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Model: SP-1 Category: Preamplifier (HT) Suggested Retail Price: $3500 Description: Preamp Processor Manufacturer URL: Bryston Model Picture: View
Review by The_Squire (A) on March 31, 2002 at 17:59:00
IP Address: 66.185.84.197Add Your Review
for the SP-1This 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.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Bryston 4B-ST, Rotel RB985 Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): N/A Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer Elite DV-47A Speakers: Paradigm Reference 100 v2, CC, 20, Servo-15 Cables/Interconnects: MIT Proline 2, MIT MI-330 SII, MIT Digital Reference Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical: Mahler 5th - Zander, SACD; Bach Goldberg Variations, Gould, SACD; Jazz: Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, CD; Dexter Gordon, Go, CD; Contemporary: Dream Theater, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, CD Room Comments/Treatments: Two sofas, one la-z-boy lounger, carpeted floor Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 Year Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Power Port Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - The_Squire 17:59:00 03/31/02 (3)
- Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - update - The_Squire 16:07:36 05/01/02 (0)
- Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - Fauskar 05:20:25 04/12/02 (1)
- Re: Bryston SP-1 Preamplifier (HT) - The_Squire 18:24:04 04/27/02 (0)
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