Bryston
BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC
$4,395.00 USDFeatures
Discrete Class A analog output stage
Independent analog and digital signal paths
Independent power supplies
Massive support for different PCM and DSD resolutions
HDMI video pass-through with audio out (4K video pass-through)
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Bryston's BDA-3.14 marks a significant evolution in the company's digital audio offerings, combining streaming capabilities and digital-to-analog conversion in a single, high-performance unit. This innovative product integrates Bryston's renowned BDP streaming platform with the acclaimed BDA-3 DAC, connected internally via the highly accurate I2S protocol. The BDA-3.14 serves as a comprehensive digital hub, featuring a built-in music player that provides access to network-connected storage, USB drives, and popular streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, and Roon, as well as Internet radio. The internal I2S connection between the music player and the DAC ensures premium signal integrity, preserving audio and clock data with minimal error.
In addition to its streaming capabilities, the BDA-3.14 offers ten other digital inputs, accommodating a wide range of external sources. The unit also incorporates digital volume control, allowing users to drive an amplifier directly without the need for a separate preamplifier. Bryston has updated its Manic Moose user interface for this model, providing intuitive control over all functions via phones, tablets, and computers. This combination of advanced features, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly operation positions the BDA-3.14 as a cutting-edge solution for digital audio enthusiasts seeking both high performance and convenience in a single device.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bryston BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC with our popular Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. Get the best cables for your best audio gear.
Main Features
- Dual 32Bit AKM DAC IC's
- Discrete Class A analog output stage
- Independent analog and digital signal paths
- Independent power supplies
- Massive support for different PCM and DSD resolutions
- HDMI video pass-through with audio out (4K video pass-through)
Bryston DAC Technology
Bryston's multi-award-winning BDA-3 DAC represents the pinnacle of digital audio technology, offering exceptional performance and versatility. This advanced DAC is capable of decoding PCM music up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSDx4 natively, ensuring that each format is processed in its native resolution to maintain absolute bit-perfect signals from input to analog output. The BDA-3 features an ultra-precise re-clocking circuit that reduces jitter to nearly unmeasurable levels, enhancing audio clarity and accuracy. Bryston's proprietary analog section is completely free of integrated circuits (ICs), avoiding the bandwidth and dynamic range limitations often found in competitive DACs. For maximum flexibility, the BDA-3 boasts an impressive array of ten discrete inputs, including four 2-channel HDMI, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. Additionally, it incorporates Bryston's network module, facilitating control via TCP/IP and RS-232, which is essential for integration with modern smart home platforms. This comprehensive feature set, combined with Bryston's commitment to audio purity, positions the BDA-3 as a versatile and high-performance solution for discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, making it a future-proof centerpiece for advanced audio systems.
What Listeners Have Been Asking For
The BDA-3.14 represents a significant evolution in Bryston's product lineup, offering a comprehensive digital front-end solution in a single, cost-effective unit. This innovative device combines Bryston's renowned expertise in digital audio players, DACs, and preamplifiers into one powerful package. For a modest $400 premium over the BDA-3, the BDA-3.14 incorporates all the features of its predecessor while adding robust streaming capabilities via a built-in Raspberry Pi. This integration results in a versatile, all-in-one digital hub that delivers exceptional sound quality at a considerably lower price point than separate components.
The BDA-3.14 runs on a modified version of Manic Moose software, providing seamless compatibility with popular streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, and Roon. It also supports NAS connectivity and Internet Radio, maintaining the flexibility to connect local drives for stored music playback. This consolidated approach not only simplifies system setup but also offers audiophiles a high-performance, feature-rich solution that represents excellent value. The BDA-3.14 embodies Bryston's commitment to delivering top-tier audio experiences while addressing the evolving needs of digital audio enthusiasts.
Did you say New Remote?
Bryston includes the BR-4 Remote Control in the box with the BDA-3.14. The remote is constructed of anodized aluminum with soft-touch buttons. The BR-2 remains available as a premium upgrade but will likely be discontinued in the future.
Bryston's BDA-3 DAC showcases exceptional sonic performance through its advanced digital signal processing. The unit employs sophisticated re-sampling and re-clocking techniques to optimize the digital input signal while maintaining signal integrity. Notably, with the exception of user-selectable up-sampling, the BDA-3 preserves the native format and sampling rate of the input signal, ensuring a faithful reproduction of the original audio. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the BDA-2, the BDA-3 introduces several significant enhancements. It boasts PCM playback capabilities of up to 384kHz/32-bit resolution, a substantial improvement in high-resolution audio handling. Perhaps the most notable advancement is the BDA-3's full DSD compatibility. It can decode DSD signals up to DSD-256 via its asynchronous USB inputs and even accepts SACD input through HDMI, catering to audiophiles with extensive high-resolution digital libraries.
The BDA-3's versatility is further exemplified by its comprehensive input selection. It features ten separate inputs, including four 2-channel HDMI ports, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coaxial connections. This wide array of inputs ensures compatibility with virtually any digital source. Additionally, the BDA-3 incorporates a network module that enables control via TCP/IP and RS-232 protocols, making it an ideal component for integration into modern home automation systems. This combination of advanced audio processing, extensive format support, and flexible connectivity options positions the BDA-3 as a top-tier DAC for discerning audio enthusiasts and home theater aficionados alike.
"I've already purchased the review sample as my new reference."
-Karl Schuster, The Absolute Sound | October 23, 2017
What's in the Box?
- BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC
- BR-4 Remote Control
- Power Cable
- Manual and Warranty
About Bryston Amps and Speakers:
Bryston is a leading manufacturer of high-performance audio equipment based in Ontario, Canada, renowned for its powerful and accurate amplifiers and speakers that deliver stunning sound quality. They have been designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art electronics for consumer and audio professional markets for more than 50 years. Since the debut of its first amplifier in 1973, Bryston has grown its product line to encompass a range of world-renowned Amplifiers, Loudspeakers, and Digital Audio Components. Each of Bryston's hand-assembled products is extensively tested before shipment. From their state-of-the-art solid-state amplifiers to innovative products like the Bryston 4B, BDA-3.14, BDP series, Cubed series, and the legendary Bryston 20, their amplifiers, phono preamplifiers, conditioners, and stereo power amplifiers are engineered to extract every nuance from audio sources, revealing details and dynamics that other amplifiers struggle to reproduce. Bryston's extensive lineup of amplifiers spans from compact powerhouses to massively powerful monoblock amplifiers designed to drive the most demanding speakers and subwoofers. Their amplifiers are revered for their ability to deliver a stunningly realistic and immersive soundstage with thunderous dynamics and jaw-dropping accuracy.
From their state-of-the-art solid-state power amps and headphone amplifiers (BHA-1) to innovative products like the Bryston 4B, BDA-3.14, Cubed series, and the legendary Bryston 20, their amplifiers, phono preamplifiers, conditioners, and stereo power amplifiers are engineered to extract every nuance from audio sources, revealing details and dynamics that other amplifiers struggle to reproduce. Bryston's extensive lineup of amplifiers spans from compact powerhouses to massively powerful monoblock amplifiers designed to drive the most demanding speakers and subwoofers. Their amplifiers are revered for their ability to deliver a stunningly realistic and immersive soundstage with thunderous dynamics and jaw-dropping accuracy.
Beyond just sheer power, Bryston's amplifiers (like the Bryston BP series and the Bryston 3B) are engineered with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative features that elevate audio quality and performance to new heights. From warm, natural soundstages to precise imaging and crystal-clear clarity, Bryston amplifiers provide an unparalleled listening experience. Bryston's flagship amplifiers, like the mighty 28XO, showcase the company's dedication to crafting products that push the boundaries of audio fidelity. These behemoths are purpose-built to unleash the full potential of high-resolution audio sources, unveiling every intricate detail and nuance with uncompromising accuracy and transparency.
Bryston's top-of-the-line amps and speakers stand as titans of the audio world, delivering ground-shaking power and dynamics that transcend the capabilities of traditional amps and speakers. From studio-grade recordings to heart-pounding cinematic scores, these titans lay bare the true depth and intensity of source material, unveiling details and dynamics that lesser amplifiers would fail to reproduce. Whether concert-level bass and ponderous lows, or staggering transients and searing crescendos, Bryston redefines the limits of what is possible, delivering performance, power, and dynamics that push the boundaries of amplification and loudspeaker tech while defining new standards for what can be achieved. The perfect addition to your high-end DAC, preamp, bookshelf speakers (like the Mini A and Mini T), Bryston loudspeakers, headphone amplifiers, preamps, and more are perfect for any audiophile setup.
Bryston offers an incredible 20-year warranty on its analog audio products and loudspeakers (five years on digital products and cables). Based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Bryston products are sold through over 150 dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide. Discover why Bryston is one of the most venerated high-end audio brands in the world and learn more about the products.
FAQ
What makes the BDA-3.14 different from other DACs?
The BDA-3.14 combines Bryston's acclaimed DAC technology with a high-quality streamer in one unit, offering both exceptional sound quality and convenient streaming capabilities.
What streaming services does the BDA-3.14 support?
It supports popular services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Roon, as well as Internet radio and network-attached storage (NAS) playback.
What's the maximum resolution the BDA-3.14 can handle?
It can decode PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD256 (DSDx4).
Does the BDA-3.14 have a volume control?
Yes, it features a digital volume control, allowing it to function as a digital preamplifier.
What inputs does the BDA-3.14 offer?
It offers multiple digital inputs including USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, coaxial, and HDMI.
Can the BDA-3.14 be controlled remotely?
Yes, it can be controlled via the Bryston BR-4 remote, as well as through network control using phones, tablets, or computers.
How does the BDA-3.14 compare to separate Bryston DAC and streamer units?
It offers similar performance to separate units but in a more compact and cost-effective package, with the added benefit of optimized internal connections.
Is the BDA-3.14 compatible with home automation systems?
Yes, it includes RS232 and network connectivity for integration with smart home audio receivers and platforms. It also has great integration I/O for your CD players, hi-fi turntables, and more.
Can the BDA-3.14 be used as a Roon endpoint?
Yes, it is Roon Ready, allowing seamless integration with Roon music management systems.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | Inches: 17" or 19" W × 3.325" H × 11.53" D |
| Centimeters: 43.2 or 48.3 W × 8.5 H × 29.3 D cm | |
| Weight | 8.75 lbs | 4 kg |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Control | TCP/IP, IR, DC, RS-232 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz: ± 0.1dB |
| Noise | Balanced Out: -140dB |
| IMD | ≤0.0003% |
| THD + Noise | 20Hz-20kHz: ≤0.002% |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Inputs | 4x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0 Type B, 2x S/PDIF (1x BNC, 1x RCA), 1x Optical (TOSLINK), 1x AES/EBU |
| Outputs | HDMI, RCA, XLR |
| Output Voltage | Balanced: 4.0V | Single Ended: 2.0V |