Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC / Streamer / Digital Preamplifier

The Bryston BDA-3.14 combines three of the most important pieces of a modern digital audio system into one component: a high-resolution DAC, network music streamer and digital preamplifier.

Bryston essentially took the technology behind its BDP digital players and BDA digital-to-analog converters and brought them together in a single chassis. More importantly, the internal streamer communicates directly with the DAC through I²S, eliminating the need for an external digital connection between a separate streamer and DAC.

For someone building a serious digital front end without wanting a stack of separate components, the BDA-3.14 is one of the most complete Bryston solutions.

Two Versions Available

The Bryston BDA-3.14 is available from The Grid in two configurations:

• BDA-3.14
• BDA-3.14 with HDMI

Choose the standard version for a dedicated music system using conventional digital sources and network streaming.

Choose the HDMI-equipped version when HDMI connectivity is needed as part of the digital system.

High-Resolution DAC

The BDA-3.14 is designed to handle virtually any high-resolution music format you're likely to encounter.

It supports:

• PCM up to 384kHz / 32-bit
• DSD up to DSD256
• User-selectable upsampling for compatible inputs

This gives the BDA-3.14 the ability to handle everything from conventional CD-quality digital audio to high-resolution PCM and DSD recordings.

Built-In High-Resolution Streamer

You don't need to add a separate network streamer.

The BDA-3.14 incorporates Bryston's digital player technology directly into the chassis with support for:

• Qobuz
• TIDAL
• Roon
• Internet Radio
• Network music libraries
• USB storage
• NAS drives

The internal streamer supports playback up to 192kHz / 24-bit.

Connect the BDA-3.14 to your network and it becomes the digital center of the system.

Internal I²S Connection

This is one of the most important things happening inside the BDA-3.14.

In a conventional two-box digital system, the streamer sends its digital signal to the DAC through USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF or another external interface.

Bryston connects the BDA-3.14's internal streamer directly to the DAC through I²S.

That allows Bryston to control the connection between the digital player and DAC internally, creating a much more integrated digital architecture.

Plenty of Digital Inputs

The BDA-3.14 isn't limited to its internal streamer.

External digital sources can also be connected through:

• 2 × USB
• AES/EBU
• S/PDIF RCA
• S/PDIF BNC
• Toslink Optical

That means a CD transport, television, computer, music server or other digital source can all take advantage of the BDA-3.14's DAC and analog output stage.

The HDMI-equipped version expands that flexibility further for systems incorporating HDMI-based digital sources.

Separate Analog & Digital Power Supplies

Bryston uses separate power supplies for the analog and digital circuitry.

That's an important design decision in a high-performance DAC.

Digital processing circuitry can generate electrical noise that you don't want finding its way into the analog signal after digital-to-analog conversion.

Keeping the two sections electrically separated helps the BDA-3.14 maintain the low noise and distortion expected from a serious digital source.

Fully Discrete Class A Analog Output Stage

Once the digital signal has been converted to analog, Bryston uses a fully discrete Class A balanced analog output stage.

This is where the BDA-3.14 becomes more than simply a collection of digital features.

Bryston treats the analog section after the DAC with the same attention given to its preamplifiers and other high-performance analog components.

The result is a component designed to deliver a clean analog signal to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or power amplifier.

Digital Preamplifier Capability

The BDA-3.14 can also serve as the digital control center of a streamlined system.

Rather than automatically requiring a separate preamplifier, the BDA-3.14 can function as a digital preamplifier, allowing a properly configured digital-only system to be built around the BDA-3.14 and a power amplifier.

For example:

BDA-3.14 → Bryston Power Amplifier → Loudspeakers

For systems incorporating analog sources such as a turntable, tuner or tape deck, a dedicated analog preamplifier such as the Bryston BP-19 or BR-20 may still make more sense.

Balanced XLR & RCA Outputs

The BDA-3.14 provides both balanced and single-ended analog outputs.

• XLR Output: 4V
• RCA Output: 2V

The fully balanced XLR connection is particularly well suited to a complete Bryston system using one of the company's power amplifiers.

System & Automation Control

The BDA-3.14 can be controlled through a web-enabled device and also supports:

• IR
• RS232
• IP control
• 12V trigger

That makes it equally appropriate for a dedicated two-channel listening room or a professionally integrated audio system.

Key Specifications

• Type: DAC / Network Streamer / Digital Preamplifier
• Streaming Resolution: Up to 192kHz / 24-bit
• PCM Support: Up to 384kHz / 32-bit
• DSD Support: Up to DSD256
• Streaming Services: Qobuz, TIDAL, Internet Radio and more
• Roon: Supported
• Local Playback: USB and NAS
• Standard Digital Inputs: 2 USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF RCA, S/PDIF BNC and Toslink
• HDMI: Available as an optional configuration
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR and RCA
• XLR Output Level: 4V
• RCA Output Level: 2V
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
• THD+N: <0.002%
• Noise: -134dB RCA / -140dB XLR
• Analog Output Stage: Fully Discrete Class A Balanced
• Power Supplies: Separate Analog and Digital
• Control: Web interface, IR, RS232, IP and 12V trigger
• Dimensions: 17" or 19" W × 3.4" H × 12" D
• Weight: 8.5 lbs. / 4 kg
• Made in Canada

Available Finishes

The BDA-3.14 is available with several Bryston faceplate finishes:

• Silver
• Black
• White
• Gun Metal Grey
• Champagne

BDA-3.14 or BDP-3?

The biggest difference is the DAC.

The BDP-3 is a dedicated digital music player and transport. It requires an external DAC.

The BDA-3.14 combines the network player and high-resolution DAC into one component.

If you already own a DAC you love, the BDP-3 gives you a dedicated Bryston digital transport.

If you want the streamer and DAC engineered together in one chassis, the BDA-3.14 is the more complete solution.

Experience Bryston Digital at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Bryston and high-end digital audio expert in Houston, Texas.

Digital systems can look simple on paper, but choosing the right streamer, DAC, preamplifier and connections makes a real difference in how the entire system comes together.

The Grid can help determine whether the standard BDA-3.14 or HDMI-equipped BDA-3.14 is the right configuration for your system and match it with the appropriate Bryston amplification, loudspeakers, subwoofers, cabling and network infrastructure.

Whether you're building around Qobuz, TIDAL, Roon, a NAS library, USB storage or external digital sources, we'll help design the complete system rather than simply sell you another box.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Bryston BDA-3.14 availability, configuration options, demonstrations and complete system matching.