Bryston to Ship BDA-3 Digital to Analog Converter

Bryston

Bryston plans to ship its new BDA-3 digital-to-analog converter, the company’s highest resolution DAC to date, on November 1.

The Bryston BDA-3 adds DSD playback and can decode up to DSD-256 through the asynchronous USB inputs, with the capability to accept SACD input via HDMI. The BDA-3 has ten discreet inputs including four 2-channel HDMI, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. It also includes Bryston’s network module, which facilitates control via TCP/IP and RS-232 — a must for integration with modern smart home platforms.

With the BDA-3, music aficionados can play back high-resolution digital files, including DSD, with the additional flexibility of being able to connect a television or Blu-ray player to their audio system.

“High performance and versatility were the benchmarks that we established for the BDA-3 when we began working on the design,” said Bryston CEO Chris Russell. “We wanted to create the ultimate DAC for traditional audiophiles as well as those enthusiasts using a computer-based system.

"The USB and HDMI interfaces deliver the extremely high bit rate that consumers demand while ensuring compatibility with high-performance computer-based music playback systems and combination stereo and multi-channel theater systems. With our vast array of available inputs, the BDA-3 is compatible with just about any digital source, enabling enthusiasts with older SACD or universal players to benefit from the performance of this advanced new DAC.”

The Bryston BDA-3 utilizes a new decoding chipset that can decode up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM music and up to DSDx4 natively. Each format is processed in its native resolution, preserving bit-perfect signals all the way to the analog outputs. Additionally, Bryston’s reclocking circuit reduces jitter to nearly immeasurable levels. Bryston’s proprietary analog section is completely free of integrated circuits that can limit the bandwidth and dynamic range of some DACs.


Review from Residential Systems