Beresford Bushmaster DAC Reviews

Dav, I understand better than anyone how frustrating it can be when such a fantastic product doesn't quite come up to operational expectations. I too found myself in a similar position to you and I was frustrated because what I was hearing was simply fabulous. The resulting negotiations did not go well so in the end I bit the bullet, sent the BM back and bought a Rega DAC. Had the issue been sorted to my satisfaction I promise you the BM would still be in my system.

Everyone handles such situations differently and I am big enough to admit that perhaps I could have been a little more diplomatic. Despite this I would still say that the Bushmaster is the best sounding DAC currently retailing at under £500.

Yes Stan has always been excellent with me - the 2 replacement chips I have asked for both arrived the next day after ringing him.

I notice there appears to be a new line on the Beresford Bushmaster section of the Beresford website "Now shipping with improved firmware for even better performance" - I would be interested to know what this relates to.

MartinT - I notice you said you leave your Bushmaster on all the time. Can I ask if you use Sleep Mode or just leave the blue LED on?

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Originally Posted by MartinT

This seems a little disingenuous, unless I'm missing something. So you didn't actually give Stan a chance to fix the problem (a minor problem at that, just involving the LEDs)? In which case, the negative vibes are a little unwarranted. I have owned three of Stan's devices and his customer service has always been exemplary. The devices (including my Bushmaster) have never gone wrong and are left switched on all the time - there is no heat problem as they generate precious little heat in the first place. Power glitches can be a menace and this may well be the source of your problems.

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I did give Stan plenty of chances to fix the problem. Being that I was so happy with the sound I have to admit was a bit heart broken when I wasn't having the response I was hoping for. If I'm using someone's product I like to feel happy about my interaction with them. I mean this is no large multinational organisation, this is Stan's personal signature on the product! Until things went wrong I was perfectly happy. The product was delivered on time and to his further credit Stan even refunded it the day he got it back! However, the tone throughout my email contact has been towards either me not knowing how the product works or a problem in my system, along with offering me a refund on more than one occasion despite me making it perfectly clear I wanted a working product. I thought this product sounded great, I didn't want to let go of it.

Being that my first and send ICs behaved differently I don't think mains power is the cause of the problem. In fact there are now several people who have had this issue clearly pointing to a fault with the DAC that needs to be rectified.

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Originally Posted by mudan

I did give Stan plenty of chances to fix the problem. Being that I was so happy with the sound I have to admit was a bit heart broken when I wasn't having the response I was hoping for. If I'm using someone's product I like to feel happy about my interaction with them. I mean this is no large multination organisation, this is Stan's personal signature on the product! Until things went wrong I was perfectly happy. The product was delivered on time and to his further credit Stan even refunded it the day he got it back! However, the tone throughout my email contact has been towards either me not knowing how the product works or a problem in my system, along with offering me a refund on more than one occasion despite me making it perfectly clear I wanted a working product. I thought this product sounded great, I didn't want to let go of it.

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Despite what I've written before and as much as it pains me to write it, this all sounds very familiar, especially the piece in bold... :eyebrows:

If Stan is willing to run with it I am happy to offer my services as a reviewer, and as someone who has suffered from this problem, to test whether the latest firmware update has solved it. I promise to be fair and unbiased. Apart from anything else, if it is generated by some sort of system incompatability then if the same problem should emerge it might be helpful to Stan and all his customers to identify exactly what the circumstances are which generate the issue...

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Originally Posted by Theadmans

Yes Stan has always been excellent with me - the 2 replacement chips I have asked for both arrived the next day after ringing him.

I notice there appears to be a new line on the Beresford Bushmaster section of the Beresford website "Now shipping with improved firmware for even better performance" - I would be interested to know what this relates to.

MartinT - I notice you said you leave your Bushmaster on all the time. Can I ask if you use Sleep Mode or just leave the blue LED on?

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I believe part of that firmware change may relate to updated sleep mode behaviour(when it works!). Rev1.4 instructions contain new steps on how to enter sleep mode along with how to reset your dac should you have issues. Stan emailed me a PDF for rev 1.4 which was in the last IC I had. Maybe there's other digital system improvements too ?

My sleep mode doesn't seem to be working properly either... no great shakes, didn't know it had one & I quite like the LEDS :mental:

It's nice having blue LEDs but not ones that are so bright!

What troubled me more about my second IC is that when I tried to enter sleep mode the DAC would just freeze i.e. no sound output even if I pressed Select and no movement on the LEDs. The only way to get it to work again was to turn it off/on.

