[Ilkatze]

Hello, Bryston Circle members.

I have a BDA-1 that I purchased two years ago (picked it up from the dealer on 11 July 2011).  It is black and has a 19-inch faceplate.

I listen to CDs at the moment (on a BCD-1) and have not yet transferred my collection to disc (I will use an SSD).  I do not yet own a BDP unit and am no rush to buy a current DAC and digital player.  Sometime within the next year is when I expect to put my CD collection on SSD, and then is when I will look into getting a BDP.

Given what I have written, my question for all of you is whether I should keep my BDA-1 until I buy a new DAC (which at my relatively slow rate of adopting certain technologies might be when the BDA-3 is produced) or sell it now while it has some value to it so that I can have the beginnings of funds for the next DAC and BDP.

Part of what has me hesitant one way or the other is that prices for used BDA-1 units seem to be on the low side of the scale (around $1300), and while I would hate to sell for so little, doing so now will avoid further loss in the future.  On the other hand, since the "loss" would be so great, I feel as if I should keep the unit as it develops into vintage possession, so to speak (I own tuners and a reel-to-reel deck, so having "old" things is not out of the question for me).

Anyone care to share thoughts about what you might do in my situation?

[stereoal]

As you probably know, using the DAC improves the sound of the BCD player, so it's worth using it for that purpose alone. I have the same DAC and CD player as you, and plan someday to get a BDP. When I do, I will buy the latest Bryston DAC and use my old DAC on my second smaller stereo system, assuming it improves the sound of any CD player connected to it. I personally would find it hard to accept a $1,000 loss for two years of use.
If you don't need the money, I vote you keep it. Stereo equipment is a bit like cars. They depreciate the most at the beginning and level off as they get older. I must confess, however, I own several pieces of equipment I no longer use, but can't bear to sell for pennies on the dollar.

[Vipers]

Hi Ilkatze,

I think I would keep your BDA-1 for now if I was you, as you know it is an excellent DAC and as you don't need the asynchronous features of the BDA-2 I wouldn't be in any hurry to upgrade.

I can't really see your BDA-1 loosing too much more money so I would enjoy it until you are ready to look at the BDP-2 then decide from there.

I have the BDA-2 but also kept my BDA-1 for my headphone setup as it is a great DAC and I wasn't willing to give it away so I found a good use for it, it makes the perfect partner for the BHA-1

[bobNL]

+1

Bob

[bjski]

I sold my BDA-1 to help finance the purchase of a BDA-2. My unit was 3 years old. The improvement I got with the BDA-2 was well worth the price of admission. I am not claiming the BDA-2 is the greatest DAC out there and everyone should update it just made a significant improvement in my system.

I run my BCD-1 coaxial and my BDP-1 AES to the BDA-2. I found listening to my BHA I preferred the BDA-2 than the BDC connected balanced to my BHA.

Thought about putting the BDA-1 in my home theater but the only time I listen to music is HD Radio.

If you have the DAC update bug then go to your dealer and get a unit to demo at home and let your ears decide. You can the sell your BDA-1 or move it to another system. You got to remember Bryston lowered the price of a new BDA-1 another reason for the big hit on the used market.

My wife claims I'm going deaf anyway so everything sounds better.

[Phil A]

I sold my BDA-1 (to help with the costs of a better DAC)  but got a bit more than the current asking price as I sold just before the official list price was changed from $2.2k to $2k.  As long as the model is current, the prices should stay where they are now for a bit.  If it gets discontinued, it will probably drop a couple of hundred.

[Ilkatze]

Thanks to all who have replied so far.  Knowing your opinions and ideas has been very helpful, and I believe I have a clearer idea of which direction to take.  I will go ahead and stay with BDA-1 for now.

Again, many thanks to all of you for your thoughts!