I have heard the BDA-2. And I am sort of known as the DAC guy out my way because I have owned and mucked around with a LOT of DAC's.
For the money its OK, but the old saying with Bryston gear is its really Dryston is there to my ears. That saying is a bit hard because it's not that bad - just slightly dry - I have heard a lot worse. I did take it over to someone with a LOT of experience with Bryston and he said it's just their typical house sound - no better or worse than other bits of gear they make. If that's what you like, meaning you generally like Bryston gear, then you will probably like that DAC.
However to my ears, and for a similar amount of money, the Chord Qute HD with an upgraded power supply MURDERS it - but it has a sound that is FAR from the Bryston house sound.
Bottom line is, as in all things audio, you must check it out for yourself.
I also have to say if you are willing to spend more (say about $5k) you will reap the benefits. The difference between DAC's in that price range and the Bryston is quite big. For example, what is likely the best DAC I have ever heard (its needs to be fully run in to totally evaluate), a Phasure DAC, is simply a joke comparison. I have zero doubt that anyone that heard the difference would do everything in their power to find a bit extra money.
Still all of us have budgetary constraints - but I would definitely check out the Chord.
Thanks
Bill
For the money its OK, but the old saying with Bryston gear is its really Dryston is there to my ears. That saying is a bit hard because it's not that bad - just slightly dry - I have heard a lot worse. I did take it over to someone with a LOT of experience with Bryston and he said it's just their typical house sound - no better or worse than other bits of gear they make. If that's what you like, meaning you generally like Bryston gear, then you will probably like that DAC.
However to my ears, and for a similar amount of money, the Chord Qute HD with an upgraded power supply MURDERS it - but it has a sound that is FAR from the Bryston house sound.
Bottom line is, as in all things audio, you must check it out for yourself.
I also have to say if you are willing to spend more (say about $5k) you will reap the benefits. The difference between DAC's in that price range and the Bryston is quite big. For example, what is likely the best DAC I have ever heard (its needs to be fully run in to totally evaluate), a Phasure DAC, is simply a joke comparison. I have zero doubt that anyone that heard the difference would do everything in their power to find a bit extra money.
Still all of us have budgetary constraints - but I would definitely check out the Chord.
Thanks
Bill