This forum is BDP-1 feedback so as someone who has used the BDP-1 for several weeks I'm offering my feedback:
My system is BDP-1 -> BDA-1 -> BP26 -> 2x 7BSST2 -> 2x B&W802D
The sound: Amazing.
Ease of Use (i.e., User Interface: Mini-Max ... front panel): Caveman.
Bottom line: The sound is great but don't expect to easily manage a music library. If sound is the top priority then the BDP-1 is definitely the way to go.
NOTE: I rip my CD's to FLAC and listen to them through the BDP-1. I've been through 3 iterations of ripping my CD's and am suggesting that you use dbPoweramp as it somehow works noticeably better than the others that I have tried.
With respect, I must disagree with the statement “don’t expect to easily manage a music library”. Although I do agree with all of your other statements.
I also use dbPowerAmp and rip in FLAC using the following naming/file format:
[IFCOMP][IFVALUE]album artist,[album artist],Various Artists[]\[album]\[track] [artist][][IF!COMP][IFVALUE]album artist,[album artist],[artist][]\[album]\[track][] - [artist] - [title] - [genre]
This allows the ripped files to be effectively stored/named in a simple and viable structure with minimum modification, on a 1TB USB drive connected to the BDP-1, and visible on my home network for additions/deletions. The only change I make is to break-out “Artists A~M/N~Z”, “Groups A~M/N~Z” and “Compilations A~M/N~Z” with further folders for other major categories (Classical, Vocal, Live etc.). Using mPod on a iTouch and the “Other” option and selecting “Browse” it is very simple to see and locate virtually any artist/album. The standard mPod Artist/Album/Search functions all seem to work OK and are independent of the file saving structure detailed above.
I’m sure that I will further refine the above as I’ve only had the BDP-1 for a week, and so far am simply enjoying the great sounds. Even with the initial intension of doing comparisons and evaluations, I just keep enjoying the music and forget about the “technical aspects”.
My primary music system set-up is now: BDP-1 (AES/EBU) > Anthem D2v (XLR) > 7BSSTs > JAS Audio Platos
Regards
Russell