my current headphone amp, hence my original question re: volume bypass or unity gain.

[James Tanner]

[Yodalogger74662]

Posted a few years back on using the BHA-1 as a pre-amp and was fairly impressed with its performance.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=121595.0
Few things to be aware of is that if using headphones there is no mute or toggle switch when inserting the phones to disengage the signal to an amp. Of course the work around is to turn off the power amp.


I would love a pre-out mute switch on the BHA-2 unless someone has an idea for a mod on the BHA-1. My amp power switches are a little challenging to get to, so I opted for an XLR switch, when I don't want to listen to speakers I switch to an empty channel.

[Freo-1]

James,


Just picked up a BHA-1 in Silver.  It's a NOS unit from 2012.  The unit has remained in the box unused.  Was pretty stoked to find this.  Will arrive in a few days. 


Can't wait to try it out.  My understanding is that the design has remained unchanged.  Is that correct?

[James Tanner]

Hi
Only change was after serial number 50 we added a set of Balanced Outputs.
james

[Freo-1]

Got the headphone amp today.  I'm very impressed.  IMHO, it easily betters the Schitt Mjolnir 3, and holds it own against some very expensive headphone amps.  I couldn't be more pleased with this.  I can hardly believe my good fortune to find a NOS unit the seller never used. 

[R. Daneel]

Got the headphone amp today.  I'm very impressed.  IMHO, it easily betters the Schitt Mjolnir 3, and holds it own against some very expensive headphone amps.  I couldn't be more pleased with this.  I can hardly believe my good fortune to find a NOS unit the seller never used.

If it's not a secret, may I ask how much you paid for it?

I bought mine new in 2012 for 1300 €. The price seems to have almost tripled since then.

Cheers - Antun

[Tspmi888]

been using mine since 2014 paired with a bda2 DAC

been thinking of pairing this w R2R dac such as Holo audio Cyan, denafrips ares 15 or Enyo pr the new Laiv harmony

wud appreciate any feedback

[Freo-1]

FWIW:  Currently using the BHA-1 with a Topping DX9.  Where the music really shines is using foobar 2000 with PGGB.  The sound upscaled to 706/768 KHz at 104 Bit is simply amazing.

[Tspmi888]

PGGB?

no r2r yet?

i do have k17 from Fiio .. akm 4499 and 4191 chips..jst new

[Tspmi888]

FWIW:  Currently using the BHA-1 with a Topping DX9.  Where the music really shines is using foobar 2000 with PGGB.  The sound upscaled to 706/768 KHz at 104 Bit is simply amazing.

dload it now .. will try to use it.. can u reco sample tracks so i can try to hear difference
any settings u can suggest for pggb?  speed quality bit etc

tks
dex

[Freo-1]

dload it now .. will try to use it.. can u reco sample tracks so i can try to hear difference
any settings u can suggest for pggb?  speed quality bit etc

tks
dex

Best to go to audiophile style website and search on PGGB-RT or PGGB.  You will get a far better explanation of basic setup there. 

[rob80b]

If it's not a secret, may I ask how much you paid for it?

I bought mine new in 2012 for 1300 €. The price seems to have almost tripled since then.

Cheers - Antun

Funny I was just mentioning to a friend to look into a used BHA1 as the last time I looked they were around $1K Canadian and saw used prices have almost doubled?
And so checked current retail, and yep..almost tripled. 

[R. Daneel]

Funny I was just mentioning to a friend to look into a used BHA1 as the last time I looked they were around $1K Canadian and saw used prices have almost doubled?
And so checked current retail, and yep..almost tripled. 

Yes, even used ones go for more than what I paid for a new one.

[rob80b]

And yet, during its 12 plus years a lot of headphone gear has come and gone but the BHA1 still isn't going anywhere. 

[R. Daneel]

And yet, during its 12 plus years a lot of headphone gear has come and gone but the BHA1 still isn't going anywhere. 

Hi Rob!

Exactly! It's difficult to improve on what is already excellent although that's not what the revieweres would want you to think - always moving from one product to the next and always with the same old tiresome argument - that it is the best they have ever heard! It takes a bit of critical thinking to get passed the 'chatter'. The BHA-1, alongside many other Bryston products, will soon be a classic, mark my words.

I remember when it came out. There was a whole backlash on Head-Fi which is where most of the nitwits are, apparently, because it is not a 'fully balanced' circuit. Some other amplifiers are and that apparently automatically makes them better. The Lotus Esprit V8 was a better sports car than the Ferrari 355 in every way. It had only one flaw - it was not a Ferrari. For a dunce, that is sufficient reason to doubt the car's ability. The Lotus also cost a hell of a lot less so that's another reason why it cannot possibly be as good.

Now, if only I could find a 2nd BHA-1 at the old price. Why have only one, right?

Cheers - Antun