BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC

Since Bryston began developing products for digital playback enthusiasts, one thing has been constant - separate components for streaming and D to A. That changes with our new BDA-3.14. Bryston merged our BDP and BDA platforms into this one new product that starts with our BDA-3 and adds a high quality streamer internally connected with I²S - the most accurate digital interconnection method currently available. Additionally, 10 other inputs are available to make the BDA-3.14 your high resolution digital hub.

The BDA-3.14 offers streaming capability via a built-in music player that delivers access to network-connected storage and USB drives as well as streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Roon and Internet radio. Digital connectivity between the internal music player and the DAC is managed using the I2S protocol, a premium interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together that preserves audio and clock data with virtually zero error. The BDA-3.14 also features a digital volume control, enabling users to drive an amplifier directly. An updated version of Bryston’s Manic Moose user interface for phones, tablets and computers provides users with intuitive control overall functionality.

Bryston DAC Technology

The multi-award-winning BDA-3 DAC can decode up to 384 kHz/32-bit PCM music and up to DSDx4 natively. Each format is processed in its native resolution, preserving absolute bit-perfect signals all the way to the analog outputs. Additionally, Bryston’s ultra-precise re-clocking circuit reduces jitter to nearly unmeasurable levels. Bryston’s proprietary analog section is completely free of integrated circuits (ICs) that limit the bandwidth and dynamic range of so many competitive DACs. For maximum flexibility, the BDA-3 has an astonishing ten discrete 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.

What Listeners Have Been Asking For

Everyone knows Bryston makes great digital audio players, DACs, and preamplifiers. With the launch of the BDA3.14, you can have a full digital front-end, all-in-one unit for amazing sound at a drastically lower price. For just $400 more you get all of the features of the BDA-3 plus streaming with built-in Raspberry Pi. The BDA-3.14 runs a modified version of Manic Moose software compatible with Qobuz, Tidal, Roon, and more - plus NAS connectivity, Internet Radio, and you can still connect local drives with loaded music.

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)

The BDA-3 delivers superb sonic performance through re-sampling and re-clocking of the digital input signal. With the exception of user-selectable up-sampling, the BDA-3 doesn't convert anything to another format or re-sample at a non-native rate.

The most notable difference between the BDA-2 and BDA-3, in addition to PCM playback capable of 384kHz/32 bit resolution, is that the BDA-3 is fully DSD enabled. The BDA-3 can decode up to DSD-256, through asynchronous USB inputs, and accepts SACD input via HDMI.

The BDA-3 incorporates 10 separate inputs which include four 2-channel HDMI, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. Additionally, the network module which facilitates control via TCP/IP and RS-232 makes the BDA-3 a must for modern home automation.

"I've already purchased the review sample as my new reference."

Karl Schuster, The Absolute Sound | October 23, 2017

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