[TJB]

Audio/video processors?  If so, what are the models?  If not, I need help finding one for my HT.  Please note that I already have a preamp and amplifiers, so I'm looking strictly for a processor without amplification, but with HDMI ports.  Help anyone?  Thanks.

[Phil A]

Audio/video processors?  If so, what are the models?  If not, I need help finding one for my HT.  Please note that I already have a preamp and amplifiers, so I'm looking strictly for a processor without amplification, but with HDMI ports.  Help anyone?  Thanks.

https://bryston.com/digital-audio/

[Phil A]

Besides the current SP3 and SP4, there were earlier models (SP2, SP1.7 and SP1)

http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/a-v-preamplifier/bryston/sp-1.html
https://www.avsforum.com/threads/can-someone-explain-this-to-me-bryston-sp1-v-sp1-7.253353/
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96091.0

[TJB]

First of all, thanks.  I just realize that I've been looking at them all along.  Shows how little I know. LOL.  Anyway, I see a few for sale, but some are listed as processor/preamplifier.  Having said that, I have a BP25, can the two coexist?  And how are they different?  Could I have done with the processor alone?

[Phil A]

The SP1.7 (which I used to own) is essentially a BP25 in 2-channel bypass mode.  I don't see the point of doing both.  I'd think you would be better off with a preamp with HT Bypass since processor technology changes more rapidly than 2-channel analog and the processing technology in the older Bryston models is dated.  If you wanted to stick with Bryston, then perhaps - https://bryston.com/preamps/bp-17-3/   and a more modern receiver (including a refurb such as may be sold at places like accessories4less.com).  If you just want simple, then perhaps an SP1.7 or an SP2 could be bought used and then just sell the BP25 and you will essentially have the same 2-channel and then a HT processor too.  Hifishark is a good place to search - e.g. https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=bryston+sp

[TJB]

I must admit that you are a wealth of information.  By the way, when I was doing my research on amplifiers, prior to purchasing my amps, your posts would come up a lot.

Now back at the topic at hand, I wish I had asked this question before purchasing the BP25.   I might have more questions later.  Thanks. 

[TJB]

Looking at the rear of the SPs, I notice that they don't have any inputs, especially balanced inputs, for my audio components. Which consist of a CD player and a vinyl player.  Is this case, does it not make sense to keep the BP 25?  Inquiry mind wants to know. 

[Jonathon Janusz]

Looking at the rear of the SPs, I notice that they don't have any inputs, especially balanced inputs, for my audio components. Which consist of a CD player and a vinyl player.  Is this case, does it not make sense to keep the BP 25?  Inquiry mind wants to know.

I'd take another look at the website for the SP3.  Bryston lists that it has 2 pairs of balanced XLR inputs and 4 pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs.  The SP4 looks like it only has RCA unbalanced analog inputs though.

[gbaby]

Audio/video processors?  If so, what are the models?  If not, I need help finding one for my HT.  Please note that I already have a preamp and amplifiers, so I'm looking strictly for a processor without amplification, but with HDMI ports.  Help anyone?  Thanks.

I own the SP3 which is an excellent pre/amp processor on which to build a world class audio/video system.To it, I have added a BDP3/BDA3/BP2, a phono preamp. The SP3 contains both pure analog section and digital. It has two balanced digital inputs. It has everything but ATMOS, but I don't like sound coming from the ceiling as I hear sound at ear level. I was not impressed with the ATMOS demos as I never hear like it in real life. Anyway, the SP3 has the same analog section of its BP26.

[TJB]

Sorry, I was referring to the rear of the older models.

[Phil A]

Also depends on budget.  Yes the old SP1.7 does not have balanced inputs.  The BP-17 cubed I linked does have those options - https://bryston.com/preamps/bp-17-3/  The current  list price of a new BP-17 cubed preamp including the MM phono stage (and 2 balanced analog inputs) is I believe just over $5.4k.  The list price of a Bryston SP3 is about $10.5k (and no phono option).  That's why I recommended a preamp with HT Bypass.  Unless one chassis is a requirement, that's a chunk of change for processor that does not even have the latest and greatest.  There's a bunch of nice receivers at accessories4less.com either just over $1k or even under.  My main system left and right speakers are hard to drive so I use an external amp.  If one already has 2-channel (with a separate 2-channel amp), then a receiver with preamp outs (which go into the HT Bypass input of an appropriate 2-channel preamp and the receiver's volume control is what is used) is not a bad option.  I'd think that the 2-channel preamp (either bought new or used) would hold value better than a processor (that's why the hifishark link - https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=bryston+sp    indicates lower prices on something like an SP1.7 even though in 2-channel bypass it is basically a BP-25   - processors, due to the more rapidly changing technology just don't hold value as well - unless of course it is something that you will keep long term)

