Bryston BDA-3.14?


Another relatively new, feature rich DAC that needs a thread.
This thing seems to be a digital Swiss Army Knife.
Priced within reason.

But, the big question for me at least, how does it sound?
None of the other stuff matters if it doesn’t sound superb.
Feedback from users would be much appreciated.
128x128rja
I've had my BDA-3.14 for a couple months now and am very pleased with its performance. To my ear it is easiest listening DAC I've used. Like you would expect from a quality DAC it reveals exactly what is on the recording without coloration. I never know how to describe levels of detail, texture, authority. It doesn't add to or take away anything that is already in the recording.

I primarily use Roon, and noted that the DAC is not yet officially Roon ready or certified or whatever the correct terminology is. But it works with Roon just fine. Worth pointing out that the interface between the internal Pi and the DAC stage is I2S and that link it is limited to 192/24 (will downsample anything above that). Only the USB input will handle all the advertised formats. So as a Roon endpoint understand that DSD and 364/32 PCM won't be handled natively, if that's a concern.

I actually don't use the internal Pi, I have a Bryston BDP-3 connected via USB. I probably should have just purchased the BDA-3 but the 3.14 was only a small amount more money and it gives me options.

There are those that believe the internal Manic Moose interface (or rather MPD) sound superior to streamed from Roon. I believe that is a load of cobblers. To my ear it is exactly the same, but YMMV.

Cheers,
Robert


I've been listening to my BDP-3.14 constantly while working from home since March, and love it.  Before buying I was able to do A/B comparisons of my old Cambridge Audio CXN streamer/DAC, and the Bryston sounded much better - less congested, more space, even from the same sources.  My critical listening skills and vocabulary are elementary, but this was a big improvement in my system.

Ed
I am a brand new user of BDA 3.14 and it delivers sonically in all the ways described. However, getting the Manic Moose software to add my iMac (which MM "recognizes"on its list of potential devices to add) as an NAS device has proved to be quite a challenge. It simply doesn't complete the process after I press "Next". Very frustrating.

Just received and installed my BDA-3.14.

Oppo 105 connected via HDMI to BDA 3.14 HDMI 4

Cocktail X45 connected via USB to BDA 3.14 USB 2

BDA 3.14 connected via XLR to Krell Showcase processor.

When inserting and playing a SACD in the Oppo 105, the BDA 3.14 generates a noticeable 'pop' when switching to DSD 1x.

When playing a ripped CD from the X45, the BDA 3.14 generates a noticeable 'pop' when switching to 44khz.

Anyone have this 'popping'?

I have to say that with the BDA 3.14 in my system, everything digital sound much better. Streaming from Qobuz using Maniac Moose is way superior to streaming from the X45 using the X45's built-in DAC.

I just recently got the BDA 3.14 and it's frustrating. It sounds great using the HDMI connected Oppo as a streamer and as a CD/SACD player.

But I was hoping to use it as a streamer directly. The Pi just does not work for me.The control application looks like it's from the 90s, wifi connection is unstable, keeps on telling me "lost connection", IP address changes and I'm unable to update the f/w. I wish the app would be like the OPPO Media Control.

So, for now. the BDA is just a DAC with HDMI inputs, which was the main reason why I got it. If anybody is willing to share their expertise how to use it as a streamer, I would be grateful. BTW, I emailed Bryston and got no response. No help at their web page either. Not many discussions active. Thank you.