[TJB]

Hi. I have a chance to purchase a faulty Bryston BDP-1 at a great price.  I've just read Stereophile's review of the unit, and it was said to be connected to the BDA-1 DAC when it was being auditioned for the magazine.  My question is: do I need to purchase the BDA-1 also?  In other words, do they complement each other or can they be used independently of each other?  Thanks.

[techguy0192]

Hi. I have a chance to purchase a faulty Bryston BDP-1 at a great price.  I've just read Stereophile's review of the unit, and it was said to be connected to the BDA-1 DAC when it was being auditioned for the magazine.  My question is: do I need to purchase the BDA-1 also?  In other words, do they complement each other or can they be used independently of each other?  Thanks.

Nope.  Use any DAC you like.  With that said, a BDA-1 would be a good match. 

[TJB]

But the point is that it's not a stand-alone component; it must be connected to a DAC.  Is that right? 

[Spyman]

Yes, you will need to connect it to a dac. And while the BDA-1 is a great match, you can connect it to any dac.

[artur9]

I have a BDP-1 and it paired great with my Schiit Bifrost OG and Gungnir.  It's idle at the moment awaiting room for another system...

[R. Daneel]

Hi. I have a chance to purchase a faulty Bryston BDP-1 at a great price.  I've just read Stereophile's review of the unit, and it was said to be connected to the BDA-1 DAC when it was being auditioned for the magazine.  My question is: do I need to purchase the BDA-1 also?  In other words, do they complement each other or can they be used independently of each other?  Thanks.

Hi!

The real question is - what's wrong with the BDP-1 you're considering and why is it fauly? Keep in mind it is essentially a computer so the machine might simply need a new lithium battery which is cheap enough to replace, or it might need a new motherboard which might prove to be very expensive to replace. So make sure you know what the exact problem is before you buy.

Also, keep in mind that there are two versions of the BDP-1: the original BDP-1 and the later BDP-1USB. The difference is that the original one has traditional (electrical) digital outputs, namely one S/PDIF on BNC connector and one AES/EBU on balanced XLR connector, as well as USB connectors. The BDP-1USB has only USB connectors.

If you are going to be using electrical digital outputs, then be sure you are buying the BDP-1, not a BDP-1USB. Look at the rear panel to see if it has those outputs. These ouputs will work with any DAC.

If you are going to be using USB, then it doesn't matter which version of the BDP-1 you're buying. That being said, make sure your DAC uses USB class-compliant drivers and not proprietary drivers otherwise the BDP-1 might not be able to recognize the DAC once connected.

One final thought is this: over the years that the BDP-1 has been on the market, there have been several attempts to modify it to improve upon it's performance. It goes without saying you should avoid units that have been tampered with.

Good luck!
Antun

[Namsgai]

Hi!

The real question is - what's wrong with the BDP-1 you're considering and why is it fauly?

I wasn’t going to mention this until Anton made his post, to which I completely agree.

I had a BDP-1 from their earlier days which was amazing for several years, but then many issues cropped up. I eventually got rid of it as it turned into a paperweight, after it constantly locked up, wouldn’t boot, etc. I’m not sure if these were related to the hardware or the software, it seemed like there became a point where each software update brought greater instability, and Bryston won’t allow you to downgrade or load an earlier (working) software version.

My whole system is Bryston, preamp, amp, dac, speakers, subwoofer, turntable, streamer, everything. Would I buy a Bryston amplifier again? Yes; would I buy more “technology/software” based product again, maybe, but probably not.

I have a BDP-2 now, but that’s it, if I had to buy a steamer again, I would look elsewhere.

If you search the internet, and even this forum maybe people have had issues with their BDP-1, locking up, not working, error codes, mostly 09 (which in practice seems to be a pretty generic error).

I tried it all, reflash the compact flash card manually, reseat all cables inside, replace battery, etc.

I would put the BDP-1 in the same category as the BCD-1, amazing product when it works, but a huge and potentially expensive risky liability today.

I personally would avoid, unless your willing to take the risk and cop it on the chin if it just stops working the next day after buying.

Just trying to give you an honest opinion of a long time BDP user.

[vonnie123]

How do you plan to use the unit once you can get it up and running?

I've owned two BDP-1s and upgraded to BDP-2s.  If you plan to use the BDP-1 as a Roon endpoint, they work great.  As an MPD device, they are functional, but a bit memory challenged.

