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Bryston BDP-1 for Theta Digital & Aerial Music and Home Theater System! - Page 3

post #61 of 137
12/2/11 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

My BDP-1 arrived this morning. WOW! My dealer had been told it was scheduled to ship from Bryston on Dec 6th. An early Hanukkah present!!!@@@

I've ripped my entire CD collection and CD tracks from redbook CDs already! About 600 CDs ripped! Got a Seagate GoFlex 1TB USB drive which will connect to the BDP-1. Got a Seagate GoFlex 2TB network drive, on which I will back up not only all of the ripped music (FLAC), but also photos and VHS and HD videos that I already have on a 1TB Western Digital USB drive.

This is tantalating!!!@@@

I believe the seagate is a USB drive, not a network drive. If you put your photos and HD Video's on a true network drive (a NAS) with build in DLNA server (there are many), and get an Oppo 93 (there are probably other devices that can do this - I believe a playstation 3), you can stream your pics and video's to your theater wirelessly (or if you have a network connection nearby you can use ethernet). I do this at home - really cool.

Better still, if you buy a NAS with DLNA and a USB port (e.g. BlackArmor® NAS 110 but there are probably many others), you can use the same NAS drive as your source for music for the Bryston using the USB connection. You could rip CD's on your laptop, and wirelessly move the data from your laptop to the NAS by setting up the destination directory of your ripping program on the NAS.
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post #62 of 137
12/2/11 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by edorr View Post

I believe the seagate is a USB drive, not a network drive. If you put your photos and HD Video's on a true network drive (a NAS) with build in DLNA server (there are many), and get an Oppo 93 (there are probably other devices that can do this - I believe a playstation 3), you can stream your pics and video's to your theater wirelessly (or if you have a network connection nearby you can use ethernet). I do this at home - really cool.

Better still, if you buy a NAS with DLNA and a USB port (e.g. BlackArmor® NAS 110 but there are probably many others), you can use the same NAS drive as your source for music for the Bryston using the USB connection. You could rip CD's on your laptop, and wirelessly move the data from your laptop to the NAS by setting up the destination directory of your ripping program on the NAS.

You are more sophisticated than me!

I have got the BDP-1 workin'. Listened to the high rez tracks on the flash drive that came with it. NICE! Connected both AES/EBU (Cardas Lightning 15) and BNC to BNC cable (Granite Audio, have a Cardas Lightning 15 coming courtesy of Craig my theta dealer) direct to Gen VIII Series 3 and listened using stereo front right and left only.

Then connected the AES/EBU cable back to the CB3 HD, with the CB3 HD's digi out connected by another AES/EBU cable to the Gen VIII. Have done some redbook listening, Eileen Farrell, and Emmylou Harris "Spyboy". Damn! Never sounded this good before! Just move alive, there! "Spyboy" really has a flavor it never had before.

Next - gotta get my Ipad2 working with MPad as my remote control!
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post #63 of 137
12/2/11 at 9:30pm
Thread Starter 
The BDP-1 manual says to use no more than a .75 TB drive if its self-powered, as this will work within the BDP-1s 500 ma power usage rating.

The Seagate GoFlex drive I got and loaded all of my music onto is 1 TB.
I can't find the power usage spec for it anywhere on the web or Seagate website. But seems to be working absolutely fine!

Edorr, the other Seagate drive that I got is FreeAgent GoFlex Home 2 TB
"Network Storage System". Wireless central storage when connected to wireless router. I can connect it to a wireless router at several places throughout my home or home theater! That will be my backup and have a second copy of music files and also photo and video files. I have a Boxee Box in my system, which will "see" my entire wireless network including this networked 2 TB drive.
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post #64 of 137
12/2/11 at 9:50pm
Thread Starter 
I used DVD Audio Extractor and ripped 96-24 stereo of The Beatles "Love"!
I am listening thru the CB3 HD using Dolby Pro Logic IIx mode with all 5 main speakers and subs (3)!!! Sounds great!

However, when I ripped this, DVD Audio Extractor only showed a 5.1 multi-channel 99-24 DVD-Audio track. Which I ripped to stereo 96-24. Sounds really good!

