Bryston BDA3 Digital to Analog Converter - with HDMI - Silver - 19 Inch

Ten Digital Inputs, Four of Them HDMI

Most converters give you a handful of inputs and expect you to choose. The BDA-3 gives you ten, and four of those are HDMI. That combination exists for one reason: it is how an SACD player hands over DSD instead of an analog signal from its own converter.

Alongside the HDMI inputs sit asynchronous USB, balanced AES/EBU, optical TOSLINK and coaxial. PCM runs to 384kHz on the S/PDIF and AES/EBU inputs. DSD64 arrives over HDMI or USB, and USB carries DSD128 and DSD256 as well.

Conversion runs on two 32-bit AKM AK4490EQ Veritas chips, one per channel rather than one shared between them. Outputs are balanced XLR at 4.0V and unbalanced RCA at 2.0V RMS.

Built to Bryston's Usual Standard

The chassis comes with a 17-inch or a 19-inch faceplate, which is a small thing until you are trying to line a rack up. It stands 3.63 inches tall on its feet, 2.76 inches without them, and 11.12 inches deep.

Bryston covers the BDA-3 for five years, their term for digital products, running from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. It is limited to the first owner and does not transfer if the unit is sold on.

A dual-mono converter arrangement and separate power supply regulation are what the extra size and weight are for. Nothing here is trying to be small; it is trying to be measured well and repaired in fifteen years.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• You own SACDs — the HDMI inputs accept DSD64 straight from a player's digital output, so those discs finally get converted by something better than the player's own chip.
• Your rack is full of sources — ten digital inputs mean a streamer, a computer, a disc player, a television and a studio feed can all stay connected and switched from the front.
• You run balanced — 4.0V from the XLR outputs drives a long balanced cable to a distant power amplifier without the level dropping away.
• You keep components for a long time — a five-year warranty and a chassis built to be opened and serviced mean this is a purchase you make once rather than every few years.
• You want it to switch your video too — the HDMI inputs here take two-channel audio only; they do not pass video through to a television. Pair it with one of our CD players and transports and the BDA-3 does what those HDMI sockets were designed for.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the XLR outputs to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier, or the RCA pair if it is single-ended. An SACD or universal player connects on HDMI, and a computer on USB.

Studio and broadcast sources take AES/EBU, while a television or older disc player uses optical or coaxial. Everything then switches from the front panel, with no need to re-plug anything.

Pairs Well With

Building around the BDA-3? Here are some great companions:

• CD and SACD Transports: What those HDMI inputs are for — see our CD Players & Transports.
• Preamplifier: The next box in the chain — see our Preamplifiers.
• Music Streamer: For the USB or coaxial input — see our Music Streamers.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR for the run onward — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the HDMI inputs for?

Two-channel digital audio from disc players, including DSD64 from SACDs. They are an audio path, not a video switch.

What converters are inside?

Two 32-bit AKM AK4490EQ Veritas stereo converters, arranged one per channel.

Which sample rates does it accept?

PCM to 384kHz on S/PDIF and AES/EBU. DSD64 arrives over HDMI or USB, with DSD128 and DSD256 over USB.

What outputs does it have?

Balanced XLR at 4.0V and unbalanced RCA at 2.0V RMS, so it suits both balanced and single-ended amplifiers.

What is the difference between the 17-inch and 19-inch versions?

The faceplate width only. The 19-inch fits a standard equipment rack; the 17-inch suits a domestic shelf and matching Bryston components.

What is the warranty?

Five years, which is Bryston's term for digital products, from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. It covers the first owner only.

See It in Action

Watch this product-focused video:

Audio Advisor examines this model:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about digital converters, DSD and SACD playback, or balanced connections? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.