Try to ascertain what is not working correctly from the seller.  Might just be a bad CF card which can be replaced or refreshed.  Does it power up?  Error codes?

[vonnie123]

I wasn’t going to mention this until Anton made his post, to which I completely agree.

I had a BDP-1 from their earlier days which was amazing for several years, but then many issues cropped up. I eventually got rid of it as it turned into a paperweight, after it constantly locked up, wouldn’t boot, etc. I’m not sure if these were related to the hardware or the software, it seemed like there became a point where each software update brought greater instability, and Bryston won’t allow you to downgrade or load an earlier (working) software version.

My whole system is Bryston, preamp, amp, dac, speakers, subwoofer, turntable, streamer, everything. Would I buy a Bryston amplifier again? Yes; would I buy more “technology/software” based product again, maybe, but probably not.

I have a BDP-2 now, but that’s it, if I had to buy a steamer again, I would look elsewhere.

If you search the internet, and even this forum maybe people have had issues with their BDP-1, locking up, not working, error codes, mostly 09 (which in practice seems to be a pretty generic error).

I tried it all, reflash the compact flash card manually, reseat all cables inside, replace battery, etc.

I would put the BDP-1 in the same category as the BCD-1, amazing product when it works, but a huge and potentially expensive risky liability today.

I personally would avoid, unless your willing to take the risk and cop it on the chin if it just stops working the next day after buying.

Just trying to give you an honest opinion of a long time BDP user.

Does your BDP-2 have the Bryston upgraded factory board or the Juli card?

I use my BDP-2 as Roon endpoints, and use Aurender servers for non-Roon delivery.   BDP-2 is a solid piece of hardware, but Manic Moose needs a facelift.

[Rocket]

Hi Guys,

I also use my Bryston Bop 1 as a Roon endpoint and it works fantastic. My dealer tried to get me to sell it as it was just so slow and clunky to use. I now a happy camper and Tidal and Qobuz work great.

How do you plan to use the unit once you can get it up and running?

I've owned two BDP-1s and upgraded to BDP-2s.  If you plan to use the BDP-1 as a Roon endpoint, they work great.  As an MPD device, they are functional, but a bit memory challenged.

Try to ascertain what is not working correctly from the seller.  Might just be a bad CF card which can be replaced or refreshed.  Does it power up?  Error codes?
 Logged/quote]

Cheers Rod

[GSDaudio]

Hi all,

I bought the BDP-1 in 2012 for $1800 and sold it in 2021 for $650.   Never a problem.  Sold it because my library grew so much and I wanted to load 2000 songs and hit random play for the radio effect.

Bought the BDP-3 as a replacement and it sounds better (A/B on same equip) and its fast.  I don't get hung up on software interface as its not the key factor in sound reproduction.   I get a headache trying to match 3rd party apps to the BDP.   Manic Moose works but am still waiting for an upgrade.

Cheers

[R. Daneel]

I wasn’t going to mention this until Anton made his post, to which I completely agree.

I had a BDP-1 from their earlier days which was amazing for several years, but then many issues cropped up. I eventually got rid of it as it turned into a paperweight, after it constantly locked up, wouldn’t boot, etc. I’m not sure if these were related to the hardware or the software, it seemed like there became a point where each software update brought greater instability, and Bryston won’t allow you to downgrade or load an earlier (working) software version.

My whole system is Bryston, preamp, amp, dac, speakers, subwoofer, turntable, streamer, everything. Would I buy a Bryston amplifier again? Yes; would I buy more “technology/software” based product again, maybe, but probably not.

I have a BDP-2 now, but that’s it, if I had to buy a steamer again, I would look elsewhere.

If you search the internet, and even this forum maybe people have had issues with their BDP-1, locking up, not working, error codes, mostly 09 (which in practice seems to be a pretty generic error).

I tried it all, reflash the compact flash card manually, reseat all cables inside, replace battery, etc.

I would put the BDP-1 in the same category as the BCD-1, amazing product when it works, but a huge and potentially expensive risky liability today.

I personally would avoid, unless your willing to take the risk and cop it on the chin if it just stops working the next day after buying.

Just trying to give you an honest opinion of a long time BDP user.

LOL! I will take that as a compliment. Thanks, Namsgai!