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Originally Posted by mudan

I believe part of that firmware change may relate to updated sleep mode behaviour(when it works!). Rev1.4 instructions contain new steps on how to enter sleep mode along with how to reset your dac should you have issues. Stan emailed me a PDF for rev 1.4 which was in the last IC I had. Maybe there's other digital system improvements too ?

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...OK thanks - I got my latest chip from Stan at the end of March - not sure if it is rev 1.4 - useful info though. I'll check this rev 1.4 malarkey out with Stan if my chip goes wrong again.

From the comments made about the sleep mode it appears to be a feature that is more trouble than it is worth. I wrote the software code for it primarily to hide the scanning light emitted by the LEDs when in auto mode. Those pulsating LEDs can get very irritating otherwise. But there are other ways to hide the scanning of the LEDs.

I suspect that there is a wake up function call error in the software compiler that I use. I'll ask on the compiler manufacturer forum about that. The sleep mode problem seems however to be overshadowing the performance of the BM. So I shall edit the online instructions and remove any reference of the sleep mode. That should . I'll have an amended instruction printed as well.
I shall also remove the software call to the sleep mode function from any future updates and sales so that it is no longer available as a feature. I'll see if I can implement that over this weekend.

Good to hear that you acknowledge there is an issue. I think disabling the sleep feature is a good move. In order to keep those happy who find the LEDs too bright would there be an easy way to make them glow less bright or would that involve changing the build and fitting different spec parts?

I don't have an issue whatsoever with the sleep mode. But if nobody wants or needs it then it is a waste of effort including it.

Well it seems some of your past and current customers have an issue with the sleep mode so seems they need some help.

No issues here with sleep or anything else, just great sounding music. I hope this issue gets sorted to the few that came through.
From personal experience with Stan, despite the fact that I bought my BM used, he has been stellar all the way as I want to mod the headphone section and have been provided with great help and tips. Looking forward for the next level DAC whenever it's ready.
Coming back to the sleep mode feature, I appreciate it and only wish more equipment that I own could also do it.

Well seems you're one of the lucky ones where it worked. It's clearly a fragile feature being that a few have had issues. If mine was so robust I'd never have sent it back.

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Originally Posted by mudan

Well seems you're one of the lucky ones where it worked. It's clearly a fragile feature being that a few have had issues. If mine was so robust I'd never have sent it back.

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Which says it all really. On that note I think a line should be drawn under this now. Dav, you are looking forward to receiving your MDac and it looks as if Stan will be removing the offending code from the firmware. I'm sure he will make it available to those who still want it. Adaptability is the key ;)

Well I think these DACs are brilliant and have just bought a second one.

Well its performance has not been under question - that aspect is exemplary for the price.

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Originally Posted by synsei

Which says it all really. On that note I think a line should be drawn under this now. Dav, you are looking forward to receiving your MDac and it looks as if Stan will be removing the offending code from the firmware. I'm sure he will make it available to those who still want it. Adaptability is the key ;)

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Not sure if some of you guys realize what a steal Bushmaster actually is. Is it perfect? -- most definitely not. But hey, for that kind of a pocket change, it would be moronic to demand perfection.

In my case, I've had my share of issues with this DAC, including the annoying intensely blue LED lights. But did I whine and complain? No. Instead, I've solved it by slapping a piece of thick black duct tape over the annoying lights. So be a real man, focus on the amazing sound quality, and use some duct tape once in a while! That's what it's for.

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Originally Posted by magiccarpetride

Not sure if some of you guys realize what a steal Bushmaster actually is. Is it perfect? -- most definitely not. But hey, for that kind of a pocket change, it would be moronic to demand perfection.

In my case, I've had my share of issues with this DAC, including the annoying intensely blue LED lights. But did I whine and complain? No. Instead, I've solved it by slapping a piece of thick black duct tape over the annoying lights. So be a real man, focus on the amazing sound quality, and use some duct tape once in a while! That's what it's for.

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Was that meant for me Alex? I didn't have a problem with the LED's on my BM, it had more serious issues and now I own a Rega DAC :scratch:

I think we all know the DAC produces some excellent sounds for money. Coupled with the linear psu it made a great upgrade for my system so I was disheartened when it had to go. Alot of equipment can have issues. I mean look at the MDAC I'm buying today - it's had plenty however these are generally resolved through firmware updates the user can install.

