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  #51  
Old 07-14-2020, 09:53 AM
btanchors btanchors is offline
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I realize this is an old thread - but the BDA-2 is still available to be purchased new, and I could use some advice as I am considering purchasing.

The features of the BDA-2 are perfect for my needs - I have the following requirements:

1) At least 2 optical inputs
2) At least 1 coax input with RCA connector
3) XLR output to preamp

The BDA-2 meets these requirements. However, since this is 2020, and this unit's design is 8+ years old, I am a little concerned. 8 years is an eternity for what is essentially computer hardware.

The newer BDA-3 and BDA-3.14 are much newer in design, but do not have the inputs I need, in addition to being significantly more expensive (pretty much out of my price range).

What is this forum's opinion on buying a new DAC with an 8-year old design? Especially since it is still selling for $2845. Am I foolish for investing this much money in a DAC with an old design? FYI, this is replacing the DAC in my Parasound P6 preamp, which uses the Sabre chip. Would the BDA-2 be an upgrade over the P6's internal DAC?

Opinions and thoughts? Are there other DACS meeting my requirements I should look at? Must have an out-the-door cost of less than $3K.
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  #52  
Old 07-14-2020, 01:37 PM
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DVass13 DVass13 is offline
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You might have some luck with the Benchmark DAC3 (Sabre DAC chip) or Denafrips Ares II (R-2R design). They are both more recent than the BDA-2, meet your requirements, and should come in under budget. There are definitely more options out there, but these both get good reviews and have a decent following.
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  #53  
Old 07-14-2020, 02:02 PM
hdvidguy hdvidguy is offline
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I would look at the used market for the BDA-2.
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  #54  
Old 07-14-2020, 02:47 PM
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I have a BDA-2 (and other DACs) and it is excellent. That said, for $2845, I would look for a used BDA-3. Bryston’ s don’t break. If there ever was a brand to feel comfortable buying used, Bryston is it.
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  #55  
Old 07-14-2020, 03:53 PM
cleeds cleeds is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robfine View Post
... I would look for a used BDA-3. Bryston’ s don’t break. If there ever was a brand to feel comfortable buying used, Bryston is it.
I'll quibble with this just to say that, sometimes, a Bryston product may need service. When it does, you'll receive excellent, attentive, prompt factory service that - when out of warranty - is at an incredibly low price.
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  #56  
Old 07-14-2020, 07:50 PM
btanchors btanchors is offline
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The BDA3 does not have the inputs I need - I need at least two TOSLINK optical inputs, and the BDA3 has only one.
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  #57  
Old 07-14-2020, 09:08 PM
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There’s a BDA-2 for sale on USAudiomart.
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  #58  
Old 07-14-2020, 10:16 PM
Parabellum Parabellum is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hdvidguy View Post
I would look at the used market for the BDA-2.
I second that.
As for older DAC, there is much more to consider than chip alone.
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  #59  
Old 08-17-2021, 08:16 AM
kevinj11 kevinj11 is offline
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Default Bryston BDA-2/3

My Bryston BDA-3 really came alive (quantum leap forward) when I fed the AES input from a Denafrips Hermes. A Hermes will also give your more digital inputs.
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