Bryston SP2 Upgrade Pre-Amplifier/Processor

Former Stereophile Class ‘A’ component

This unit is for sale because of a recent purchase of an SP3, for the HDMI inputs and the Hi-Res surround formats.

I originally purchased this factory-upgraded SP2 from an authorized Bryston dealer. During a factory repair in December 2014, Bryston “swapped out the power supply board”, bringing the unit even closer to a factory-produced SP2.

As a surround processor, the Dolby Digital or DTS sound from this unit, is wonderful. As a 2-channel preamp, its sound is very close to that of my SP3; … probably due to the many common design elements.

Think of it as a beautiful sounding analog preamp with the benefits of very capable surround processing .

At its original price, this SP2 was well worth the investment. At the price you see on-line, these days, it is an absolute steal. What a great way to move into high end audio.

Includes 30-button infrared remote!

FROM THE BRYSTON BROCHURE:
OUR GOAL
With the SP2, we have sought to design an uncluttered, easy-to-use processor/preamplifier, incorporating stereo and a full range of surround sound capability, which delivers state-of-the-art performance in both analog and digital formats.
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
With today’s increased clarity and dynamic range in recordings and movie sound-tracks you need equipment that not only equals but surpasses the parameters of the most demanding material available. The SP2 preamplifier/processor is without peer in meeting this performance challenge.
EASY TO USE
The Bryston SP2 is the first high-end 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 LCD and LED displays. Step-by-step set-up menus with error messages displayed on the LCD window, and a user-friendly, yet comprehensive user manual, make the initial set-up simple and straightforward.
HOME THEATRE PROCESSING
In the digital mode, the SP2 automatically detects the digital input signal, routes the signal through the DSP module, and adjusts to the appropriate mode. The digital circuit provides decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS and THX formats, in 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channels. There’s also Mono and Stereo Down-mixing for all modes, independent Bass Management modes for all speaker setups.
ANALOG AND DIGITAL CONTROL
The SP2 puts you in control of a full range of input/output options, allowing a choice of 13 sources, with 6 digital inputs (4 - coaxial & 2 - TOSLINK; (Pro model, single AES/EBU replaces 2 - TOSLINKS), 6 stereo analog inputs, and a set of 6 inputs for a 5.1 analog pass through. A Digital toggle button lets you switch easily between digital and analog input signals, and there is a built-in 24/192 D/A processor. The SP2 provides both unbalanced outputs (RCA) and a set of 6 true balanced outputs (XLR) for 5.1 and stereo, each with its own discrete class A output amplifier. Balanced signal transmission uses common-mode rejection to prevent induced hum and interference even with long cable runs.
STEREO PREAMPLIFICATION
While the SP2 is a great multi-channel controller, there are those who still like their stereo in the analog realm; so, at the touch of a button, the digital circuitry can be bypassed and SP2 operated as a Bryston audiophile - quality analog pre-amp. The bypass mode provides a totally discrete analog signal path — including an analog volume control. The signal does not go through any IC’s or digital circuitry from input to output.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR MUSIC
The SP2’s DSP music modes allow you a range of options to enhance the acoustic ambience of your listening room: Stereo 5, Natural, Club, Stadium, Hall, Theatre, Church, Party, etc.
SONIC SUPERIORITY BY DESIGN
The Bryston Design philosophy ensures sonic superiority. All analog signal circuitry is fully discrete to avoid the phase shift and nonlinearity inherent in ICs. We exclusively use only the finest components, such as 1% metal-film resistors,
polystyrene capacitors, hand-matched transistors, and gold-plated RCA and XLR connectors to reduce noise and distortion to the absolute minimum. In addition, two completely separate and independent power supplies are employed to prevent any possibility of digital to analog crosstalk or interference. There is no video switching on-board therefore eliminating interaction between video and audio circuits.
THE RESULT
Of course, the purpose of all this technology is to place you within the scene of the movie, or to transport you to the actual musical event. Whether you can experience all the drama, movement, and emotions intended is the one truly meaningful measure of any audio/video system. Take the time to visit your Bryston dealer and audition the Bryston SP2 preamplifier/processor. We think that you’ll rediscover how exciting audio can be.
BUILT TO LAST
Bryston applies techniques and employs custom materials in our everyday construction of electronic equipment that are more typically utilized in military and aerospace industries. Our traditional adherence to proprietary parts and sophisticated construction and testing techniques prevents the unit-to-unit variability typical of mass produced product and assures that your SP2 will perform for many years without concern.
HAND ASSEMBLED WITH CARE
All audio products we make are hand assembled and individually tested by a dedicated team of Bryston employees in our own North American manufacturing facility.
UNIQUE BURN-IN PROCEDURE
Each and every Bryston audio product undergoes an extensive quality control “burn-in” procedure. Following a complete operational checkout, every unit is placed on a test-bench and run for 100 hours. This extremely rigorous burn-in quickly “matures” components and weeds out any potential premature failures. The result is reliable trouble-free performance for many years.