I will simply use this player for awhile. Eventually, I'll do a shootout with the Theta Compli Blu. But my "gut" impression going from memory so far is very favorable!@@
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post #65 of 137
12/3/11 at 6:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

My BDP-1 arrived this morning. WOW! My dealer had been told it was scheduled to ship from Bryston on Dec 6th. An early Hanukkah present!!!@@@

I've ripped my entire CD collection and CD tracks from redbook CDs already! About 600 CDs ripped! Got a Seagate GoFlex 1TB USB drive which will connect to the BDP-1. Got a Seagate GoFlex 2TB network drive, on which I will back up not only all of the ripped music (FLAC), but also photos and VHS and HD videos that I already have on a 1TB Western Digital USB drive.

This is tantalating!!!@@@

Good news Steve and happy Hanukkah!!

Based on how the BDP-1 sounds in my system, I knew you would not be disappointed. You certainly know this but let it burn in as it will get slightly better over the next couple hundred hours. It won't be dramatic but the sound will improve.

How do you have it connected and what's it sitting on? I know you are a fan of pretty fancy platforms. Do you have it connected so the CB3-HD can blend in your subs or are you connecting directly to the Gen VIII? I'm also curious about the differences in sound between the CB3-HD and Gen VIII with Red Book CDs.
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post #66 of 137
12/3/11 at 6:21am
Here is a discussion about drive sizes/brands with BDP-1.

www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=100499.80

Steve
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post #67 of 137
12/3/11 at 9:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SamKVA View Post

Good news Steve and happy Hanukkah!!

Based on how the BDP-1 sounds in my system, I knew you would not be disappointed. You certainly know this but let it burn in as it will get slightly better over the next couple hundred hours. It won't be dramatic but the sound will improve.

How do you have it connected and what's it sitting on? I know you are a fan of pretty fancy platforms. Do you have it connected so the CB3-HD can blend in your subs or are you connecting directly to the Gen VIII? I'm also curious about the differences in sound between the CB3-HD and Gen VIII with Red Book CDs.

I have the BDP-1 connected AES/EBU to the CB3 HD, and also BNC-BNC to the Gen VIII. I can play stereo with subs or multi-channel with subs (DPL2X) using CB3 HD, or just stereo no subs via Gen VIII.

In the past, with the Theta Compli Blu, I really haven't discerned a difference on redbook one way or the other, CB3 HD vs Gen VIII. I did a tad demoing of this yesterday and I really don't hear a difference straight stereo, but I like the flexibility on redbook using the CB3 HD.

Sound with the BDP-1, vs the Compli Blu (from memory only), is simply more real, with vocals cleaner and more delineated against the again more dilineated musical background. Very, very nice. With the Compli Blu
on redbook via CB3 HD in Dolby Pro Logic IIx, I found generally, I preferred music with great vocals, like James Taylor, Jacintha, etc played in stereo with subs. And more mixed stuff like Steely Dan in DPLIIx. Now I seem to be finding a lot of the vocals I like even better in DPLIIx.

Also, pre BDP-1, my center front seat, perfect for movies, was a bit too close for music, and I preferred the back 2nd row center. Now I find the front center sounds so marvelous, at least on James Taylor, Jacintha, etc that sitting in the front row is great!

Tells you that the soundstaging is better and more realistic with the BDP-1.
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post #68 of 137
12/3/11 at 9:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 501transpo View Post

Here is a discussion about drive sizes/brands with BDP-1.

www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=100499.80

Steve

Yea - I have read and am familiar with all the stuff at Audiocircle forum. I blew it at least per that forum and the BDP-1 manual by getting the Seagate non-powered GoFlex 1 TB USB external hard drive. I should have limited per the manual to .75 TB, or used 2 .5 TB non-powered drives.

But you know what? The Seagate drive, being non-powered, is quiet.
And so far it has worked absolutely fine!@@@
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post #69 of 137
12/3/11 at 11:20am
Thread Starter 
I need some help so I can use my Apple Ipad2 as a remote for the BDP-1.

I've got my Toshiba laptop working as a remote so far. I tried going to
www.bryston-bdp-1.local/ in Windows 7 Explorer 9 but I got some of the website up but I couldn't click or do anything. Then I tried it in Google Chrome and I got the Bryston's menu to display and this works.

