Bryston External DAC BDA-1 - Manual

The Bryston BDA-1 is a State-of-the-Art external Stereo digital
to analog converter using fully discrete analog class-A propri-
etary Bryston amplifier circuits.
BDA-1 FEATURES:
• Dual 192K/24Bit Crystal DAC’s (CS-4398’s)
• Separate analog and digital linear power supplies
• Discrete Class A analog output stage
• Over-sampling
• Synchronous up-sampling (176.4K/192K)
• Independent Analog and Digital signal paths
• Eight digital audio inputs:
• 1x USB,
• 4x SPDIF (co-axial wire)
• 2x optical (TOSLINK)
• 1x AES/EBU
• Sample rates: 32KHz, 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz,
176.4KHz, 192KHz
• 16-24Bit PCM, 16Bit 32K-48K USB
• Fully Differential Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Stereo
outputs.
• Transformer coupled SPDIF and AES/EBU Digital inputs.
• SPDIF COAX Bypass Loop Output
• Software upgradable via RS232 port
• Optional Remote Control
• Remote 12 Volt On/Off Trigger
• Compatible with CD Drives, Sound Cards, Computers, Music
Servers.
• Cosmetically matches C-Series BP26, MPS2, BCD-1, etc
inpUT SElEcTion:
The digital signal first arrives at the BDA-1 via either the SPDIF
co-ax, TOSLINK optical, AES/EBU or USB input. These are the
normal digital outputs from a CD Drive, Sound Card, Computer,
Music Server etc. One of these 8 inputs is selected by either
the front panel push button switches or the infra-red remote
control.
OPTIONAL BR2 REMoTE conTRol:
The BR2 infra-red remote control offered for use with the BDA-1
is a multi-function remote capable of operating not only the
BDA-1, but also the BCD-1 CD player and many Bryston preamps
and integrated amplifiers such as the BP26, BP6, BP16, B60R
and B100. For more information see the BR2 Owner’s Manual.
poWER conSiDERATionS:
In general, if your BDA-1 has a three prong grounded line cord
you can reduce the possibility of local ground loops which could
cause hum or noise in the system by plugging its line cord into
the same wall outlet next to the power amp and other equip-
ment in your system.
UnDER-VolTAGE inDicAToR:
The BDA-1 contains an under-voltage detection circuit which
will illuminate the red Up-Sample LED if the connected AC sup-
ply voltage is approximately 20% or more below nominal (e.g.
<96vac for a 120vac unit, or <185vac for a 230vac unit). When
such an under-voltage condition exists the BDA-1 will not power
up and the only LED to be illuminated will be the red Up-Sample
LED.
FUSES & ElEcTRicAl SAFETY:
The BDA-1 contains a single fuse located inside the unit. IF it
should become necessary to replace this fuse we recommend
that you seek the assistance of qualified service personnel. If
you decide to change the fuse yourself we advise the following:
1st) Turn off the BDA-1
2nd) Disconnect ALL cables from the rear of the BDA-
1, especially the power cord.
3rd) Remove the 10 screws securing the top cover to
remove the top cover panel
4th) Locate the 5x20mm glass fuse on the CD1-PM
circuit board (near the IEC power inlet) of the
BDA-1. Replace a blown fuse only with the same
type and value of fuse. All fuses are rated 250V
For 100 volt models fuse value is F 250mA L
For 120 volt models fuse value is F 250mA L
For 230 volt models fuse value is F 125mA L
For 240 volt models fuse value is F 125mA L
5th) Replace the top panel and all 10 screws and
reconnect all necessary cables
FEATURES, CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS:
1: SAMplE RATE lED Array: (2 columns X 4 rows).
Indicates the sample rate of the selected input and
whether or not it is locked.
2: Up-SAMplE: Engages up-sampling such that incoming
sample rates of 32K, 48K or 96K sps will be up-sampled to
192K ( LEDs ~ see above ~ light green ), and 44.1K and 88.2K
sps will be up-sampled to 176.4K ( LEDs light red ) to allow for
optimal DAC performance.
N.B. The Up-Sample LED may also be used to indicate an
under-voltage situation wherein the AC supply voltage
is approx. 20% or greater below nominal. See UNDER-
VOLTAGE INDICATOR section above.
3: opTo inpUTS: There are two TOSLINK inputs for optical
digital audio.
4: SpDiF inpUTS: There are four SPDIF inputs for coaxial
cable connections. Two inputs have RCA (phono) connectors,
and two have BNC connectors.
5: AES/EBU inpUT: There is one AES/EBU ( Audio Engineering
Society/European Broadcasting Union ) fully balanced input using
a 3 pin XLR female connector for a twisted pair wire connec-
tion of a digital audio signal.
6: USB input: There is a single USB, revision 1.1 compli-
ant, input. When connecting to a PC it may be necessary to
direct the digital audio stream from your computer through
its USB port to the BDA-1. To do so, click on your PC’s START
menu then select CONTROL PANEL > SOUNDS & AUDIO DEVIC-
ES > AUDIO and ensure that the Bryston BDA-1 is selected.
n.B. Put the BDA-1 in STANDBY before connecting or discon-
necting a USB cable. Do noT HoT SWAp!
7: poWER SWiTcH ~ STAnDBY lED inDicAToR :
When the LED above the power switch is lit red the unit is
BDA-1 EXTERnAl DAc
oWnER’S MAnUAl