[TJB]

Great information, but my head is spinning.  As you may have already figured out, my knowledge of component is very limited.  So, it's not too much to ask:  give me an example of a preamp/processor that you would buy given my components, which include two monoblock amps and the BP-25.  Any brand, but something affordable.  Something below the 2k price range.  Thanks. 

[Phil A]

Great information, but my head is spinning.  As you may have already figured out, my knowledge of component is very limited.  So, it's not too much to ask:  give me an example of a preamp/processor that you would buy given my components, which include two monoblock amps and the BP-25.  Any brand, but something affordable.  Something below the 2k price range.  Thanks.

There's some useful info here (and I'm sure other places) - https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/adding-a-stereo-amp-and-pre-amp-to-an-existing-home-theater-set-up     Keep in mind without HT Bypass you'll have to consistently set the volume knob on the preamp to an appropriate spot and calibrate the levels in the receiver.  And of course you'll need to decide how many channels and features you want in the receiver in addition to the left and right channel.

[Phil A]

Here's an old thread here as well - https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=122353.0

[TJB]

Frankly, this thread is very deflating.  I was hoping to put together a killer combo, but it seems like I may have to start all over.  And I have already made a significant investment into my 2-channel system.  I'm realizing now that even the acoustic treatment is different. Rather than starting over, I'm considering having two separate systems, with each having its own dedicated components.  I think that'll be costly, but I enjoy both forms of entertainment equally; and I don't spend any more time on one than the other. 

Phil A, I have read and I will continue to read and analyze the threads you sent me to find the best solution(s) for my predicament. 

[TJB]

@ Phil A.  Should I decide to do separate systems, as stated above, would the Bryston SP2 or the SP1.7 work?  And if so, how many amps can be hooked up to it?  I looking to have about three amps, one mono and two stereos, hook up to it.  Will that work?

[TJB]

Never mind, the Bryston doesn't have any HDMI ports.  How about the Krell S-1000? Same questions above. 

[gbaby]

Frankly, this thread is very deflating.  I was hoping to put together a killer combo, but it seems like I may have to start all over.  And I have already made a significant investment into my 2-channel system.  I'm realizing now that even the acoustic treatment is different. Rather than starting over, I'm considering having two separate systems, with each having its own dedicated components.  I think that'll be costly, but I enjoy both forms of entertainment equally; and I don't spend any more time on one than the other. 

Phil A, I have read and I will continue to read and analyze the threads you sent me to find the best solution(s) for my predicament.

Look, if you can swing the SP-3, this is your best bet. I don't buy into the SP-3 not having the latest and greatest. It does, and its called sonics. ATMOS is gimmicky in that one does not hear sound from the ceiling in real life, but rather, we hear sound on the horizontal plane. You can build from the SP-3. I did, and I have added a phono preamp as well as a digital player, the BDP-3. If you want to save money, I can tell you that you'd be better off investing in the BDP-3 over any analog phono pre amp and turntable.

[Phil A]

Atmos is like any other recording.  There are good soundtracks and bad ones.  If the OP wants an all in one and doesn't want a turntable then something like a pre/pro (or a pre/pro with an outboard phono preamp would be something to consider).

I really don't know anything about the Krell unit (e.g. what inputs it has and whether it has a phono input or is something made by someone else and re-badged by Krell - you may wish to search Google about the unit).  Like anything else in the old pre/pro category, it will sell for a fraction of it's original price (I saw some old sold ones on US Audio Mart for under $1k and it listed for $6k).  All that is fine if it is something you intend to live with long term and don't care it not being worth too much.  That's just the general nature about video or digital products.

[Alphonse]

TJB, if you are not in a rush and you can stretch your budget a bit I would suggest you monitor sites like hifishark.com for a used Bryston SP3. I was lucky to find one in January for under $3000. Granted it has an older 1080p HDMI board but is upgradable to the latest 4K HDMI board. I still have a 1080p TV but will definitely upgrade at some point. I am very happy with the sound quality of the SP3 in stereo or 3.0.

Al