Bryston BDA-3 Digital-to-Analog Converter

The Bryston BDA-3 is a high-performance standalone DAC built for the listener who wants to get the most out of digital sources without adding streaming, amplification or other functions they don't need.

Whether the source is a dedicated music server, CD transport, computer, streamer or other digital component, the BDA-3 handles the critical job of converting that digital signal into a clean, highly accurate analog output for your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

With support for PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD256, multiple digital inputs, separate analog and digital power supplies, and Bryston's fully discrete Class A balanced output stage, the BDA-3 is designed to be the digital hub of a serious two-channel system.

Two Versions Available

The Bryston BDA-3 is available from The Grid in two configurations:

• BDA-3 Standard
• BDA-3 with HDMI

The standard BDA-3 is ideal for a dedicated audio system using conventional digital connections.

The HDMI-equipped BDA-3 adds HDMI connectivity for systems where compatible HDMI digital sources need to be incorporated into the DAC.

High-Resolution PCM & DSD

The BDA-3 supports a wide range of high-resolution digital audio formats.

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

That gives the BDA-3 the ability to handle everything from conventional CD-quality PCM to today's high-resolution PCM and DSD recordings.

Built for Multiple Digital Sources

The BDA-3 isn't tied to one particular type of digital source.

Standard digital connectivity includes:

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

This makes it easy to build a system around several digital components while using the BDA-3 as the common DAC.

A computer or music server can connect through USB, a high-end CD transport through AES/EBU or S/PDIF, and other digital sources through optical or coaxial connections.

Choose the HDMI version when HDMI sources also need to be part of the system.

Separate Analog & Digital Power Supplies

Digital processing and analog audio circuitry create very different electrical demands.

Bryston addresses this by using separate power supplies for the BDA-3's analog and digital circuitry.

This helps prevent noise generated by the digital section from contaminating the sensitive analog signal after conversion.

It's a classic example of Bryston's approach: instead of simply concentrating on the DAC chip, engineer the entire component around it.

Fully Discrete Class A Analog Output Stage

A DAC's job isn't finished when the digital signal becomes analog.

That newly converted analog signal still has to make its way out of the component and into your preamplifier.

Bryston uses a fully discrete Class A balanced analog output stage in the BDA-3 rather than treating the analog section as an afterthought.

The BDA-3 provides:

• Balanced XLR analog outputs
• Single-ended RCA analog outputs

Output voltage is 4V through XLR and 2V through RCA.

For a fully balanced Bryston system, the XLR outputs are the natural connection to a Bryston preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Extremely Low Noise & Distortion

Bryston's measured specifications show just how seriously the company approaches the analog side of digital playback.

• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
• THD+N: Less than 0.002%
• RCA Noise: -134dB
• XLR Noise: -140dB

The goal isn't to add a sonic signature to the recording. It's to accurately recover what's already there.

BDA-3 with HDMI

For systems incorporating HDMI digital sources, the HDMI-equipped BDA-3 provides additional flexibility.

This can be particularly useful for listeners who want to integrate compatible disc players and other HDMI sources into a serious two-channel audio system while still using the Bryston for digital-to-analog conversion.

It's an important distinction from a home-theater processor.

The BDA-3 remains fundamentally a high-end two-channel DAC. HDMI simply expands the types of digital sources that can be incorporated into the system.

System Integration

The BDA-3 supports several control options:

• IR
• RS232
• IP control
• 12V trigger

That makes it easy to use in a traditional manually operated HiFi system or integrate into a professionally designed control system.

Key Specifications

• Type: High-Resolution Digital-to-Analog Converter
• PCM Support: Up to 384kHz / 32-bit
• DSD Support: Up to DSD256
• Upsampling: User selectable on compatible inputs
• USB Inputs: 2
• AES/EBU: Yes
• S/PDIF RCA: Yes
• S/PDIF BNC: Yes
• Toslink Optical: Yes
• HDMI: Available configuration
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR and RCA
• XLR Output: 4V
• RCA Output: 2V
• Analog Output Stage: Fully Discrete Class A Balanced
• Power Supplies: Separate Analog and Digital
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
• THD+N: <0.002%
• Noise: -134dB RCA / -140dB XLR
• Control: 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 Bryston BDA-3 is available with several faceplate finishes:

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

BDA-3 or BDA-3.14?

This is probably the most important distinction between these two Bryston digital components.

The BDA-3 is a dedicated DAC.

You provide the digital source—such as a streamer, music server, computer or CD transport—and the BDA-3 handles the digital-to-analog conversion.

The BDA-3.14 adds Bryston's network music player technology, combining streaming and DAC functionality inside one chassis.

If you already own a streamer you like, or you want the freedom to choose your streamer separately, the BDA-3 makes a lot of sense.

If you want the streamer and DAC together in one Bryston component, look at the BDA-3.14.

Experience Bryston Digital at The Grid HiFi

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

A DAC doesn't operate in isolation. The quality of the source, digital connection, preamplifier, amplification and loudspeakers all matter when you're building a serious digital system.

The Grid can help determine whether the standard BDA-3 or HDMI-equipped BDA-3 is right for your system and match it with the appropriate streamer, CD transport, preamplifier, Bryston amplification, loudspeakers and cabling.

If you're trying to decide between the BDA-3, BDA-3.14, BDP-3 or BR-20, we can also help determine which Bryston digital architecture makes the most sense for the way you actually listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Bryston BDA-3 availability, HDMI configuration, demonstrations and complete digital system matching.