"The BP-173 is the Bargain Preamplifier to Beat" Stereophile
Super-Linear, Super Low Noise Line-Stage Preamp with Built-in MM Phono Stage and DAC
Bryston's long-awaited BP-17³DP preamp is the company's first to employ the patented Salomie input circuit along with a brand new feature set. It utilizes patented technology that debuted on Bryston's much heralded Cubed Series amplifiers. The BP-17³DP also features a new expanded input/output configuration for enhanced system flexibility. Like all analog components from Bryston, the BP-17³DP is covered by an industry-best 20-year warranty.
Brystons patented super-linear, low noise input buffer jointly developed by Bryston and the late Ph.D. engineer Dr. Ioan Alexandru Salomie significantly reduces noise and distortion. The BP-17³ also has improved RF and audio frequency noise filtering to prevent unwanted anomalies on the power line from interfering even minutely with the audio signal.
High Quality Built-in DAC
The BP-17³D version of Bryston's bestselling BP-17³ preamp includes an extremely high quality built-in Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC can receive PCM digital audio at 44.1 kHz, 48k Hz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz sampling rates and in 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
The DAC is a high quality module that shares INPUT 1. That is, INPUT 1 can still operate as a standard analog stereo input pair, but it can also operate as two separate S/PDIF digital coaxial inputs. When the DAC module is installed, digital inputs 1 and 2 (TOSLINK optical connectors) are also connected and activated. In total, when the DAC is installed, four digital inputs are available for use. To select a DAC input, press the DIGITAL SELECT button on the front panel or the BR-2 remote control, then press the button that corresponds with the input you wish to hear. Each input will remember whether analog or digital was last selected.
Built-in Premium Phono Stage
The BP-17³P version of Bryston's bestselling BP-17³ preamp includes an extremely high quality MM moving magnet phono stage that uses the same circuit found in Bryston's standalone BP-2 MM phono stage. The MM Phono input occupies Input 2, so please note that Input 2 can no longer be used for line level source components such as tuners, CD players, etc. The phono stage boasts exceptionally flat frequency response of +/-0.1dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz with inverse RIAA EQs. Gain is 41dB.
"Engaging, Detailed, Tonally Captivating, Utterly Natural Sound"
"Among new, high-value, line-level preamplifiers, the BP-173 is a welcome find," reports Larry Greenhill in his May 22, 2018 review for Stereophile. "Indeed, the BP-173 costs less than any solid-state preamp listed in Class A of the April 2018 edition of 'Recommended Components.'"
"It produced engaging, detailed, tonally captivating, utterly natural sound that approached reference quality," continues Larry Greenhill Stereophile. "Matched with a top-quality, compatible power amplifier, the BP-173 is the bargain preamplifier to beat Highly recommended."
"With the 17B3, Bryston has finally produced a pre-amp that is an able and sonically talented match for the marques power amplifiers," reports Deon Schoeman in his review for AudioVideo, avsa.co.za. "It has the ability to unlock the essence of the music, and to present it with a compelling sense of realism."
Expanded Input and Output Options
The BP-17³DP offers expanded input/output options, including two pairs of XLR outputs and two pairs of RCA outputs, making it possible to connect a wide variety of equipment and accommodate numerous system configurations. An RCA tape loop lets users connect a line-level processor or recording device, and one of the XLR output pairs can be internally selected to have either variable (default) or fixed output, enabling users to easily connect a Bryston BHA-1 or other balanced input headphone amplifier.
The BP-17³DP also includes two pairs of balanced inputs and five pairs of RCA inputs. One pair of unbalanced RCA analog inputs is shared with the internal DAC module as two RCA coaxial digital inputs. Users can select sources, adjust volume and more all from the optional BR-2 remote control or via RS232 connection to virtually any control ecosystem.
Ultimate Quality
Bryston applies techniques and employs custom materials in its everyday manufacturing of electronic equipment that are more typically utilized by the military and aerospace industries. Such techniques ensure unit-to-unit consistency that is vastly superior to mass production. Bryston's adherence to the use of proprietary parts, sophisticated construction, and refined testing techniques guarantees superb performance and long-term product reliability.
Bryston's 20-Year Warranty
In a world where most things seem to need frequent upgrading, repair, or replacement, Bryston offers a comprehensive, unconditional, and fully transferable warranty on every audio product its makes. The company's 20-year amplifier warranty and five-year digital circuit warranty drives it in a different direction from the typical manufacturer.
How can Bryston do it? The answer would quickly become apparent if you were to tour Brystons plant in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. State-of-the-art design facilities, with the latest CAD and circuit simulation software, and an inventory of some of the best and most reliable parts on the planet, combine with a manufacturing philosophy that eschews the artifacts of mass production, like robots, moving assembly lines, and, frankly, shortcuts. Every Bryston audio component is handcrafted by people who take great pride in building the very best.
Rigorous Inspection and Testing
Bryston doesn't skimp on testing or rush its products through some last-minute go no-go check. At every stage individual parts, completed circuit boards, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies are all put through rigorous inspection and testing procedures.
