Bristol BDA-3 Demo! We are excited to have it in, but we can't keep all the gear we like.

Bryston BDA-3

We as audiophiles often seek 'giant killer' components. Though the phrase is loosely used, rarely, if ever do we find such elusive equipment. The BDA-3 is one of these rare specimens. An extraordinarily well engineered DAC, the BDA-3 is compatible with virtually any digital source component and features measured performance that is very near the theoretical limit of the digital audio streams it can decode. Such a well executed DAC can resolve the finest details in your digital recording with aplomb. Besides it's superb measured performance, it's a total joy to use and listen to. It is operationally easy to understand and sounds better than anyone could expect. Regardless of your digital audio budget, this should be on your short list.

The Bryston BDA-3 is a world-class DAC (digital to analog converter) that is packed with the perfect mix of features making it an essential part of your digital audio chain. The BDA-3 is the highest resolution DAC by Bryston to date and it adds DSD playback to its repertoire.

Use diverse audio sources such as Bryston's BDP digital music players, computers, music servers, and CD players to get the most accurate and superb sounding digital playback currently available. The BDA-3 is a magnificent DAC best suited for systems where high performance is desired.

Main Features

• Dual 32Bit AKM DAC IC's
• Discrete Class A analog output stage
• Independent analog and digital signal paths
• Independent power supplies
• Massive support for different PCM and DSD resolutions
• HDMI video pass-through with audio out (4K video pass-through)

The BDA-3 delivers superb sonic performance through re-sampling and re-clocking of the digital input signal. With the exception of user-selectable up-sampling, the BDA-3 doesn't convert anything to another format or re-sample at a non-native rate.

The most notable difference between the BDA-2 and BDA-3, in addition to PCM playback capable of 384kHz/32 bit resolution, is that the BDA-3 is fully DSD enabled. The BDA-3 can decode up to DSD-256, through asynchronous USB inputs, and accepts SACD input via HDMI.

The BDA-3 incorporates 10 separate inputs which include four 2-channel HDMI, asynchronous USB, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, and digital coax. Additionally, the network module which facilitates control via TCP/IP and RS-232 makes the BDA-3 a must for modern home automation.

"I've already purchased the review sample as my new reference."

— Karl Schuster, The Absolute Sound | October 23, 2017