Using a Bryston BDA-3 with an Oppo BDP-105D - Thoughts?

[cma29]

Thanks, James. That sounds frustrating.

Would the issue be resolved via a download of firmware or would the hardware need a tweak?

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by cma29

Thanks, James. That sounds frustrating.

Would the issue be resolved via a download of firmware or would the hardware need a tweak?

Just a software download.

James

[mgs]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

Hi Folks,

We have done some investigations and it appears that DVD players that do not remain on DSD playback when Stopped or Paused or Play caused the BDA3 to cycle back to PCM and that is the POP you hear. Thats why there is no issue once you are in the DSD mode and switch between songs.

The OPPO BDP-83 does not come out of DSD so it does not have the POP issue whereas the OPPO 103 and (105 we think ... not tested yet) does revert to PCM when put in Stop or Play or Pause which causes the BDA3 to reproduce the POP sound.

We are looking at a remedy (maybe a slight mute) so will let you all know how it goes.

I have had reports from people using Denon players and Pioneer players that do not have an issue and we are assuming again because the circuitry stays in DSD mode when stopped etc.

james

Hi James,

The issue is the same with the Oppo 103, 105 and their new BDT-101CI. Also, let me clarify that the pop is also heard when, for example, I am listening through the usb input (connected to my Mac Mini), have an SACD spinning in the Oppo at the same time, and then switch to the HDMI input of the BDA-3 to listen to DSD. So in all this, there is no starting or stopping of the Oppo at all.

I hope this helps and thank you for looking into this for all us BDA-3 owners.

[mgs]

Originally Posted by cma29

Michael - I had PSB Stratus Gold speakers before going to Magnepan. Yes, PSBs are outstanding values.

They are indeed! I have heard older PSB models but I could not believe just how good the T3s are. It is really a huge step forward from their previous models.

[Grit]

Maybe Oppo can be persuaded to fix this on their end with a firmware update?

[mgs]

Maybe, though to me it seems to be a Bryston issue since it is also happening when the Oppo is already on DSD and the BDA-3 input is switched to HDMI (see my previous reply to James). I may be wrong but one thing is for sure: Bryston are aware and are working on this. I am certain they will provide a fix pretty soon.

[cma29]

In my case the only source would be the Oppo via the HDMI cable.

Would the popping sound still be a problem when going from redbook CDs to an SACD on the Oppo while keeping the BDA-3 input the same?

[mgs]

Hi Carlos. I just came home and checked for you. The answer is YES. So with the HDMI input selected and playing a redbook CD, when you then play an SACD, the pop will be heard as soon as the dac locks on to DSD. The reverse is also true: When already playing a SACD and then you stop it to put a CD in the tray, the pop is heard as soon as the dac unlocks from DSD. Of course, when playing only CDs through HDMI, the problem is not there at all.

[cma29]

Thanks for checking, Michael.

Actually, I think my Esoteric K-03 produces the same popping sound when going to and from SACDs now that I think about it. It's not a big deal.

[mgs]

I agree it is not a big deal. However, it is annoying and, if you forget to lower the preamp volume when you try to play DSD, you may cause some speaker damage (fortunately, my Moon amp cuts off power immediately when very loud transient signals are produced).