Bryston External DAC BDA-1 User 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. 

 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 

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. 

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