James, my three lonely Bryston amps are awaiting anxiously the arrival of the SP3.
As noted in my post of 9-20-2008, there are several features required to make the SP3 competitive with products from Anthem, Classé, Cary, Krell, Lexicon, and other high-end manufacturers.
There are some key features I hope you will include in the SP3 (asterisks indicate essentials):
Design
1. Large, readable front panel display (with user-programmable input names), twice the size as prototype; green color to match other Bryston products; OSD display
2. Modular construction for upgradability
3. Backlit remote with differently shaped buttons for different functions (unlike the BCD-1) and with direct: input switching, mute control, volume, and DVD/CD transport, audio format, and subtitle controls
4. *Firmware upgrades: via USB, Ethernet, or CD/DVD media (perhaps WiFi capable)
5. Fully balanced, input to output, esp. when using Bryston amps (with polarity switch for each channel)
Connectivity
1. *HDMI 1.3c (or later) connections; 6-8 in, two (or more) out
2. *Dual (or better) subwoofer outputs (for L-R stereo subs and LFE)
3. *Optical and coaxial digital connectors for each digital input
4. *12V triggers for Bryston amps (perhaps RS232 for others)
5. Two stereo balanced XLR in (e.g., for BCD-1 CD player and for CD/SACD from multiformat player)
Processing
1. *Latest HD codecs, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD, the latest iterations of lossy DTS and Dolby codecs, Pro-Logic and other apt codecs (perhaps even HDCD decoding)
2. *Room correction, both auto EQ and advanced manual settings: e.g., Audyssey MultEQ XT, Audyssey Dynamic Volume and XT Pro Installer (with license included, or license available from Bryston)
Video
1. For video version: Silicon Optix Realta HQV processor or better
2. For video version: Dual HDMI outs both active (to two displays simultaneously—for Stanley Cup finals parties)
Manual & Support
1. A clear and thorough user manual (updated online), with an online update site
I realize that you've discussed some of these features in earlier posts, but it seems like a good time for an update, and I'm sure the forum participants would be eager to hear Bryston's thinking on the SP3 at this time.
Thanks for your attention,
Rich
Beethoven piano sonatas: