[Samurai7595]

Among other items, I own the Bryston BCD-1, BDA-2 and BDP-2 source components.

Right now, my BCD-1 connects directly to my Linn pre-amp via RCA single-ended (unbalanced) cabling while my BDA-2 connects to my pre-amp via XLR balanced cabling which I'm using for my BDP-2 streamer (via BNC digital connection).

Would I be better off using my BCD-1 through my BDA-2 (via RCA digital connection)?  If so, what improvements can I expect?
 

[budcook]

Among other items, I own the Bryston BCD-1, BDA-2 and BDP-2 source components.

Right now, my BCD-1 connects directly to my Linn pre-amp via RCA single-ended (unbalanced) cabling while my BDA-2 connects to my pre-amp via XLR balanced cabling which I'm using for my BDP-2 streamer (via BNC digital connection).

Would I be better off using my BCD-1 through my BDA-2 (via RCA digital connection)?  If so, what improvements can I expect?
 

I feed a BCD-1 through a BDA-2 rather than go directly to the preamp.  I use a Cardas Lightning 15 cable.  If I wasn't using the BDA-2's AES connection for my BDP-2, I'd use that for the BCD-1.  I think it sounds a bit better.

I have tried both through the DAC and directly to the pre-amp and it's hard to tell the difference.  Going through the DAC permits me to use the remote to select digital input sources.

Things like cable quality, single-ended vs. balanced, etc. could make a difference.

Bud 

[redbook]

 Balanced has been the best in my setup.

[bjski]

My BDA-2 is balanced to the preamp. I'm using AES from the BDP-1 and coaxial from the BDC-1 to the BDA-2. Using the BDC-1 balanced going to BHA-1. I prefer the sound of the BDC-1 going to the BDA-2. When I had the BDA-1 I preferred the BDC-1 balanced to my preamp. When I listen with headphones I find myself going back to the BDA-2 (single ended) and not the BDC-1 (balanced), I just like the sound of the BDA-2.

I agree with budcook. I think AES sounds better. If you have the flexibility try try the BDC-1 coaxial to the BDA-2 and let your ears decide if there are any improvements. All our systems are different so what I might like someone else doesn't.
Regards,
BJ

[bobNL]

+1

Have conneted the bcd to the bda1.
Makes a great hub And the sound is better to my ears.
Worth using a decent cable, but do not want to start of ..........

Cheers,
Bob

[stereoal]

I feed my BCD though the AES connection on my BDA-1. It's a noticeable improvement over connecting the BCD directly to my BP-26 preamp: more detail to my ears. If you're using the AES connection for a BDP, use one of the SPDIF connections. It's worth the price of the digital interconnect. I use Bryston balanced interconnects.