[onthebeach]

Originally Posted by lwxian

is it true that there will be a big jump in sound quality and details when switched to balanced connection (regardless the quality of cable?) Do I have to invest further on high quality balanced cable if I change to use balanced setup?

You will get the most bang for your buck by putting your budget into a quality preamp more so than wire. You dont need to spend silly money on cables. Get well made but inexpensive balanced if you need to buy new cables but if you already have RCA's put the cash into a quality preamp. Massive SQ improvements in upgrading your preamp but minimal (and often argued not at all) in cables.

No its not true that you will get a big jump in SQ with balanced cables.

See if you can audition a tube preamp as well as quality solid states like the Bryston range. A tube pre can often complement solid state amplification.

[dj_seraphim]

Originally Posted by Ashmanuk

How many days/weeks have you had this on loan for? and how long did you leave the BDP on for before swapping back to your Touch?
When I was demoing an Audiolab 8200CD against a cheap creative USB Dac at first there was not much of a change to the sound, But when you leave it on for several days then go back to the creative it was like night and day

Also I have the 4Bsst what have Bryston done to the sound of the new 4Bsst2 ? is there a great void between the two??

I believe it is a worth while upgrade between sst and the sst2 check audiocircle.com bryston forum for plenty of discussion on the subject

I had the unit over the weekend and it won't have haad much burn in time at all because I am led to believe it was new out of the box so yeah it could be that the BDP needs burn in time though you would think it wouldn't be as important as burning in power amps etc?

[fidgety]

I agree with Onthebeach's opinion, greater gains to be done by a good quality pre-amp. Having said that, I find cables to make a difference in my setup. I've been using unbalanced RCA Chord crimsons between pre and power until this week, when I got a pair of balanced XLR Chord Cadenza. Without any other changes, the sound has definitively changed, improved in my opinion. A lot clearer and fuller. However there is more gain i.e it sounds louder, so I'm not sure I'm just having my hearing adjusted to the change. I've run the cables in I think, they been running for around 60 hours now.
I'm pleased with the setup, and prefer balanced to unbalanced now, is like a veil was lifted from the music. I've left the same setup as mentioned, with the 29 dB gain setting I had before the cable change.

[lwxian]

Cool! Thankyou so much for the advices... if that is the case, I will definitely need to start savings to upgrade to a full bryston balanced setup instead of still depending on the unbalanced connection. Any balanced cable to recommend or all balanced cable are almost the same? (In my past experience for unbalanced RCA connection, cables do make huge difference in sound quality)

[glorydad]

Originally Posted by lwxian

Cool! Thankyou so much for the advices... if that is the case, I will definitely need to start savings to upgrade to a full bryston balanced setup instead of still depending on the unbalanced connection. Any balanced cable to recommend or all balanced cable are almost the same? (In my past experience for unbalanced RCA connection, cables do make huge difference in sound quality)

+1 for Chord Cadenza...I have balanced 8m long runs between pre and power amps. I am sure there is better but the price will go up exponentially. Don't Bryston do their own balanced cables? Maybe worth investigating.

[lwxian]

I have been using Straightwire, have you made any comparison between Straightwire and Chord? not too sure if it is true that cables like Chord and QED are heavily advertised and hence, the price is slightly higher in general.

[glorydad]

Originally Posted by lwxian

I have been using Straightwire, have you made any comparison between Straightwire and Chord? not too sure if it is true that cables like Chord and QED are heavily advertised and hence, the price is slightly higher in general.

Certainly possible, but I can only speak as I find. The Cadenza worked for me so I stopped looking at that point. Unfortunately have not tried Straightwire. Why not try Mark Grant who seems quite respected in these forums.

Guys sorry but can't help but jumping in on this one, over the past few years I have enjoyed the pleasure of owning most of the Chord range all the way up to the Indigo and have to say they are some of the finest sounding and made cables, I am currently running Signature Plus/Chord Signature/Chord Chorus 2 and then Epic for speaker wire and the sound has changed each time I have upgraded into a more refined top end and bottom end without losing any detail or strength in bass, if I have to say It has added more weight.