I've got MPad on my Bryston BDP-1 but I really don't seem to understand how to set it up. Could someone who has done this give me a step by step explanation how an idiot (like me) can set it up? Thanks.
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post #70 of 137
12/3/11 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 
I have always like the Telarc/Heads Up demo disc of "Jazzin Surround", a sampler disc, with stereo and multi-channel CD and SACD tracks.

Frankly, when I changed to the Theta CB3 HD with Theta Compli Blu Ray everything got better than before, except multi-channel SACD, which still sounded good, except that I noted on this particular disc, particulary the first track, a rendering of "The Soprano's" opening song, that it just didn't sound that good or balanced, in SACD multi-channel or in CD played in DPL2x.

Well, stereo CD, from the Bryston, played in DPL2X sounds - great!!!@@@

What else can I say?
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post #71 of 137
12/3/11 at 11:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

I used DVD Audio Extractor and ripped 96-24 stereo of The Beatles "Love"!
I am listening thru the CB3 HD using Dolby Pro Logic IIx mode with all 5 main speakers and subs (3)!!! Sounds great!

However, when I ripped this, DVD Audio Extractor only showed a 5.1 multi-channel 99-24 DVD-Audio track. Which I ripped to stereo 96-24. Sounds really good!

I will simply use this player for awhile. Eventually, I'll do a shootout with the Theta Compli Blu. But my "gut" impression going from memory so far is very favorable!@@

OK. I used DVD Audio Extractor to record both 5.1 and stereo 96-24 onto the hard drive of the Beatles "Love". The stereo track sounds marvelous.
Out of curiosity, the 5.1 track plays, too, but apparently per the CB3 HD's status menu only in stereo.

Am I correct in assuming that with use of the BDP-1, no sense ripping in 5.1 96-24 or higher rez, just rip in stereo?

Does DVD Audio Extractor fold the "extra" tracks into the rippedstereo tracks when the CD only has a 5.1 but no stereo soundtrack?
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post #72 of 137
12/3/11 at 11:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

I need some help so I can use my Apple Ipad2 as a remote for the BDP-1.

I've got my Toshiba laptop working as a remote so far. I tried going to
www.bryston-bdp-1.local/ in Windows 7 Explorer 9 but I got some of the website up but I couldn't click or do anything. Then I tried it in Google Chrome and I got the Bryston's menu to display and this works.

I've got MPad on my Bryston BDP-1 but I really don't seem to understand how to set it up. Could someone who has done this give me a step by step explanation how an idiot (like me) can set it up? Thanks.

Steve,

There really isn't much to setup with MPad. Once you put in the BDP-1 address, it should work fine. I found with my (currently ripped) library that is about the same number of CDs as yours, it took a long time to build the the artists and album lists. Try the "Browse" feature to get to all your CDs.
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post #73 of 137
12/3/11 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

I have the BDP-1 connected AES/EBU to the CB3 HD, and also BNC-BNC to the Gen VIII. I can play stereo with subs or multi-channel with subs (DPL2X) using CB3 HD, or just stereo no subs via Gen VIII.

In the past, with the Theta Compli Blu, I really haven't discerned a difference on redbook one way or the other, CB3 HD vs Gen VIII. I did a tad demoing of this yesterday and I really don't hear a difference straight stereo, but I like the flexibility on redbook using the CB3 HD.

Sound with the BDP-1, vs the Compli Blu (from memory only), is simply more real, with vocals cleaner and more delineated against the again more dilineated musical background. Very, very nice. With the Compli Blu
on redbook via CB3 HD in Dolby Pro Logic IIx, I found generally, I preferred music with great vocals, like James Taylor, Jacintha, etc played in stereo with subs. And more mixed stuff like Steely Dan in DPLIIx. Now I seem to be finding a lot of the vocals I like even better in DPLIIx.

Also, pre BDP-1, my center front seat, perfect for movies, was a bit too close for music, and I preferred the back 2nd row center. Now I find the front center sounds so marvelous, at least on James Taylor, Jacintha, etc that sitting in the front row is great!

Tells you that the soundstaging is better and more realistic with the BDP-1.

