I just wanted to update my previous review. I've been in contact with Bryston and conducted some more tests with my production SP1. Previously I said that it *appeared* that the unit might require manual re-syncing of the digital audio channel when listening to DVDs (this is done by pressing the Digital button on the remote). I spent some time trying to reproduce this and I was NOT able to reproduce this. I suspect that the problem was that I was misinterpreting the way the SP1 was trying to resync. DTS/THX DVDs can easily have multiple formats of sound tracks on them, varying from stereo, to 2 channel pro-logic, to DTS, depending on whether you're viewing the leadin software, the logos, the FBI disclaimers, or the movie. The SP1 does indeed resync, and quickly, once a new format of signal is present. The confusion for me may have come when the video signal showed theatrical leadin which I percieved to be "the start of the movie", when actually the sound didn't change to DTS until past the title.

In any case I need to apologise to Bryston for suggesting there was a problem with the sound decoding, and to anyone considering buying the SP1, I still think it's the best such unit I've ever heard and would buy it again in a quick second. It's the best I've heard for home theater, but it also is the most musical DAC I've heard, which is imporant to me for playing CDs.

SOUNDSTAGE,SURROUND PROCESING,STEREO LISTENING EXCELLENT.

NO DVD-AUDIO INPUTS,RUNS VERY HOT,CAN'T TURN FRONT DISPLAY OFF OR DIMM IT,SMALL NOISE COMING FROM SPEAKERS WHEN UNIT IS ON.

ECELLENT CUSTOMER SUPPORT.RESPONSE I AM GETTING FROM JAMES TANNER UNREAL FAST.I AM WAITING FOR MY THREE BRYSTON 7B'S TO ARRIVE THEN I AM GONNA SIT TO REAL LISTENING.

Exceptionally transparent, well-detailed sound in both analog and digital surround modes. Analog by-pass with circuit taken from Bryston’s excellent BP-25 preamp. Upgradability for future changes in surround modes; superb customer support; 20-year transferable warranty.

Remote lacks some functions; ergonomics a bit weak (small front panel buttons; LED display too small to read from more than a few feet); no 5.1 analog inputs for SACD or DVD-A (although future upgradability will provide for this); no video switching capability.

Let me begin this review by saying that I am extremely pleased with the sound quality of this unit. I specifically wanted a preamp/processor that does an excellent job with music – both analog and digital – and this unit delivers in SPADES! All of the usual “superlatives” attributed to top quality, high-end audio components apply to the SP-1: very transparent, open, dynamic, spacious, and detailed without being etched. This unit competes very well with some of the best analog preamps I have heard (some costing up to $5k), but also does a superb job with surround processing. Quite frankly, I don’t know of any better pre/pros in this price range. Are there any weaknesses? If there are, they are not in the area of sound quality. True, the unit does not have some of the bells-and-whistles that some may expect, and it lacks video switching -- a plus from my point of view, since video switching deteriorates sound quality. The reviews by Shannon and Robert Allen make many of the points I’d make, so I won’t repeat them. The unit I own has a very low serial number -- #10 -- and was purchased used, so I returned it to the factory for a software upgrade. Bryston’s service was very prompt, and James Tanner was a real help (I think I love this guy, though we’ve never met…). If you frequent Audiogon’s forums, you may have seen in my many posts, and from the description of my system in the “Virtual Systems” section, that a major consideration for me in my audio/HT system is VALUE. I know of no other manufacturer that exceeds the value and quality of Bryston’s components (and I’ve owned a fair amount of good gear over the past 35 years). In short, if you are looking for a very good quality preamp for listening to music, that also does a great job with HT surround sound, then the SP-1 deserves to be at the top of your audition list.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP-760; B&K Model 30 pre/pro; Parasound AV-2500.