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This is a no-nonsense HT preamp/processor. It doesn't do video switching, so if you need that, look elsewhere. What this unit does it does well, and that's produce a pure, clean audio signal. The analog bypass mode duplicates the signal path of the BP-25 audiophile preamp, which received a Stereophile Class B recommendation when it was first reviewed. (Not the end all and be all of a recommendation, granted, but indicates that the reviewer found the sound quality to be commensurate with Class B. FWIW.)

The only significant shortcoming of this unit is the lack of a multichannel analog input. The others issues (slow to sync, 48 kHz and lower digital input only) are minor and forgivable, especially in light of the superb sound quality.

Bass management is excellent, even allowing for use of the subwoofer in Analog Bypass mode. I set the crossover to 40 Hz, using my main speakers full-range, with the sub filling in the ultra lows. Wonderful! So much information defining the size of an acoustic space is contained in the low frequencies.

For DD and DTS 5.1 programs, steering and resolution are superb. The supremely low noise floor allows the smallest details to be fully realized.

Bryston are readying an updated version (to handle 7.1 digital programs), to be known as the SP-1.7. However, the multichannel analog input is still missing. The SP-1 was designed to be upgradeable; only time will tell if Bryston will be able to upgrade the original versions to the new design, what the specifications of the DACs will be and what cost will be charged to update.

Product Weakness:	No multichannel analog input. Somewhat slow to sync to digital sources. Sensitive to discontinuities in digital data stream - can lose signal. DACs handle 48 kHz maximum.
Product Strengths:	Stunningly clear presentation and purity of sound. Analog bypass. Blanced line outs. Good bass management. True audiophile pedigree.

• Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - update - The_Squire 16:07:36 05/01/02 (0)
  In Reply to: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) posted by The_Squire on March 31, 2002 at 17:59:00:

  Posted at Bryston:

  Memo: To all Bryston Customers:
  Subject: Bryston SP1 To SP1.7 Factory Upgrade.

  Please be advised that the SP1 factory upgrade to the new SP1.7 is now available.

  The upgrade will offer the following changes:

  5.1 analog bypass input
  7.1 channel RCA outputs for EX and ES modes
  96kHz digital input sample rates
  DTS NEO 6 Matrix decoding
  DTS ES 6.1 decoding
  THX Surround EX decoding
  Dolby Pro Logic II decoding
  Additional 2-channel music and surround modes
  It is quite an extensive upgrade and involves the replacement of the Faceplate, the Rear Panel and the Digital Circuit Board. We will need the unit at the factory for at least a week. Please contact your Bryston Dealer and they will arrange a time schedule for sending in the unit. The warranty on the SP1.7 upgrade remains as of the original time of purchase of the SP1.

  USA Price:
  The price of the new SP1.7 is increasing to $4,295.00 US and the cost of the upgrade from the SP1 to the SP1.7 is $1000.00 US. There is also an optional more elaborate 30 button remote available for an additional $200.

  Canadian Price:
  The price of the new SP1.7 is increasing to $6,295.00 Canadian and the cost of the upgrade from the SP1 to the SP1.7 is $1500.00. There is also an optional more elaborate 30 button remote available for an additional $275.00.
  
  =======================

  Some of my previous writing was incorrect, so I hope this makes amends. Wonderful news regarding the 5.1 analog bypass and 96 kHz digital input. Seems to address all my major concerns.

  I will start saving my nickels now.

  Peace

  
  
  

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• Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - Fauskar 05:20:25 04/12/02 (1)
  In Reply to: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) posted by The_Squire on March 31, 2002 at 17:59:00:

  Lets say that you owned a BP25 before buying the SP1. Would you have sold or traded in the BP25? Based on what you know now?

  I have a BP20. I'm thinking about a SP1. The question, should I keep the BP preamp?

  Thanks.
  
  

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  • Re: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - The_Squire 18:24:04 04/27/02 (0)
    In Reply to: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) posted by fauskar on April 12, 2002 at 05:20:25:

    Based on my experience, I would have traded the BP-25. I suppose some people may quibble with the assertion that the analog bypass circuit of the SP-1 is identical to that of the BP-25, but to my ears, they are indistinguishable.

    I demo'd the BP-25 and SP-1 together in the dealer's showroom for about an hour and I couldn't tell any difference. (The rest of the system included some mid-level PMC speakers and 3B-ST amps, fed by a Rotel DVD player.)

    Peace.
    
    

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