I was very dubious about the BDP-1 when James was explaining it before it was shipped. I used a Roku SoundBridge which worked well, had a terrific display, and did not require that I convert files, had Internet radio. In fact, I wrote to James and explained why it wasn't for me.
But I learned long ago that Bryston often delivers beyond expectations. So I bought one based on my hope that it would be an improvement over the Roku.
My BDP-1 is serial No. 13, and now it is the centre of my system. It does take some effort in terms of getting files in the right format. And there is some effort in setting it up. It is definitely not plug-and-play.
Moreover, I do not buy the argument made that the BDP-1 is great because it is ready to handle high rez files. High rez, in my view, is not likely to be a big deal in the foreseeable future because there is not a big enough market for it to create the demand for lots titles in the kind of music that individuals might want. I like jazz and there are very few titles in this genre. And getting downloads of lots and lots of titles is just note there. In short, until there is an iTunes tyoe of service for high rez, I can't see it growing. My guess is that it will go the way of DVD-Audio and SACD - very limited market for enthusiasts and with a limited number of titles.
But I love my BDP-1. And would buy it again in a New York minute.
Why? Because it makes some 16,000 tracks of music that I have ripped from ordinary CDs better than they sound on my CD equipment. For anyone interested in improving the music he already it is simply a great piece of equipment, which has been made better through software updates.
I still use my Roku. It shows me with a wonderful display the tracks playing on Internet radio stations which, in fact, I play through the BDP-1.
Dave