The differences are not massive but there and once the cables are burnt in very noticeable if removed.

[fidgety]

recruit, do you remember how many burn in hours roughly for chord interconnects?

Originally Posted by fidgety

recruit, do you remember how many burn in hours roughly for chord interconnects?

All the different Chord cables vary due to the different guage sizes of there cables, plus some are are configured with 2 runs Signet upwards now.

In general I would Hazard a guess of between 50 to 100 hours for most of them.

[glorydad]

+1

[fidgety]

Update to post # 891, for those that might still be interested in looking at High Res music.
Please note that the sites might not be necessarily for the UK market, but maybe it is possible to purchase through payment methods like paypal (see post # 1236).
This post intended as a small reference only, specially for you lucky lot with a Bryston BDP:

Reference Recordings

(24 bit / 176.4 kHz WAV) • Files distributed on DVD


https://www.hdtracks.com

(24 bit at 88.2 and 96 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


Gimell Records - The Tallis Scholars on DVD, CD and Download

(24 bit / 96kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


Welcome to MA Recordings Online

(96kHz and 176.4 kHz WAV) • Files distributed on DVD


Welcome to Chesky Records: The Premiere Audiophile Record Label

(24 bit / 176.4 kHz WAV) • Files distributed on DVD


2L - the Nordic Sound

(24 bit at 96kHz and 192 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


Society of Sound - Bowers & Wilkins | B&W

(24 bit 48 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via download by subscription


Boston Symphony Orchestra

(24 bit 88.2 kHz AIFF) • Files distributed via download by subscription


Linn Records - The best recordings in Studio Master Download, Vinyl and SACD

(24 bit 48 kHz to 192 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


naimlabel.com

(24 bit 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


The Classical Shop

(24 bit 96 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


AIX Records - Audio Fidelity Beyond Reality

(24 bit 96 kHz FLAC) • Files distributed via internet download


Bravura Records

(Holiday gift of 24 bit music files - <i>free</i>downloads!)

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

One of my un-explored areas of hifi that I keep meaning to investigate more is headphones, well maybe the time is coming as Bryston are getting nearer to releasing the BHA-1 headphone amp, apparently they are also thinking along the lines of seperate power supply if you haven't got the MPS2 power supply, luckily I've got that part covered.

Any suggestions for some good headphones? kinda thinking along the lines of the Sennheiser HD800 or the Grado GS1000i, anyone with any preference? or anywhere were they could both be auditioned?

Here's a couple of pics of the BHA-1 :-

Also an interesting comment from James Tanner which I hadn't considered tbh:-

'One of the great things about a quality headphone system is you can listen to a recording on your speakers and then your headphones and really hear a direct A-B comparison between the speaker/room interface and the headphones which will provide excellent input into how the room influences the sound.'

[STUKAVICH]

Sorry probably a daft question but why does the first photo say bhp-1 and the second bah1.Are they one and the same ?

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

Originally Posted by STUKAVICH

Sorry probably a daft question but why does the first photo say bhp-1 and the second bah1.Are they one and the same ?

I don't think Bryston have settled on a name yet and the models in the pictures are probably just mock ups or prototypes, well spotted though

[dogbait]

Planning on getting my first power amp (yay me!) and just managed to obtain permission from 'she who must be obeyed'

A pair of Bryston 7BST monoblocks caught my eye, boxed, all original manuals etc. mint for £2250. That's a bit pricey right?

How much should I expect to pay?

[tim92gts]

Originally Posted by dogbait

How much should I expect to pay?

Doesn't sound too bad for mint, how old are they? Esp wrt how long has the guarantee got to run, assuming all the paperwork will be ok for transfer.
You could spend more to get less, maybe a bit of bargaining in these difficult times will get you under £2k?