You've made an excellent point comparing BDP-1 to a BCD-1 CD player - a blessing when it's working and a curse when it's not. I tend to think of the BDP-1 as an Italian supercar. Beautiful to look at and fun to drive when it's new. So, at least as a concept, it is immediately appealing. But, as a car, it is ultimately flawed and once it breaks down - which it will - you'll spend one day a week driving it and six days a week reapiring it. Perhaps I'm being unjust but when buying a piece of kit with a 'substantial dollar-value attached to it' (guess who said that?), I really do expect quality in the most basic meaning of the word - that the darn thing actually lasts. This line of thinking got me into buying a Japanese-made disc player. Their 'philosophy' (which is a bit of an aggrandizement) is that it either works perfectly or it is broken.

I too have a BDP-2 now but it too wasn't without it's problems. Admittedly, Bryston took care of it gracefully so it worked out fine in the end.

But that's just the thing - with a company like Bryston, you do get some assurance that they will at least listen and if possible, try to resolve the problem. You will not get this support with a Japanese company, even though it is likely you will never actually need assistance anyway.

In for a penny, in for a pound.

@OP
Keep us informed on your decision.

Cheers - Antun

[zoom25]

I'll also echo the comments here. I've had a BDP-1 since 2015. Worked flawlessly at the time. Since then, issues have started to creak up. During the early years, I considered many times picking up another BDP-1 or perhaps a BDP-2 for another system. I'm glad I didn't. No issues with the sound.

With the BDP-1 you will run into error codes which can sometimes be taken care by doing cell battery replacement and a few power cycles. Other times, you may need a card change or repair. I haven't had error codes for a few months now relating to battery issues. Fingers crossed.

However, the BDP-1 does lock up every few days, sometimes even in hours, and you need to restart it. This definitely didn't used to happen in 2015. I could play music one day and pause in the middle of a track and then pick up the music 2 weeks later without any hiccups or issue. It's simply not possible now. I don't know if it's software or hardware. Perhaps it's the newer firmwares of Manic Moose that are too demanding? I've always ran with the database disabled to try to minimize CPU load. I just want basic folder view and simple playback.

So in 2022, no way I'd touch a BDP-1. BDP-2 or even BDP-3 I'd only consider for SQ improvement. Other than that, I'd look elsewhere due to missing functionality. You can use the BDP as a Roon endpoint, but IMO it doesn't sound as good as MPD. Also, Roon doesn't offer folder view. Manic Moose is free and offers it, but it is lacking in many other ways. Nowadays, I only use the BDP for full album playback. I prefer the algorithm and UI of Spotify for most of my (casual) listening, browsing, playlists, and radio mode. I've been waiting many years for Spotify integration with Bryston BDP players. If that happened, I'd instantly start using it a lot more.

James/Chris, any updates on Spotify Connect with BDP players?

[R. Daneel]

I think we've completely discouraged TJB from buying a used BDP-1!

[jobiwon]

I would say the Pi is a good value on the used market for basic needs.  Mine has been purdy solid sans the flaky behavior with keeping a Bot registered.   But for a Roon endpoint it’s really good.  MPD sounds a bit better and the Radio Paradise app sound is really good, although that can get stuck sometimes requiring a clear. I would recommend it to anyone for basic streaming of Qobuz.  Ain’t tried The Tidals.

[Calypte]

It's disappointing that nobody from Bryston has commented on this thread. 

I have a BDP-pi.  I had a problem that Chris traced -- by remotely logging into my unit! -- to a bad mini-SSD card.  He promised to send me a new card.  He never did.  I had to buy my own.  But I'm worried now about the longevity of the unit.

[hawkeye99]

Just to balance things out a bit. I have 2 BDP-1 player that are working great......knock on wood!

[R. Daneel]

Just to balance things out a bit. I have 2 BDP-1 player that are working great......knock on wood!

That's good to hear! The question is though, one should exercise caution when buying these things used. That, however, is true for all electronics.

Cheers - Antun

[bcugk]

I purchased a bdp-1 about 4 months back and it works great
I purchased the wifi dongle from Bryston it also works perfectly

[gbaby]

I purchased a bdp-1 about 4 months back and it works great
I purchased the wifi dongle from Bryston it also works perfectly

How did you get you wifi dongle to work? Mine never worked.