dsbourque

Great review from the latest edition of Stereophile...<br /> <br /> Conclusions<br /> The Bryston BDA-1 let me enjoy the best-sounding digital playback I’ve ever heard in my listening room, outshining even Bryston’s own BCD-1 CD player. This might be related to the fact that the BDA-1 has two Crystal CS4398s vs the BCD-1’s single chip.<br /> The Bryston BDA-1 has become an essential part of my listening expe- rience. Mated to my Quad ESL-989 loudspeakers and used with Bel Canto’s USB Link 24/96, the BDA-1 let me enjoy hi-rez files downloaded from the Internet, producing open highs, de- tailed imaging, deep soundstaging, and well-defined and authoritative bass that connected me to those crucial elements of music: pace, rhythm, and emotion. And, yes, the BDA-1 also let me enjoy a higher level of musical dimensionality and realism. As Bob Reina did when he added the Audio Research Reference 110 amplifier to his reference system, at the end of my listening sessions for the BDA-1, I put down my notebook and picked up my checkbook. I give the BDA-1 my heartfelt recommendation for the highest rating in Stereophile’s “Recommended Components.” ??

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-accessories/acoustics-eq-room-tuning/hegel-hd10-dac.html

Sorry if someone noted this already...like so many others I eagerly started tearing through the site drooling at the prospect of hearing so much good music in hi def. Issues related to the fact the music isn't really hi def aside, almost all of what was most desirable to me is only available in physical format. I really thought the recording industry was starting to get it. Oh well.

I tried a number of things to get more than 44.1 / 16 out of my ATV and none of them worked. Even split out the HDMI. The only thing that might work is using something like patchstick so you can subsequently load Midi setup and change the output characteristics. I didn't try this because of the potential of bricking the ATV and the uncertainly of getting the desired result. I ultimately broke down and bought a Mini.

Thanks..just found another thread in the forums that states the Mini won't support 88.2 for optical output.

Just noticed that the mini I use as a music server doesn't have the option to set the digital output sample rate to 88.2. My other Mac allows all settings up to 96 for the internal speakers. Is the optical out on the mini constrained for some reason or is there a way to configure to get 88.2? Thanks.

I would love to hear it but probably need to wait for my next life to buy one!

Does anyone have any insights on this? Mostly curious as it lists for $11K! Not sure what could possibly warrent that high a price.

This DAC has the most glowing review yet most people seem to have issues with it. What gives?

http://www.avguide.com/review/chordette-gem-high-definition-bluetooth-decoderusb-dac-playback-24?src=Playback

I understand that Toslink has a less than stellar history and, therefore, reputation but also understand its limits have pretty much been overcome with the advent of better connectors, glass fiber etc. Suspect I'm missing something?

I used only the Toslink on the Bryston.

I think my hearing is pretty good even though I am getting on in years and, although I can't afford esoteric high-end gear, my Simaudio i5.3 and DALI Helicon 400s do a very nice job of reproducing music. I was truly interested in the Ayre and, given the glowing review, thought I would hear a distinct improvement over the Bryston (also well reviewed here last year). As noted in another comparison on this site, the Bryston sounds more accurate to me. Also seemed to deliver a slightly fuller sound stage. That said, I am by no means an audio expert and, as you point out, it's all about what you like, not what others tell you to like.

So I borrowed this unit from my local high-end store and compared it to the Bryston DAC. Frankly, I don't understand the hype. I cannot hear any difference whatsoever. Only distinction I can find is that the Bryston seems to be more faithful. Plus, the Bryston already handles higher sampling rate without an upgrade. Why does everyone have a hardon over this unit?

Nice review but I must be missing something. Seems a high price to pay for only one input option. That was one of the principle reasons - beyond overall sound quality - I opted for the Bryston. I can support all of my music and home theatre systems through it.