[dogbait]

Will definitely try and haggle, the amps have just under 10 years left on the warranty...

[tim92gts]

Originally Posted by dogbait

Will definitely try and haggle, the amps have just under 10 years left on the warranty...

i suppose the recent rises haven't helped, some are quoting nearly £5k each now. Definitely very pleased with my Brystons

[alpha10]

Originally Posted by vipers

Any suggestions for some good headphones? kinda thinking along the lines of the Sennheiser HD800 or the Grado GS1000i, anyone with any preference? or anywhere were they could both be auditioned?

I do not know if this will help, but looks like an ideal opportunity to give the sorts of devices you are after a damn good thrashing:

High-End Headphones OPEN DAY | Facebook

Unfortunately headphones are not something I have ever toyed with, so can't help more...

Cheers

[dogbait]

Originally Posted by vipers

Any suggestions for some good headphones? kinda thinking along the lines of the Sennheiser HD800 or the Grado GS1000i, anyone with any preference? or anywhere were they could both be auditioned?

Some of the best headphones currently are the Beyerdynamic T1s, HiFiMan HE-6 and the Audeze LCD-2.

Headphones really need to be partnered with not only a good amp, but a complementary amp. Worth checking which headphones Bryston used while developing their headphone amp.

Incidentally the amp I have (well, ordered) is the Schiit Lyr:

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

Originally Posted by alpha10

I do not know if this will help, but looks like an ideal opportunity to give the sorts of devices you are after a damn good thrashing:

High-End Headphones OPEN DAY | Facebook

Unfortunately headphones are not something I have ever toyed with, so can't help more...

Cheers

alpha, you're a star, looks like the perfect day out with all the culprits I'd like to audition under one roof at least it will give me some idea of what works for me, but as dogbait says the headphones have to be matched to the amp, but it will be a good start, just need to see if Mrs Vipers fancy's a nice day out to sunny Birmingham.

Should be perfect timing for when I get my redundancy

Couple more pics :-

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

Originally Posted by dogbait

Some of the best headphones currently are the Beyerdynamic T1s, HiFiMan HE-6 and the Audeze LCD-2.

Headphones really need to be partnered with not only a good amp, but a complementary amp. Worth checking which headphones Bryston used while developing their headphone amp.

Incidentally the amp I have (well, ordered) is the Schiit Lyr:
image

Thanks dogbait, I'm entering a whole new world here, the Beyerdynamic T1s certainly sound interesting, got some amazing reviews, definately a pair to audition.

I take it you compared a few different amps, what drew you to the Schiit Lyr? other than it's looks, and power, a thing of real beauty, I'm really quite keen to try a valve pre-amp so maybe this could be my first foray into valve territory.

Any idea when you are receiving your Lyr? I'd really appreciate any feedback

[dogbait]

What drew me to the Lyr?

A few things, its output power is 6W (yeah, a whole 6W!). To put that into perspective its closest competitors are more in the 0.5W range so this much power, especially in a tube amp, for the cost of £350 odd is unheard of.

The next reason is that it's a hybrid design, so not just a pure valve or OTL. As a result it can drive high impedance headphones like the Beyerdynamic T1 (600 ohm) as well as low impedance like the Audeze LCD-2 (50 ohm).

The third reason is that it's cheap compared to its alleged sound quality and specification.

And finally it's in such high demand that it's back ordered till end of this month before new shipments come in (I placed my order two weeks ago). So worst comes to worst I can always flip it for the same money.

If you're really interested in headphone amps then also take a look at the Woo Audio WA6-SE (or above if you're feeling adventurous!). Supposed to be better than the Schiit. Woo Audio build a range of amps approaching the cost of Bryston, with aesthetics that are something to behold (never heard one so couldn't comment on the acoustics - but it's generally regarded as the best headphone amp manufacturer out there).

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

At long last I managed to track down and Ipad 2 today, can't wait to give the Bryston Max interface and Mpad a try.

