Computer Audiophile has reviewed the Bryston BDA-1 DAC ($1,995). This is a defeatable upsampling design with “two independent linear power supplies and dual Crystal CS-4398 DAC chips.”
Reviewer Chris Connaker liked its build quality and ergonomics but wished for a volume control and remote. He thought the soundstage was slightly closed-in compared to his Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC ($5,000), but he described the overall sound as top-notch. Here’s an excerpt:
The Bryston BDA-1 external DAC is an incredible bargain at only $1995. The sound quality, build quality, and feature set are equal to or better than other DACs I’ve heard at twice the price. That’s not a review cliche, that’s the honest truth.
Check out the entire review, then take a look at a review on TNT-Audio of a piece of gear aimed squarely at computer audio listeners: the Trends Audio UD-10.1 USB converter.