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 bit-stream type and adjusts mode. LCD 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 5.1 input. Toggle-button switches easily between digital and analog inputs.
• 6 Balanced (XLR) outputs. (5.1)
• Two RCA outputs or 6.1 and 7.1 channel surround
• Stereo and Mono down-mixing options for all surround modes.
• Digital bass-management modes for all speaker setups.
• Bass redirection modes for any speaker set-up.
• Dynamic range-limiting for late-night enjoyment of Dolby Digital.
• Music DSP modes: Natural, Club, Stadium, Hall, Theatre, Church, etc.
• Party mode (5-channel summed mono distribution for even room-coverage) and 5-channel Stereo option (stereo fed to front & rear).
• Easy set-up — LCD window provides built-in menus for speaker setup, and trim and delay adjustments, and displays error messages. Built-in test-signal generator and test sequencer makes calibration simple.
• Individually adjustable trims and delays for each channel.
• Each input can have preferred mode saved.
• Integrates with external control systems (AMX, Crestron).
• Control port for Bryston SPV external video switchers.
• Two 12-volt trigger outputs.
• Standby Power Mode allows remote power up.
• Designed for easy upgrading to future formats.
• Hand assembly.
• Tight quality control: 100-hour test and “burn-in”.
• Rugged reliable construction.
• 20-year analog transferable warranty.
• 5-year warranty on digital circuits.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SOURCE SELECTION:
Accommodates 13 sources, up to 6 of which may be digital inputs
DIGITAL INPUTS:
4 coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), 2 of which may be assigned to optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK)
OPTIONAL INPUT:
1 AES/EBU replaces the 2-optical inputs
STEREO ANALOG INPUTS:
6 stereo pairs (RCA)
DISCRETE 5.1 ANALOG INPUTS:
6 unbalanced (RCA) for Left, Centre, Right, Right Surround, Left Surround, and Subwoofer
MAIN AUDIO OUTPUTS:
6 unbalanced (RCA) and 6 balanced (XLR) for Left, Right, Centre, Right Surround, Left Surround, and Subwoofer
+ OUTPUTS FOR 6.1/7.1:
Left Rear, Right Rear (RCA)
AUDIO RECORD OUTPUTS:
2 stereo (RCA) pairs from any analog input
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.25 dB THD & Noise (20Hz to 20kHz at 3V output level): Less than 0.006% in all modes; below 0.0025% in Bypass mode.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO:
Not less than 100dB in all modes; 110dB in Analog Bypass Mode (Ref. 1V input, maximum gain, 22kHz 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 Semiconductor 24-Bit Delta-Sigma
DSP ENGINE:
Motorola
BASS MANAGEMENT:
2nd Order high-pass filter (x5), 4th Order low-pass filter; Crossover Frequencies from 40 to 200 Hz
DISPLAY:
Two-line, 16-alphanumeric characters per line, black-on-green
TRIGGER OUTPUTS:
One 12V on/off trigger; one 12V programmable
POWER REQUIREMENTS:
100VAC, 115VAC, and 230VAC models
REMOTE FUNCTIONS:
Power, master volume, source switching, mode switching, mute, and trims (in test mode)
CONTROL PORT:
RS-232 (bidirectional, D9 connector) port for integration of external control systems (AMX, Crestron, and others using character-based protocols)
AUX. INFRARED RECEIVER INPUT:
Mini-phone jack
XLR CONFIGURATION:
Pin 1 ground, pin 2 positive, pin 3 negative
FRONT PANEL:
C–Series Silver or Black; 17” or 19” shelf mount
Custom version 19” rackmount available
WEIGHT:
Approx. 22 lbs (10 kg)
DIMENSIONS (including rubber feet):
Shelfmount 17” or 19”x13.5”x4.5”
Custom Rackmount Faceplate 19”x13.5”x3.75”