Bryston BDA-3 2.0 Digital to Analog Converter

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Bryston’s BDA-3 2.0 is our most advanced digital-to-analog converter yet. Its decoding chipset supports native playback of PCM music up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSDx4. With 6 inputs including fwo asynchronous USB, and S/PDIF via BNC, RCA, or Toslink optical - it connects to nearly any digital source. 

DSD & PCM High-resolution music downloads now go beyond the former 192 kHz/24-bit limit. Each format is processed at its native resolution, preserving bit-perfect signals through to our proprietary analog output section. Our custom re-clocking circuit handles every incoming PCM signal by removing the embedded clock and replacing it with our ultra-precise clock, reducing jitter to nearly immeasurable levels. 

Analog Excellence
Bryston’s analog section uses no integrated circuits (ICs), which can restrict bandwidth and dynamic range in many DACs. Our proprietary Class A analog circuits reflect decades of expertise in world-class line-level electronics and amplifiers. 

Class A Design
Exceptional digital-to-analog conversion is defined by far more than the name on the chip. While many DAC comparisons focus narrowly on the integrated circuit supplier, true performance is shaped by the elegance of the entire design. 

Our BDA-3 2.0 digital-to-analog converter starts with advanced AKM ICs, then elevate them through meticulous engineering and uncompromising execution. Every electrical input is galvanically isolated to preserve signal purity, blocking ground noise from connected components and cables before it can enter the audio path. 

Incoming PCM data is stripped of embedded clock signals and re-clocked by our ultra-precise internal master clock, delivering exceptional timing accuracy and reduced jitter. Rather than relying on a single DAC IC, we employ two in balanced mode to enhance signal-to-noise performance and minimize crosstalk. 

The music is then converted to analog and passed through our proprietary discrete Class A operational amplifiers, preserving detail, dynamics, and tonal integrity before reaching your preamp. To further protect fidelity, fully independent power supplies serve the digital and analog sections, reducing distortion and maintaining a cleaner signal environment. 

The result is a refined, high-performance DAC crafted with precision at every stage and designed to deliver a remarkably immersive listening experience.

PCM & DSD
Today’s high-resolution music libraries offer unprecedented choice, with downloads available from more sources and in more formats than ever before. 

When a favourite album is offered in multiple formats, the best choice should feel effortless. And when only one format is available, your system should be ready to deliver it with confidence. 

With extensive support for PCM and DSD resolutions, the BDA-3 2.0 is engineered to unlock the full potential of virtually any high-resolution file in your collection. We do not choose which format sounds best for you. We simply ensure that each one is reproduced with exceptional precision, refinement, and musical integrity.

TWO SIGNAL PATHS
The BDA-3 2.0 brings the strengths of today’s leading digital formats together in one beautifully executed component.

Because properly implemented DSD demands a different approach than PCM, we designed dedicated signal paths to the DAC ICs for each format.

Instead of converting one format into another before decoding, as many designs do, the BDA-3 2.0 preserves bit-perfect accuracy from input to its balanced pair of AKM DAC ICs. 

In addition to PCM playback, that the BDA-3 2.0 is fully DSD enabled. It can decode up to DSD-256 through the asynchronous USB inputs. 

The BDA-3 2.0 has 6 separate inputs including asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. It also includes our network module which facilitates control via TCP/IP and RS-232 - a must for modern home automation. 

The BDA-2 sounds fantastic as well but is limited to PCM data at up to 192kHz / 24 bits and lacks the HDMI interconnectivity and ethernet control of the newer model. 

The choice is yours. Are you ready to jump into DSD downloads? Do you want to connect your television, or blu-ray player to your stereo system? If so, the BDA-3 is the perfect match. 

UPSAMPLING
The BDA-3 2.0 increases the sample rate from the incoming source frequency when engaging the ‘UPSAMPLE’ button. 

• 48 kHz or 96 kHz signals are upsampled to 192 kHz.
• 44.1 kHz or 88.2 kHz signals are upsampled to 176.4 kHz.
• The 16-bit CD-standard bit depth is expanded to 24 bits. 

OPTIONAL UPSAMPLING FEATURE
The Bryston BDA-3 2.0 External DAC includes a distinctive option to turn upsampling off. Using the front-panel button, you can compare an upsampled signal with the original, non-upsampled signal. This feature works with 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz sample rate. 

The BDA-3 displays the incoming sample rate, not the output sample rate.

• The Digital Lock light turns green when the digital signal is locked.
• The green sample-rate LED indicates the incoming signal. For example, if the incoming digital signal is 96 kHz, the 96 kHz LED lights green.
• Pressing the front-panel UPSAMPLE button synchronously upsamples the incoming digital signal.
• Upsampling works only with SPDIF inputs; it does not apply to USB.
• No upsampling occurs when the incoming signal is native 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz.
• To maintain native file playback, leave UPSAMPLE button off. 

DISCRETE CLASS-A ANALOG STAGE
Optimizing the digital side is only the beginning. Once the signal leaves the DAC, operational amplifiers buffer it and increase its strength. In the BCD-3, these amplifiers are built from discrete components - transistors, resistors, and capacitors - rather than integrated circuits. 

This approach lets the circuit be tailored precisely to the DAC’s needs, while integrated circuits often require compromises because they are designed for general-purpose use. Discrete components also support more powerful output stages because heat from the output driver transistors is kept away from the rest of the circuitry. In an integrated operational amplifier, that heat can affect nearby circuits because everything is contained on a single chip. 

FEATURES 

• 6 different inputs, 2 USB, AES/EBU, 2 S/PDIF , 1 Toslink
• PCM support up to 384 kHz / 32 bit
• DSD support up to DSD-256 (x4)
• User selectable upsampling for some inputs
• Separate power supplies for analog and digital circuitry
• Fully discrete Class-A balanced analog outputs
• Control via IR, RS232, IP, or 12V trigger
• Steel Chassis - low RF
• Machined aluminum dress panel 

OPTIONS 

• Consumer faceplate, no handles
• Consumer faceplate with handles
• PRO rackmount faceplate
• PRO rackmount faceplate, no handles