Bryston SP3


I am considering replacing my 2 channel YBA 2 Preamp with a Pre/Pro such as the Bryston SP3 in order to move my main home system (YBA/Genesis Technologies V)  from 2 channel to 5.1 home theatre.  The Bryston SP3 has been around a while, but is still currently offered by the manufacturer and can be found on the used market for about $4500.    I have not looked at new equipment for some time and wanted to know if the Bryston SP3 is still considered good value compared to current offerings.

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joe11554

Showing 3 responses by joe11554

I am presently very happy with the YBA2 preamp, but the primary purpose of the Bryston SP3 is to incorporate HT while maintaining a high end 2 channel system.  Therefore, the HT performance is a strong consideration in my purchasing decision.  In short, I want the best of both world, HT and 2 channel stereo. 

Its good to hear that Bryston will probably keep the SP3 a current product for some time, since upgrade/update path is important for future of the product.  Although the SP3 has all of the latest features, I would hate to find out 2 years later that I bought into older technology without an update/upgrade path.

I have not looked at equipment in a long time and I do not have access to auditioning equipment where I live.  So can you think of alternate equipment that I should also take into consideration. 

I need the Pre/Pro to have:

1) both RCA and balanced outputs to amplfiers

2) Two RCA and balanced outputs of Left/Right front speakers since the Genesis Technologies need a output for the subwoofer servo-amp and a second output for the mid/high speakers.

3) HDMI ports

4) USB ports since I am going to incorporate a Innuos Zenith MK III music server into my system.

thank you for getting back to me and your comments are welcome.

From Bryston list of upgrades -

1) The new USB module will support PCM 192/24 as well as DSD Native/64/128.

2) Board upgrades

SP-3 with version 5 main board can upgrade to STEREO plus SURROUND MODES PCM 192/24 as well as STEREO plus SURROUND MODES DSD for $600

SP-3 with version 2/3 or 4 main board replaced with version 5 main board can be upgrade to STEREO plus SURROUND MODES PCM 192/24 as well as STEREO plus
        SURROUND MODES DSD for $1500