Agree on the flexibility of the CB3-HD and I really like using my subs nicely blended in for music.
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post #74 of 137
12/3/11 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

OK. I used DVD Audio Extractor to record both 5.1 and stereo 96-24 onto the hard drive of the Beatles "Love". The stereo track sounds marvelous.
Out of curiosity, the 5.1 track plays, too, but apparently per the CB3 HD's status menu only in stereo.

Am I correct in assuming that with use of the BDP-1, no sense ripping in 5.1 96-24 or higher rez, just rip in stereo?

Does DVD Audio Extractor fold the "extra" tracks into the rippedstereo tracks when the CD only has a 5.1 but no stereo soundtrack?

After you've ripping this particular DVD-A do you have any issues with gaps of silence between the songs? I ask only because most of the songs flow into the next.....kind of like a live concert recording.

I'm ripping some of my DVD-A's with the same software your using except I'm using the Oppo 95's USB for playback and am experiencing gaps of silence between the songs on this DVD-A (probably a mili-sec or two).
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post #75 of 137
12/3/11 at 3:31pm
Disregard last post. Oppo responded back on this issue. Their player does not support gapless playback of user created media. Bummer. Just another reason to get the BDP-1.
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post #76 of 137
12/3/11 at 6:19pm
Thread Starter 
I've got not only my laptop working via the Google Chrome Browser to remote control the BDP-1, but I've also got the Ipad workin', too.

Really nifty!

Sound, ease of use, being able to find any album or song quick in a flash - WOW! Simply amazing!!!!@@@@@@@@
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post #77 of 137
12/4/11 at 11:44am
"Sound, ease of use, being able to find any album or song quick in a flash - WOW! Simply amazing!!!!@@@@@@@@"
*******
When the BDP-1 was released, the "reviewers" wanted to know what it was good for. You answered their question. I suspect that other "high-end" manufactures are now scrambling to come out with similar products and at least at the high end, the CD player is shortly going on life support.

Steve
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post #78 of 137
12/4/11 at 12:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vandevantersh1 View Post

"Sound, ease of use, being able to find any album or song quick in a flash - WOW! Simply amazing!!!!@@@@@@@@"
*******
When the BDP-1 was released, the "reviewers" wanted to know what it was good for. You answered their question. I suspect that other "high-end" manufactures are now scrambling to come out with similar products and at least at the high end, the CD player is shortly going on life support.

Steve

Your conclusion is correct but for vast majority people, the answer is not a dedicated player like the Bryston but a PC, with a nice interface to your favorite DAC. Indeed, it can be argued that separating the digital front end from the DAC is beneficial.

Sure, there are some people who are leery of going the computer route but even vast majority of people who have tried it, it is not a barrier. And then choices abound and capabilities infinite. I am sure that is where Steve will wind up eventually . But for now, he is taking baby steps.
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post #79 of 137
12/4/11 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by amirm View Post

Your conclusion is correct but for vast majority people, the answer is not a dedicated player like the Bryston but a PC, with a nice interface to your favorite DAC. Indeed, it can be argued that separating the digital front end from the DAC is beneficial.

Sure, there are some people who are leery of going the computer route but even vast majority of people who have tried it, it is not a barrier. And then choices abound and capabilities infinite. I am sure that is where Steve will wind up eventually . But for now, he is taking baby steps.

I don't see the benefit to me of going the separate computer route, given my Theta Gen VIII Series 3 DAC and Theta CB3 HD components. The Bryston is the perfect mate. A lot of us are somewhat computer literate, but not like you, Amir, and a simple easy way to do it like the BDP-1 provides that sounds great is a great way to go!
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post #80 of 137
12/4/11 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by amirm View Post

Your conclusion is correct but for vast majority people, the answer is not a dedicated player like the Bryston but a PC, with a nice interface to your favorite DAC. Indeed, it can be argued that separating the digital front end from the DAC is beneficial.

Sure, there are some people who are leery of going the computer route but even vast majority of people who have tried it, it is not a barrier. And then choices abound and capabilities infinite. I am sure that is where Steve will wind up eventually . But for now, he is taking baby steps.