Noticed today that the audiophile magazine 'What Hi-Fi' was running a 2 page review on the BDP-1 and BDA-1, I know some of their comments leave a little to be desired but there is no denying that it is read by many so will hopefully spread the Bryston word a little, here's the lowdown on the article :-

Basically it is a review of both the BDP-1 and BDA-1, both getting 4 out of 5 stars, so not too bad at all.

Comments on the BDP-1

For - Impressive file compatibility, easy to use, solid build.
Against - No Streaming, no DAC, no storage
Verdict - Limited features aside the BDP-1 is one of the few true hi-fi media players

Here's a snippet from the article :-

The Bryston media player and Dac serve up spell-binding finesse, a lightness of touch, that once heard is hard to do without - and dynamics are unstoppable when the music demands.

Comments on the BDA-1 :-

For - even handed sound with plenty of insight, impressive range of inputs.
Against - Some rivals are even more engaging
Verdict - A fine unit. It appeals as much for its inputs and build as it does for its great sound.

All very positive stuff, should help more Brits become aware of the greatness of the BDP/BDA combo

[alpha10]

Originally Posted by vipers

At long last I managed to track down and Ipad 2 today, can't wait to give the Bryston Max interface and Mpad a try.

Basically it is a review of both the BDP-1 and BDA-1, both getting 4 out of 5 stars, so not too bad at all.

Sweet, let us know how you get on with Mpad on it, I use Mpod on the touch and hope to move up to an ipad at some stage

4 out of 5 stars, they are funny perhaps Bryston should take out some advertising to get that magic 5th star

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

Originally Posted by alpha10

Sweet, let us know how you get on with Mpad on it, I use Mpod on the touch and hope to move up to an ipad at some stage

4 out of 5 stars, they are funny perhaps Bryston should take out some advertising to get that magic 5th star

OOh, you're such a cynic alpha

Well my only goal last night was to try both Mpad and Bryston Max on my new shiny Ipad 2 but thanks to the joys that are Itunes it took me all last night just to get the damn thing working and Mpad installed.

Basically I tried to update to the latest firmware which failed at the end of the install which Itunes then repeatedly prompted me to restore to original settings which also failed everytime, anyway it was all put down to Itunes being one version out of date, so then I couldn't install Mpad as my computer had 5 Apple authorisations on it so after that was sorted it still wouldn't let me install as my computer wasn't then authorised at all so at 11pm last night I was ready to go, unfortunately that was to bed. Anyway at least it's all sorted now so tonight I can sit down and have a good play.

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

I revisited the internet radio tonight on the BDP-1 as last time I had some streaming issues, it all ran fine tonight and I have to say I'm amazed at the audio quality of the stations chosen, at first I was a little unsure of only having 10 to flick through but as the ones chosen are of such high quality it takes out all the hassle of filtering the wheat from the chaff yourself.

The only problem is that I spent most of the night listening to 'Absolutely Country Hits'

I need to ask James to include 'Planet Rock' I think to try and regain some credability

[alpha10]

Originally Posted by vipers

The only problem is that I spent most of the night listening to 'Absolutely Country Hits'

Cricky, that is a coming out the closet statement

I must admit there have been a few evenings, whilst doing other things, I have just put a couple of the radio stations on in the back ground, and I have found myself, taking note and turning the volume up as the quality is extremely good..

We need to keep pressing James for the HDD enclosure to encourage some action

cheers

[Vipers @ HiFi Lounge]

Originally Posted by alpha10

Cricky, that is a coming out the closet statement

I thought long and hard about making such a bold statement in public but I challenge anyone to have a listen and I bet it will get your foot tapping, anyway I hope it isn't just me

I've mentioned to James about Planet Rock, so fingers crossed.

Originally Posted by alpha10

We need to keep pressing James for the HDD enclosure to encourage some action

cheers

Definately, although the headphone amp has got me more excited, saying that I've also been in touch with Woo Audio regarding the WA22, I've got a real craving to have a valve setup somewhere in my system