BDA-2 External DAC
The Absolute Sound Editors Choice
The Bryston BDA-2 is a state of the art external Stereo DAC (digital to analog converter) which delivers superb sonic performance through re-sampling and re-clocking of the digital input signal. The BDA-2 incorporates a new asynchronous USB input capable of 192/24bit resolution. It is compatible with CD Drives, Sound Cards, Computers, Music Servers, etc.
Rega Tube Isis CD Player
Technology
The differential output of the digital to analogue converter drives a valve differential (operational) amplifier, with a very modest amount of feedback to stabilise the operating conditions. The 5814A based differential amplifier, with a solid-state current generator in its tail, takes full advantage of the differential output from the digital to analogue converter. This is followed by a passive Butterworth second order LC filter. Finally, this signal is buffered using a low anode resistance ECC88 to drive the output and balancing transformer.
In design it was felt that unnecessarily high levels of THD would unduly overwhelm the qualities of the digital stage of the Isis. The overall THD is typically 0.06% being prominently even order, where the 2nd harmonic predominates. This will give the sonic dynamics of the valves without dominating the sonic qualities of the digital section.
After many hours of tube rolling we found the 5814A differential amplifier position was best on the grounds of micro-phonics, reliable operation and sonic qualities. Both the HT & LT power supplies are fully regulated and use the same power supply parts as used in the solid state Isis. Like the solid-state analogue stage valve Isis has it’s own dedicated 50VA mains transformer, ensuring galvanic isolation between the digital and analogue sections of the player.
DAC-2 Series
Digital To Analog Converter
DAC-2
Accurate conversion of music and sound from the digital world to the analog realm is the cornerstone of a top-quality system. For the discerning audiophile, we created our flagship digital-to-audio converter: the DAC-2.
At the heart of the DAC-2 is the industry-leading ESS 9018 Reference Audio 32-DAC. Using the chip’s trademark ESS Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ESS 9018 utilizes an oversampling process that eliminates all of the clocking inconsistencies (jitter) found in a typical digital-to-analog conversion. The result is an information stream that’s cleaner from source to sound, free of artifacts. Combined with our proprietary discrete output stages, which optimize sonics, the DAC-2 delivers the absolute most accurate and musical sound.
Defeatable pre-amp functionality allows audiophiles with 100% digital systems to completely eliminate the need for a pre-amp, reducing signal processing and increasing transparency.
In addition to Coax, Toslink, and AES/EBU units, the DAC-2 also features a balanced I²S input that when mated with our PCOCC HDMI cables and a compatible source, yields unmatched sound quality. Proprietary USB drivers for all operating systems make installation easy and a compact footprint makes the DAC-2 the perfect fit for any system.
Hugo mobile DAC/headphone amp
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our ground-breaking and game-changing DAC 64, we have launched Hugo – the world’s most advanced DAC/headphone amp. Based on the same FPGA DAC technology that has helped establish Chord Electronics as an authority in digital audio, Hugo is a reference-level portable – a world first in audio history. Discover why What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision awarded it five star.
Called Hugo (because you can take Hugo wherever “you-go”), the new device offers studio-master-tape sound quality, advanced connectivity and uncompromising file playback capability, all from a palm-sized player. Hugo is the world’s most advanced headphone amp/DAC and the most advanced 32-bit DAC we have ever made, offering five digital inputs including A2DP aptX Bluetooth, plus advanced 384kHz PCM and DSD 128 playback for today’s high-resolution DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) music files.