This discussion we're having will help Stan to improve his product.

What I didn't appreciate is that apparently I can't get sleep mode to work but Stan can - how odd. It's barely a complex procedure! It clearly wasn't other components in my system causing this.

magiccarpetride as you have had to put duct tape on your DAC I take it your sleep mode didn't work also?

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Originally Posted by mudan

This discussion we're having will help Stan to improve his product.

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I think that your email threats to cause trouble is not so much of a discussion, is it ;)? It should be clear to many by now that only you who no longer owns a DAC of mine is interested to keep this discussion rolling for your own personal satisfaction. A couple of other contributors have given you subtle hints that they have sussed you out.

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What I didn't appreciate is that apparently I can't get sleep mode to work but Stan can - how odd. It's barely a complex procedure! It clearly wasn't other components in my system causing this.

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Well if you had pushed down the IC into the socket properly you would have had it working. I did offer to look at the DAC after all, which you turned down in favour of a rant on AoS.

Well I think that's totally unfair. I mentioned a sleep mode problem and others have come forward with the same issue. If I had not mentioned it then buyers would not know that this is a potential problem. I have given the DAC where credit is due. If I had just wanted to cause 'trouble' then I would not mention its positive points.

The IC was pushed down properly. If it wasn't then the LEDs wouldn't have not lit at all;). As I stated, the DAC worked perfectly until attempting to enter sleep mode. Yes you offered to look at the DAC and said you would replace it if it was faulty - however you found no fault and mentioned nothing about the IC mounting. I decided to opt for a refund as I was not happy with your responses. Having a fully functional product was not too much to ask for I don't think.

Had I not stated my issue on here you would not have 'progressed' to disabling the sleep function for future production. So I see my comments and others who have mentioned the fault as productive for the buying public.

Ok, that's enough about the sleep mode now, chaps. All the points that needed to be made have been and it's becoming a bit circular. Stan is withdrawing sleep mode so it's defunct and a minor issue anyway compared with the performance the Bushmaster provides. Let's move on.

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Originally Posted by seoirse2002

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Add me to that.

I have had absolutely NO problem with ANY aspect of the Standac!

As I have previously stated, the Bushmaster is one of those great sounding products that money can buy. For the small amount of investment required, this DAC is unbeatable, excellent sounding and is a boon to those wishing to have dynamic, great sounding digital sound. StanB, in my opinion, is a real stand-up guy whose support for his product is second to none. When I had an issue with my ADC to connecting to the Bushmaster, he immediately emailed me a solution that worked. And by the way, I have had no issues with the LEDs whatsoever. I also turn the Bushmaster off when not in use. Why, because, like any other appliance in my home, leaving a coffee pot or stove on, when not in use, wastes electricity and contributes to pollution, and may lead to other dire, unfortunate and unintended consequences. (Use your imagination).. Nyff said.

To StanB, keep up the good work and I shall be looking forward to the next iteration of the Bushmaster. Thank you for a great product.

rex

Every manufacturer, no matter whether they be large or small, will find themselves having to deal with customer complaints at sometime or another. It is how those complaints are dealt with which is really important to both the business and the customer, especially in these days of social networking where reputations can be won or lost online at the drop of a hat. This is even more crucial when the outfit concerned is a small business trying to build on its market share.

A good example of how things can go terribly wrong very quickly is Apple, who are historically quite an arrogant company to deal with. One thing that has kept them afloat for a very long time is that they were the the king of cool, producing products which looked real good and that just about everybody wanted. Unfortunately Apple hasn't had a good buffing since Steve Jobs died and the rot has begun to set in. Even their core customers are detecting the unmistakable odour of rotting fruit and they are beginning to look elsewhere for riper fruit in other bowls.

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Originally Posted by synsei

A good example of how things can go terribly wrong very quickly is Apple, who are historically quite an arrogant company to deal with. One thing that has kept them afloat for a very long time is that they were the the king of cool, producing products which looked real good and that just about everybody wanted. Unfortunately Apple hasn't had a good buffing since Steve Jobs died and the rot has begun to set in. Even their core customers are detecting the unmistakable odour of rotting fruit and they are beginning to look elsewhere for riper fruit in other bowls.

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I see what you did there, Dave - very droll! :lol:

I thank thee kindly sir... :thumbsup:

Can anyone else smell sultanas?

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Can anyone else smell sultanas?

Marco.

