Move on from my Bryston BDA-1?


Given the advancement in DAC technology would I achieve a noticeable (started to say significant) improvement in audible performance by upgrading from my current (but early generation) Bryston BDA-1? I am hesitate on the assumption that the internals of the Bryston (e.g., power supplies, output stage) are still hi-grade but understand the CS-4398 chips have been surpassed. I should mention in the system I stream from a Bluesound Node 2i (and in another use an identical streamer with a Topping D90 DAC). 
sadbird

Showing 2 responses by jazzman7

Hello dsands!
Been using Bryston BDA-1 with Bluesound kit since 2014. I think it is still a very capable DAC. Its USB input is somewhat limited, but with Bluesound kit that is a non-issue. I'm currently using mine in a second system with a Bluesound Node. But BDA-1 came out something like 2009.  And when it came out it was absolutely killer. There has been a lot of development since then.  DAC years are like dog years in my view. In my main rig upgraded to a Chord Qutest in 2019. For me the upgrade was worth it. Sonically it was a definite improvement.  To my ears less analytical than the Bryston.  And for me the USB capability was a must, first for use with a Melco N1A, and since last year streaming directly from a Roon Nucleus.  I am now also taking advantage of the Chord's DSD capability. But certainly not looking to knock the BDA-1, it remains a very good sounding piece.
dsands, for what it is worth, if I was out shopping today, the 3 DACs you have mentioned would all be at the top of my list in their price range.
All 3 have been very well reviewed. John Darko, when reviewing the RME, directly compared it to the Qutest.  More than price, just a matter of what features fit your needs, and more importantly, what sonic profile best suits your personal preference.