Digital Drive

DACs: Bryston BDA2 v Wadia 321 or others

24.45.147.42

raingerz

Anyone had a chance to compare these two? I will be auditioning them shortly, but at two locations using different amplification and speakers. I pretty much have a Bryston system (B60 and PMC TB2s), so I'm figuring that the BDA2 will have better synergy, but I liked what I've heard about the Wadia. (The store I will be visiting is also a McIntosh dealer, so maybe I'll be able to hear their DAC as well.)

Any other auditioning suggestions in the $2000-3000 range?

Follow Ups:

Wadia used to make well-regarded CD players - Jay Buridan 12:54:02 01/02/16 (0)
But newer Wadia gear may not be of similar quality.
RE: DACs: Bryston BDA2 v Wadia 321 or others - Bill_k 05:33:01 01/02/16 (6)
The new BDA-3 is supposed to sound significantly better than the 2 and it also supports DSD up to 4x. It lists at $3,495 though, just beyond your stated range. May be worthy of your consideration.
- RE: DACs: Bryston BDA2 v Wadia 321 or others - raingerz 09:44:45 01/02/16 (5)
  Bill, thanks for the suggestion.
  
  I'm aware of the BDA3, but I see that it supports almost exclusively HDMI inputs. Also, I don't need DSD. I have not heard that it sounds better, but I take your word for it. Anyway, the price is still a bit out of my league. Maybe with my next upgrades...
  - RE: DACs: Bryston BDA2 v Wadia 321 or others - Ron D 15:55:34 01/02/16 (0)
    as Bryton considers North America as one market for warranty purposes, not that you will need any warranty work done, with the current exchange rate buying from a Canadian dealer puts the BDA-3 well within your reach...
  - Not to stick my nose in where it does not belong, but... - Ivan303 11:29:01 01/02/16 (3)
    If you are serious about not needing/wanting DSD...
    
    Might I suggest that a multi-PCM1704 DAC might be the way to go?
    
    I can't imagine better sound from Redbook CD up to and including 24/192 material than can be had for 'just' a couple thousand with something like to Audio-GD Master 7 pictured above.
    
    More inputs and outputs than one can count and a REALLY good AMANERO designed USB input circuit.
    
    If there is a better sounding DAC for the $$ (I have the Audio-GD Master 11 which includes headphone amp/preamp) I am yet to hear it.
    - RE: Not to stick my nose in where it does not belong, but... - ahendler 19:30:02 01/02/16 (2)
      Hi Ivan
      Just thought you would be interested in this. I am using a Melodious U8 Ultra usb converter feeding my Master 7. You can use a Spdif coax, I2S, XLR < or BNC connection. This device offers better USB performance then the Amanero input. It is $269 and actually improves the Great Audio-GD dacs
      Alan
      - RE: "You can use a Spdif coax, I2S, XLR( or BNC connection" - Ivan303 19:46:08 01/02/16 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Not to stick my nose in where it does not belong, but... posted by ahendler on January 02, 2016 at 19:30:02
        
        Which input to the Master 7 are you using?
        
        Do you use the REGEN on the USB input of the Melodious U8 Ultra?
        
        RE: "You can use a Spdif coax, I2S, XLR( or BNC connection" - ahendler 21:15:39 01/02/16 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "You can use a Spdif coax, I2S, XLR( or BNC connection" posted by Ivan303 on January 02, 2016 at 19:46:08
        
        I use the Regen. The Master 7 has all those inputs. Currently using the BNC input on the Master 7
        Alan

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