Bryston Introduces The New SP-3 Preamp / Processor

Bryston SP-3 Preamp/Processor Redefines the Home Theater Category
with Ultra-High Performance, Ease of Use and Legendary Build Quality

Peterborough, Ontario November 8th, 2011 —Bryston, LTD (www.bryston.com), designers and manufacturers of the finest audio electronics for both consumer and professional applications has announced that the highly anticipated SP-3 processor/preamplifier is now shipping to authorized Bryston dealers worldwide. The SP-3 will provide 2-channel stereo output as well as 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround output modes and decoding is provided for Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio as well as the more standard Dolby and DTS formats, in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channels. The Bryston SP-3 has an MSRP of $9500 US and is available now.  See and hear the Bryston SP-3 in action at CES 2012: The Venetian Bassano Ballroom 2601.

Unique Approach: The Bryston SP-3 is first and foremost an ultra high performance audio product. Unlike most surround processors that have been designed to emphasize features over sonic performance, Bryston employs Class A discrete analog circuitry throughout rather than cost-saving Integrated Circuits (IC’s). And like other Bryston components, the SP-3 utilizes separate and carefully isolated power supplies for the analog and digital circuit paths (achieves lower noise floor) plus modular construction to facilitate future upgrades. While most theater processors provide an analog pass-through option that moves the audio signal through undesirable digital circuitry before it exits the device, the Bryston SP-3 provides true analog pass-through for 2-channel as well as 5.1 and 7.1 surround formats that eliminates all digital circuits from the signal path. “It was very important to the overall value proposition of the SP-3 that this product has real longevity in the marketplace,” stated Bryston’s James Tanner. “Considering the volatility of rapidly changing video formats, Bryston has chosen to simply pass the video signal through the SP-3 untouched to the display. This helps future-proof the SP-3 while emphasizing Bryston’s expertise in delivering the finest audio performance possible,” Tanner added. When switching sources on the SP-3, audio and video signals switch together, eliminating the need for external video switching devices.

Ease of Use: The Bryston SP-3 is the first high performance processor designed to make home theater easy for the non-technical user. For example, most functions are automatic, controls are well labeled, and there are clear unambiguous display windows. Step-by-step set-up menus are provided and a user-friendly yet comprehensive owner’s manual make initial set-up simple and straightforward. Bryston also supplies each SP-3 with factory settings that include the most common configurations dialed in and ready for playback. Firmware updates and global system diagnostics are handled via the home network, making service a breeze for both dealers and end users.

Bryston SP-3 Key Features:
•  Audiophile sound quality and construction—all analog gain blocks are fully discrete; premium components and hand-matched transistors used throughout; two separate independent linear power supplies with toroidal transformers isolate analog and digital circuitry preventing crosstalk or interference
• Easy to use — automatically detects input signal bitstream type and adjusts mode. VFD window shows decoding and signal information and error messages; LED indicators show button selections. Clean, uncluttered control layout
• Flexible input management—select from 11 sources, including 6 digital and 1 with discrete analog two- channel stereo and 7.1 analog inputs. Toggle button switches easily between digital and analog inputs
•  Audio and video inputs switched concurrently
• 7.1 Balanced (XLR) outputs
• 7.1 Single Ended (RCA) outputs
• Stereo down-mixing options for all surround modes
• Digital bass-management modes for all speaker setups
• Bass redirection modes for any speaker set-up
• Dolby Volume—optional dynamic range limiting for late-night operation
• Music DSP surround modes for two channel inputs
• Easy set-up — VFD window provides built-in menus for speaker set up, trim and delay adjustments etc.
• Built-in pink noise test-signal generator and test sequencer makes calibration simple
• Individually adjustable trims and delays for each channel
• Each input can have preferred mode saved to memory
• Integrates with external control systems via RS-232/Ethernet ports
• Three 12-volt trigger outputs – one trigger input
• One optical output
• Standby Power Mode allows remote power up
• Modular hardware design enables upgrades to future technologies
• Hand assembly and tested
• Legendary Bryston quality control: 100-hour test and “burn-in”
• Rugged reliable construction
•  5-year warranty

Bryston SP-3 Inputs:
• 8 – HDMI
• 4 – SPDIF COAX
• 3 – Optical
• 2 – AES//EBU Digital
• 6 – Pairs Analog Single Ended
• 2 – Pairs Balanced XLR
• 7.1 Analog Pass-through
• USB

Bryston SP-3 Outputs:
• 7.1 Balanced
• 7.1 Single-ended (RCA)
•  1 – Optical
• Aux – (stereo left/right down mix or extra Sub and Center)
• Audio Record Outputs:  – 2 stereo (RCA) pairs from any analog input

Bryston SP-3 Specifications:
Frequency Response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.25 dB THD & Noise (20 Hz to 20 kHz at 2V output level): Less than 0.006% in all modes; below 0.0013% in Bypass Mode

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Not less than 100dB in all modes; 110dB in Analog Bypass Mode (Ref. 1V input, maximum gain, 22 kHz bandwidth).

Input Level:
Maximum 2 Vrms in DSP modes, 4Vrms in Bypass Mode

Output Level:
8 Vrms (16 Vrms Balanced) in DSP Modes; 10 Vrms (20 Vrms Balanced) in Bypass Mode

Output Impedance:
110 Ohms

D/A, A/D Conversion:
Crystal Semi-conductor 24-Bit Delta-Sigma

DSP Engine: Texas Instruments

For more informations: www.bryston.com

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