[Mag]

I began building my stereo system around 2000. Since that time I've acquired mostly Bryston gear with the exception of my power conditioner and speakers.

For me its the whole synergy of the system that makes it sound great. With each upgrade there was a noticeable improvement in the sound. My monster power conditioner was a major upgrade. The bass went from feeling vibes to kick you in the gut, it made that kinda difference.

But for me the piece that took my system to a higher league was the BDA-1. Like my SP2 was at best a marginal improvement over my Yamaha receiver until I hooked the BDA-1 up to it, then my jaw hit the floor and I knew that I was hearing elite multi-channel/stereo sound for the first time.

So for me the BDA-1 is the most important component in my audio chain.

What gear do you value most?

[Laundrew]

This is a tough one Mag 

As with you, Laundrew's gear works in complete harmony with each other, a cornucopia of succulent, audio delicacies - a perfect unison of yin and yang. To listen to Rozz saying "good-bye" in "Flowers," Ian's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" or Nine Inch Nails' savage "Dead Souls" in a dimly lit room is truly a delight for the senses with this gear in front of you. So at the end of the day, perhaps a split decision between the JBLs and the 28s in all their infinite glory to either gently caress you or to totally assault the soul.


Be well...

[Elizabeth]

Over the years: (items I most remember with positive love...)
Back in 1965: Garrard Lab80 turntable
In 1984: Infinity RSIIa speakers
In 198?: Hafler DH110 I built from kit.
In 198?: Counterpoint S2000 preamp, even though it was to dissapoint with breaking down a lot.
In 199? Forte' 4a amplifier
In 199? Sony SCD777ES
In 2009? Pangea powercords.. bought piles of them.
In 2010 combo bought all at once: Magnepan 3.6 Bryston BP26 Bryston 4B-SST²
Also used Furman REF20i
In 2011 VAC Standard preamp using it as a glorified tube buffer for digital stuff

In 2013/2014 New cables: Cardas "Parsec" noticable upgrade. Buying full set replacing all my IC.
. this is the current 'hot item' in my setup.

In 2014 I hope to buy Magnepan 20.7 (maybe not till early 2015, depends on my saving enough soon enough. Buying the Parsec cables really puts a dent in the 20.7 by Fall 2014 plan)

[1ZIP]

At this point in time it would have to be my BCD-1....it is nearly irreplaceable.

[HsvHeelFan]

My 4B-ST Bryston amplifier.  It made the rest of  my system so much better.  A stunning improvement over Pacific rim sourced receivers or integrated amps.

HsvHeelFan

[WireNut]

Gear I value most is my prized 20 year old component I just sold to pay overdue bills 

[redbook]

  My 4B ST was a godsend but I would have to say the BCD1 is the best thing for me :

[Diamond Dog]

Wow, this is a tough call and a really thought-provoking topic, Mag...

I've heard a really good preamp take what is theoretically a top-drawer system and kick it to the next level, I've heard the difference an uber-front end makes in a well-considered system and I've heard what a difference a pair of really good speakers brings to the table. Put 'em all together and it's the total package but is there one piece that is the deal-breaker? I think I'd have to go along with the thought that the sum is greater than the individual parts but that feels like a dodge of the question in the OP.
Gun to my head, I guess that the component in my system that connects with me as being less of an appliance than the rest would be my Manley Neo Classic 300B pre. It's such an esoteric thing ( and I have an actual Esoteric thing in my system... )  but it has an odd charm and really, really does good things for my system as a whole. When my new speakers finally arrive though, they may usurp the throne because I've heard those things in this system and they are a fantastic addition.

D.D.     
 

[klao]

Now, I think it's my new listening room that I value most. 

Next the Maggies 20.7's & the Bryston 28B-SST2 amps that I just blew them last night.   

[So There]

Thanks for offering this stimulating topic, Mag:

I would have to choose the BDP-2/BDA-2 combo, because the two units have a great deal of synergy. They've brought an analog smoothness to my system along with superb resolution, by far the best sound I've heard on my system. The step up from discs (even SACDs and DVD-As) on my Oppo BDP-105 is palpable, and I've never found music so engaging. The only problem is that they want to be fed and love to digest hi-res downloads.

Rich
_______________
Whiney Napa Valley

The means — Bryston SP3 | Bryston 6B-SST(C) - L/C/R; 4B-SST(C) - surrounds; 4B-SST(C) - rears | Bryston BDP-2 Digital Player; BDA-2 D/A Converter; Oppo BDP-105 | Paradigm Reference Signature S8 fronts; C5 center; ADP surrounds; S4 rears; two Velodyne DD15 subs | APC S20 | Pioneer Elite PRO-1130

[SteveFord]

It would have to be my Stax Sigma headphones.
Everything else has come and gone but these have hung around since the early 80s.

[Zolty]

BCD-1 - bought s/h last year to connect to BHA-1.

Well, what was planned as "forced by circumstances" headphone system has started plans to upgrade system by power or integrated
amp and speakers.

Damn you Bryston - after few years of break (forced by accoustically c..ppy room and common sense), the hi-fi audio disease strikes back.

Thank you Bryston

[Grit]

I'm going to go with my BDA-1 (replaced this year with a BDA-2). I was just using the integrated DAC in my Rotel receiver. The Bryston DAC turned music into something musical. I found this to still be true when I demoed on an Anthem d2v. As good as the DAC may be in that prepro, it had nowhere near the musicality of the BDA-2. It defined what pieces of equipment I will add or replace in my system (SP3 and undecided Bryston amp very soon).

[s4s4s4]

Hard to choose between BP26 mm mc/ 14B SST2/ BIT 15/ BDP/BDA-2 so I will have to go with my SME 20/12 V12 MC Anna combo. Almost picked the BDP/BDA combo, friggin good and very special as is all Bryston. What a wonderful brand with incredible performance and unparalleled service and support.

[s4s4s4]

Shit, forgot about my BHA-1 and HD 800's another wow….;^)

[rmurray]

I am still in love with my BP25 plus the two CD1s... (bought a backup unit  before production ended)

[1ZIP]

I wish I had been smart enough to do as you did.

[Rocket]

Hi,

I hope you don't mind posting as I don't have any Bryston gear at this stage but I thought it would be fun to post.  I have late 1990's N.E.W. P3 preamplifier (company is now defunct) which was built by Cary Audio.  I've replaced my speakers, amplifiers, turntables and dac a number of times and the N.E.W. has been in my system for over 10 years.  I'm sure there are better quality preamplifiers but why change it if I'm happy with it.

Cheers Rod

[Hicham]

• The Bryston BP1.5 is stunning.
  The BP1.5 delivers surprising details that bring smiles and awes.
  The Linn Sondek LP12.
  
  The Bryston BDA-1, finally a DAC to enjoy.
  
  The Magnum Dynalab MD801 internet Radio.
  The Magnum Dynalab MD106 FM Triode Tuner
  The Magnum Dynalab MD803 Integrated Amplifier
  
  The Bryston BP 26 / MPs-2