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:rfl:

I will get around to calling you Marco but currently I have lost my voice due to a cold. The missus is loving the peace and quiet though... :D

No but I don't fancy any blackberries...

Well poetically put sensei, I mean synsei! :D
Sultanas are probably not the best example as they're still a positive outcome.. Then again maybe not a bad representation of Apple gear. No one can rule forever.

Currently listening to my M-DAC - brief interesting Bushmaster comparison to follow soon.

I'm thinking about getting the Bushmaster DAC

I want to make sure it can fit on the shelf alongside my cd player

Can anyone who owns one measure it for me?

Thanks soooo much ;)

If its the same size as the 7510 chassis its about the same size as a videotape. (ish)

200 x 168 x 55mm.

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Originally Posted by myles

If its the same size as the 7510 chassis its about the same size as a videotape. (ish)

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No, not the same chassis and it's deeper than it is wide.

Thanks soooo much, and so fast....

So 168mm wide ??

Cheers all :)

I stand corrected.

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Originally Posted by Ninanina

So 168mm wide ??

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Yes.

Thanks so much Martin. It will fit with ease

Does anyone know if Stan is on holiday? because I have tried to contact him a couple of times but I've had no response

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Originally Posted by Ninanina

Does anyone know if Stan is on holiday? because I have tried to contact him a couple of times but I've had no response

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Just called him on your behalf but I believe contact has been made now? :)

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Originally Posted by synsei

Was that meant for me Alex? I didn't have a problem with the LED's on my BM, it had more serious issues and now I own a Rega DAC :scratch:

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No, I was just amazed at how much are some people complaining about features that have nothing to do with the sound quality

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Originally Posted by mudan

I think we all know the DAC produces some excellent sounds for money. Coupled with the linear psu it made a great upgrade for my system so I was disheartened when it had to go. Alot of equipment can have issues. I mean look at the MDAC I'm buying today - it's had plenty however these are generally resolved through firmware updates the user can install.

This discussion we're having will help Stan to improve his product.

What I didn't appreciate is that apparently I can't get sleep mode to work but Stan can - how odd. It's barely a complex procedure! It clearly wasn't other components in my system causing this.

magiccarpetride as you have had to put duct tape on your DAC I take it your sleep mode didn't work also?

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Yes, my particular copy of BM is a temperamental little fellow (could be due to the fact that it was an early release?) It was throwing a few tantrums at me, even refusing to work at one point. After doing some acrobatics, I've managed to get it back into the operational shape.

But it was all worth it, because the sound quality is amazing, especially for the money. And I bought the DAC strictly for the sound, not for the looks or any other features it may or may not have.

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Originally Posted by magiccarpetride

No, I was just amazed at how much are some people complaining about features that have nothing to do with the sound quality

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Fine. I just didn't take too kindly to being told to 'man up' when I wasn't the one doing the complaining. Having said that if a member has a problem with a piece of equipment the management of AoS have always encouraged us to name and shame the company. That way things get fixed, and if they don't then other members know about it and can vote with their feet if they feel the need..

Hi Craig
Thanks so much for contacting Stan on my behalf :), unfortunately I still have not heard from him

But thanks anyway for your help

Bev

My intention is to remove most features from the firmware and the supporting components from the PCB and just offer the normal manual switching facility with the LEDs always ON. Innovation can have its teething problems and detract from an otherwise excellent product. But other DAC manufacturers have managed to do without such features, so it is obviously not high on the list of facilities that the average user requires or even needs.

It's a pity really since I was looking forward to further develop the BM to be operated by a Raspberry Pi and adding a remote control code set to the firmware. But the likely dangers of taking the BM in that direction are becoming clear. They are at the limit of my knowledge in code writing. So I'll leave it to the DIYer and after market product sellers with PIC code writing skills to mess about with those things. It is best that I just stick to the basics.

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Originally Posted by magiccarpetride

But it was all worth it, because the sound quality is amazing, especially for the money. And I bought the DAC strictly for the sound, not for the looks or any other features it may or may not have.

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Yes I bought a DAC to improve sound as well not just so that I could have another box stacked up :) However out of the box I had to switch that glaring blue LED off. I find it frustrating when something doesn't work right. Had it been an accepted known issue then I may have even put up with it, maybe even with some duct tape like someone mentioned! :eyebrows: It was a nice surprise when even the headphone amp impressed!

Stan, cant you hook up with someone who knows PIC coding?
This is probably just a glitch, the concept is good! :)