Bryston SP 1.7 - Manual (Page 4)

I n t r o d u c i n g t h e S P 1 . 7 R e l i a b i l i t y & S u p p o r t S o n i c S u p e r i o r i t y
Balanced outputs are ideal
for long cable runs to active
loudspeakers, reducing
induced hum and noise.
Right PMC model AML-1 Powered
Loudspeaker offers a balanced input
Two 12 volt trigger outputs allow for remote triggering
of your amplifier(s) or other home theater accessories
such as motorized drapes and screens.
Above Bryston 9B THX amplifier featuring trigger on/off and 5 modular
channels, each delivering 120 watts into 8 Ohms.
OUR GOAL
With the SP 1.7, we have sought to design an uncluttered,
easy-to-use processor/preamplifier, incorporating stereo and a
full range of surround sound capability, which delivers state-of-
the-art performance in both analog and digital formats.
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
With today’s increased clarity and dynamic
range in recordings and movie sound-
tracks you need equipment that not only
equals but surpasses the parameters of the
most demanding material available. The
SP 1.7 preamplifier/processor is without
peer in meeting this performance challenge.
EASY TO USE
The Bryston SP 1.7 is the first high-end processor designed to
make home theater easy for the non-technical user. For example,
most functions are automatic, controls are well-labeled, and
there are clear unambiguous LCD and LED displays. Step-by-
step set-up menus with error messages displayed on the LCD
window, and a user-friendly, yet comprehensive user manual,
make the initial set-up simple and straightforward.
HOME THEATRE PROCESSING
In the digital mode, the SP 1.7 automatically detects the digital
input signal, routes the signal through the DSP module, and
adjusts to the appropriate mode. The digital circuit provides
decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic, DTS
and THX formats, in 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channels.
There’s also Mono and Stereo Down-mixing
for all modes, Bass Management
modes for all speaker setups.
ANALOG AND DIGITAL CONTROL
The SP 1.7 puts you in control of a full range of input/output
options, allowing a choice of 13 sources, with 6 digital inputs
(4 - coaxial & 2 - TOSLINK ; pro model, AES/EBU - 12 sources),
6 stereo analog inputs, and a set of 6 inputs for a 5.1 analog
output DVD - AUDIO player. A Digital toggle button lets you switch
easily between digital and analog input signals, and there is
a built-in 24/96 D/A processor. The SP 1.7 provides both
BUILT TO LAST
Bryston applies techniques and employs custom materials in
our everyday construction of electronic equipment that are
more typically utilized in military and aerospace industries.
Our traditional adherence to proprietary parts and sophisticated
construction and testing techniques prevents the unit-to-unit
variability typical of mass produced product and assures that
your amplifier will perform for many years without concern.
HAND ASSEMBLED WITH CARE:
All audio products we make are hand assembled and individu-
ally tested by a dedicated team of Bryston employees in our own
North American manufacturing facility.
UNIQUE BURN-IN PROCEDURE
Each and every Bryston audio product undergoes an extensive
quality control “burn-in” procedure. Following a complete oper-
ational checkout, every unit is placed on a test-bench and run
for 100 hours. This extremely rigorous burn-in quickly “matures”
components and weeds out any potential premature failures.
The result is reliable trouble-free performance for many years.
EASY FUTURE UPGRADES
We’ve designed the SP 1.7 with a plug-in ROM chip; this allows
for convenient upgrades so future software changes are quick
and easy to implement. On the hardware side, our pin-to-pin
compatible digital board topology facilitates upgrades to future
formats or digital processing technologies. The SP 1.7’s existing
DAC chips can run at sample rates up to 192kHz facilitating
upgrades to accommodate future formats. It is worth noting that
many manufacturers promise that their units will be upgradable
for future technology. Bryston actually does it (and is doing so
today, at moderate cost, for the SP 1.7’s predecessor).
ON-LINE CUSTOMER SUPPORT
The Bryston website allows for downloading of technical bulletins,
product addendums, and complete user manuals.
OUR 20-YEAR WARRANTY
Our commitment to build-quality and to quality control is why
every product we manufacture features an unlimited, transferrable
20-Year Warranty, a warranty that remains unequaled by any
other audio manufacturer in the world.
unbalanced outputs ( RCA ) and a set of 6 true balanced
outputs ( XLR ) for 5.1 and stereo, each with its own discrete
output amplifier. Balanced signal transmission uses com-
mon-mode rejection to prevent induced hum and
interference even with long cable runs.
STEREO PREAMPLIFICATION
While the SP 1.7 is a great multi-channel controller, there
are those who still like their stereo in the analog realm; so,
at the touch of a button, the digital circuitry can be
bypassed and SP 1.7 operated as a Bryston audiophile-
quality analog pre-amp. The bypass mode provides a
totally discrete analog signal path — including an analog
volume control. The signal does not go through any IC’s or
digital circuitry from input to output.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR MUSIC
The SP 1.7’s DSP music modes allow you a range of
options to enhance the acoustic ambience of your listening
room: Stereo5, Natural, Club, Stadium, Hall, Theatre,
Church, and Party.
SONIC SUPERIORITY BY DESIGN
The Bryston Design philosophy ensures sonic superiority. All
analog signal circuitry is fully discrete to avoid the phase
shift and nonlinearity inherent in ICs. We exclusively use
only the finest components, such as 1% metal-film resistors,
polystyrene capacitors, hand-matched transistors, and
gold-plated RCA and XLR connectors to reduce noise and
distortion to the absolute minimum. Two completely sepa-
rate and independent power supplies are employed to
prevent any possibility of digital to analog crosstalk or
interference.
THE RESULT
Of course, the purpose of all this technology is to place you
within the scene of the movie, or to transport you to the
actual musical event. Whether you can experience all the
drama, movement, and emotions intended is the one truly
meaningful measure of any audio/video system. Take the
time to visit your Bryston dealer and audition the Bryston
SP 1.7 preamplifier/processor. We think that you’ll redis-
cover how exciting audio can be.
Ths SP 1.7’s RS 232 port allows for the integration
of external control systems (AMX, Crestron, etc.),
and manages external video switchers.
The SP 1.7 analyzes the digital bitstream,
determines format, automatically adjusts mode,
and provides a readout on the LCD screen.
In addition to stan-
dard 5.1 surround,
the SP 1.7 allows for
6.1 and 7.1 in EX and
ES modes.
Illustration PMC model TLE
Active Subwoofer with models
FB1, TB2, and TB2C loud-
speakers.
5.1 6.1 7.1