Although I have only tried 2 computers with the latest being a Mac Mini, I disagree that a PC is a better solution than the BDP-1. The proof is in the sound and nothing I have heard in my room sounds as good as the BDP-1. I owned and was a huge fan of the PS Audio PWD/Bridge but the BDP-1 sounds much better and is rock solid in reliability. Going to a PC from the BDP-1 is a huge step backwards in my opinion.
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post #81 of 137
12/4/11 at 1:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

I don't see the benefit to me of going the separate computer route, given my Theta Gen VIII Series 3 DAC and Theta CB3 HD components. The Bryston is the perfect mate. A lot of us are somewhat computer literate, but not like you, Amir, and a simple easy way to do it like the BDP-1 provides that sounds great is a great way to go!

The BDP-1 doesn't remove a computer from the process, it separates the noise/junk from the music.
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post #82 of 137
12/4/11 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SamKVA View Post

The BDP-1 doesn't remove a computer from the process, it separates the noise/junk from the music.

That, I think, was the objective of James Tanner who, I believe, pushed the digital music play back project at Bryston. The Bryston engineers then followed that path of hardware development. Whether a "stripped down" computer with "up scale components" will out perform a PC/Mac based system is still a question but from early comparison reports, seems to favor the BDP-1.

Steve
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post #83 of 137
12/4/11 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SamKVA View Post

The BDP-1 doesn't remove a computer from the process, it separates the noise/junk from the music.

How does it do that? I thought BDP-1 is a full blown computer running Linux and such.
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post #84 of 137
12/4/11 at 4:48pm
It's a task specific Linux pc. No fans, no internal DAC, no hard drive, separate analog and digital power supplies, modified ESI Juli soundcard are among some of the tricks employed.
LL
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post #85 of 137
12/4/11 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by amirm View Post

How does it do that? I thought BDP-1 is a full blown computer running Linux and such.

Amir, normally you are on top of this stuff - but this time you are leaning from behind.

For us Theta luvers its PURRR FECT!
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post #86 of 137
12/4/11 at 5:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tedd View Post

It's a task specific Linux pc. No fans, no internal DAC, no hard drive, separate analog and digital power supplies, modified ESI Juli soundcard are among some of the tricks employed.

No moving parts!
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post #87 of 137
12/4/11 at 7:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by amirm View Post

How does it do that? I thought BDP-1 is a full blown computer running Linux and such.

It is a dedicated, special purpose (i.e. music server) computer with no storage and no disc drive. PS audio will be releasing something conceptually similar early next year (dedicated music server without storage and no D/A conversion, not sure if it will have a disc drive for ripping), called the silent server. The big difference is it will only have USB output and ethernet connectivity (I believe also wireless).
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post #88 of 137
12/11/11 at 9:40pm
Thread Starter 
  • Gallery
    Systems

    January 2012 The Absolute Sound magazine gives the Bryston BDP-1 a TAS Product of the Year Award:

    "... The BDP-1 offers a level of detail, clarity, focus, dynamics and resolution that is nothing short of revelatory. A new kind of component for a new age."

    I agree!

    What I've noticed in particular is that regular non-audiophile CDs sound great, unless they were EQed for boom boxes, which one can tell. And more audiophile discs or higher rez stuff sounds even better. But everything sounds great with a very rare exception!
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post #89 of 137
12/13/11 at 11:08am
Thread Starter 
I decided to simply use the 1 TB Seagate GoFlex as a backup for all of my music files.
I just got two 500 MB Seagate GoFlex USB Drives, 60 smackers apiece at Costco.
I used the free Verbatim Fat32 Tool to format them in Fat32. This allows me in the Bryston BDP-1 menu to set up a scratch drive of album covers and info - the manual states that you can't do the scratch drive with NTSC formatted drives. The manual recommends going no larger than 750 MB for self-powered USB drives.

I just luv this product!!@@
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post #90 of 137
12/18/11 at 8:21am
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....gital-Media-Pl This one is up for sale. Maybe it's time to install this card in a Mac and do a shoot-out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzuoiwp--0U
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AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Ultra Hi-End HT Gear ($20,000+) › Bryston BDP-1 for Theta Digital & Aerial Music and Home Theater System!