Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC / Streamer / Digital Preamplifier

The DAC, the streamer and the preamplifier in one box

The Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC / Streamer / Digital Preamplifier puts Bryston's BDA-3 conversion stage and its network streaming platform in a single chassis, with digital volume control so it can drive power amplifiers directly. Wired inputs handle PCM to 384kHz and DSD256, while the built in streamer plays Tidal, Qobuz, internet radio, Roon and files from a NAS or attached USB drive. Control is through any web browser on the network.

Why You'll Love It

• One box, no preamplifier needed. Digital volume control with a settable start-up level lets the BDA-3.14 feed power amplifiers directly, which removes a component and a pair of interconnects from the system.
• Streaming and legacy sources together. The network side covers Tidal, Qobuz, Roon and your own library, while USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and Toslink keep your existing sources connected.
• Controlled from anything. The browser based interface runs on a phone, tablet or laptop with nothing to install, and IR, RS-232, IP and 12V trigger are all available for integration.

Under the Hood

• The BDA-3 converter and fully discrete Class A analogue output stage, with separate power supplies for the analogue and digital sections.
• Two asynchronous USB inputs plus AES/EBU, S/PDIF RCA, S/PDIF BNC and Toslink handling PCM to 384kHz and 32-bit and DSD to DSD256, with an optional four input HDMI module.
• Gigabit Ethernet streaming to 192kHz and 24-bit running Bryston's Manic Moose firmware, with balanced XLR at 4V and unbalanced RCA at 2V outputs.

CHT Insider Verdict

This is the most complete single box Bryston makes for a digital system, and running it straight into a pair of power amplifiers is a genuinely good sounding shortcut. Two things to know before you commit: the streamer section tops out at 192kHz and 24-bit even though the wired inputs go much higher, and Wi-Fi needs an optional adapter, so plan on running Ethernet to the rack. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing.

Pro Tip: Set the start-up volume conservatively during setup. The default is -60dB for good reason, because the digital preamplifier can be configured to output full level, and finding that out with power amplifiers connected is an expensive way to learn.