Bryston SP3 Preamp-Processor

[nicoff]

Thank you Gbaby I appreciate it!

But keep in mind that you just said earlier today that the BDA3 is a better DAC than the SP3 for two channel. To me that means that the SP3 can be improved if Bryston incorporates its knowledge from the BDA3 into a newer version of the SP3, say the SP4.

In addition to that, the "SP4" can include asynchronous USB, ability to play native DSDs, Roon-ready (like the BDP2). That is technology that many high end processors have today. Not to mention room correction which i know Bryston does not favor and I respect that.

Technology keeps changing and while I like my SP3, I am aware of its limitations. And I am not even going to mention the video section here!

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by nicoff

Thank you Gbaby I appreciate it!

But keep in mind that you just said earlier today that the BDA3 is a better DAC than the SP3 for two channel. To me that means that the SP3 can be improved if Bryston incorporates its knowledge from the BDA3 into a newer version of the SP3, say the SP4.

In addition to that, the "SP4" can include asynchronous USB, ability to play native DSDs, Roon-ready (like the BDP2). That is technology that many high end processors have today. Not to mention room correction which i know Bryston does not favor and I respect that.

Technology keeps changing and while I like my SP3, I am aware of its limitations. And I am not even going to mention the video section here!

You are totally correct, the SP3's D/A converter can be improved to the likes of the BDA3. But, the economic reality it that Bryston spent tons of funds to make the SP3 the surround processor it is today with a superb analog section. A new one may not even be warranted, I just don't know. However, I can enjoy all my PCM recordings as well a 2 channel DSD on my BDA3. I can also enjoy SACD and DVD-Audio. I don't think its healthy for any of us to keep stressing over the latest technology, but rather, spend time enjoying the software. I feel we have a state of the art processor for surround music. Maybe I'm just trying to get you to enjoy, now. This is where I am, but I guess I can't turn you into me. Anyway, no offense intended. I'm enjoying surround music as I type.

[gbaby]

Nicoff, I guess I am speaking from a selfish perspective as I own both the SP3 and the BDA3 so USB or DSD is not an issue except if you need to play DSD in surround. But, then again, I don't know too many processors that can play DSD in surround without a PCM conversion. I guess one could buy the Exasound e28. For me, this has absolutely no appeal as I listen to popular music with probably very few titles in DSD. I was not so overwhelmed with DSD when I heard it that I felt it was missing anything. Having thousands of CDs, for me its comforting to know I have tons of music at my disposal many of which I have never played. So right now I'm having fun listening to my library using my BDP2. This unit makes my entire library accessible at the touch of a button in the highest fidelity. I appreciate the fact I am living in the age of the Jetsons now.

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by nicoff

Thanks Gbaby. I was not addressing my question directly to you. My post specifically started with "Is anyone here". That said, I welcome Kal's advice and anyone elses who is familiar with multichannel DACs!

Anyone? I, too, would be interested in someone chiming in on NIcoff's inquiry. Again, anyone?

[nicoff]

The question is:
For multichannel music: Is anyone here using an external multichannel DAC (like exasound for example) connected via 7.1 analog bypass to the SP3?
If so, how do the DACs in the SP3 compare to the external multichannel dac?

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by nicoff

The question is:
For multichannel music: Is anyone here using an external multichannel DAC (like exasound for example) connected via 7.1 analog bypass to the SP3?
If so, how do the DACs in the SP3 compare to the external multichannel dac?

I some times use my Oppo 105D's Analog outputs. I think the Bryston's DACs are better, but the Oppo 105D allows me to play my multi-channel SACD's and DSF files. I often use my MCD1100 with my C500T to play two channel, but the SP3 does a great job. I some times wonder if I should keep the MCD1100 with my C500T.

I agree with gbaby that the SP3 does an amazing job of converting two channel to multi-channel. I find it very enjoyable especially with 7 speakers with two subs. My SACD recordings are mostly 5.0.

I am very happy that Bryston continues to add functionality to the SP3!

I am still hoping for a better 4K video upgrade with HDCP2.2 on all the inputs. (I am fine only having one HDMI output.)

[gbaby]

As of the date and time of this post, do you know there is not one used SP3 for sale?

[nicoff]

I recently bought a Raspberry Pi3 and connected it to the SP3 via the USB input.
When playing high resolution files (96/24 and DSD files), Roon kept down-sampling the file to 44.1./16 or 48/16.

After contacting Bryston I then learned that the reason is that USB connection in the SP3 is limited to 44.1khz/16 bits and 48 kHz/16 bits. Also the USB input in the SP3 is not asynchronous which can lead to timing issues. So here is a piece of advice: if one has any high resolution file, say 96/24 or DSD, don't use the USB input to play it on the SP3!

Now I see why the SP3 needs an asynchronous and updated USB board!

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by nicoff

I recently bought a Raspberry Pi3 and connected it to the SP3 via the USB input.
When playing high resolution files (96/24 and DSD files), Roon kept down-sampling the file to 44.1./16 or 48/16.

After contacting Bryston I then learned that the reason is that USB connection in the SP3 is limited to 44.1khz/16 bits and 48 kHz/16 bits. Also the USB input in the SP3 is not asynchronous which can lead to timing issues. So here is a piece of advice: if one has any high resolution file, say 96/24 or DSD, don't use the USB input to play it on the SP3!

Now I see why the SP3 needs an asynchronous and updated USB board!

I think they are working on a USB upgrade board.

[audiohippo]

I am looking at a new 4K Projector with a matching player, how would the SP3 deal with the new Ultra HD Bluray discs and DTS:X audio?