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Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

I own a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC that I like a lot but heard my friends system with the Bricasti M1 and I am strongly thinking of changing my DAC and would love your feedback from other members that have heard either or both. I know they are both great but really thinking of changing my Dac from PS Audio Direct Stream to the Bricasti M1 DAC. I use a HP Desk top computer as source with Jplay and JRiver Media 19 and the outstanding Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable. The rest of my system is below. I listen to Classic Rock, jazz, vocal, some modern music and the usual audiophile stuff.

Thanks

My system for reference.

Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany) Monitor
Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker cable
Cardas Clear Interconnect 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes Tube preamp
Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output StageTelefunken ECC801S
PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC w/ Bridge DA converter
Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable
PS Audio PerfectWave PowerBase Vibration Cancelation/AC Condtioner
Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts Tung-Sol KT120's amps
PS Audio PowerPlant Premier AC Regenerator
BMI Shark Pure Jeweler Grade Platinum AC Power Cable
Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable
Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier AC Power Cable
JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2M AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable
PS Audio Noise Harvester (5) Converts noise to light
OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2)
Hubbell Outlet 5362/5262 Deep Cryo Process
Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection
JPLAY v5.2 hi-end audio player turns PC into a digital transport.
JRiver Media Center 19 Music Software
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
hgeifman - When I started this thread I was hoping to start a thread for people to talk about both these great DACS, the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and the Bricasti M1 DAC. I have owned them both and think they are both amazing. When I read your post I called into Bricasti to work toward setting up getting my DAC upgraded to the SE so thank you for sharing. I have slowly been building a second system that is getting better and better and been looking for a deal on maybe a Direct Stream Jr.

hgeifman or anyone who has heard the Bricasti M1 SE upgrade can you tell me a little about it? Does it make a nice difference?

How about anyone out there on the Direct Stream JR - is it close to the original? Would love some feedback on both the M1 SE upgrade and the DS Jr.

Thanks 


 
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Sundarum78 

Nice system, you really can't go wrong with any of the DACs you listed as they all will provide a nice improvement. With the Direct Stream and Bricasti I think it comes down to money. They are both great and I have owned both. I personally think the Bricasti is a better DAC but it also cost thousands more and the Direct Stream is not far behind as I really like that DAC. These are 2 of the better options out there so your in good company if you have the extra money I would go with the Bricasti but that's just me both are awesome. Both have recent upgrades and I have not heard either with the upgrades so maybe some people that have heard them can help and add some recent info to help you decide. Good luck with your choice!
hgeifman
2,168 posts
 
fsmithjack, I am very happy with my Bricasti M1 SE DAC upgrade.  After about two weeks of running, the M1 SE is now sounding more natural, clearer, has more bass, a lack of noise, excellent dynamics and details.  I am thrilled with how good my entire system sounds since I am hearing details, imaging and bass that I have not heard before.  I heard a slight improvement on day one but the unit needs to be on for a while before it really comes alive.

The Bricasti web site lists the upgrades made to build the M1 SE.  My Bricasti M1 was gone for about two weeks.   If you decide to upgrade, please make an appointment to ensure they have the parts in stock before you ship. Based on my positive experience, I recommend the Bricasti M1 DAC upgrade to the SE Version.

I happen to believe my system sounds outstanding because of the Aurender N10 Music Sever and my Hypex NCore NC400 Bridged Mono Block class D Power Amplifiers.  

I am replacing my Harmonic Technology Armour Link III Interconnect Cable (XLR) with James Romeyn Interconnect cables with Cardas XLR Rhodium connectors. Delivery is expected sometime next week.  All my power cords were upgraded to Pure Grid Power!” AC Mains W/Rhodium Plated Contacts to include Rhodium plated contacts wall plugs.   I was very surprised but the Rhodium walls plugs made the system sound quieter with less noise.  I hope this helps.  


hgeifman
2,168 posts
 
“Bricasti does not have an official response to MQA’s validity as a new format / codec.  Currently we have plans to support it because Its important for us is to support formats that are made available and interest our customers and to let them decide what is best for them. We are currently waiting on the next steps from Meridian including what costs will be associated with being able to offer MQA on the M1”.

Tidal is working on a MQA implementation. Their official response is "A firm date for launching MQA has not been set.  We will of course let everyone know if/when MQA becomes available”.   I emailed Tidal this week and their response was "We do not have an update on the date of release”.

For more information please visit
https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/208649445-What-is-MQA-



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fsmithjack OP
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My DAC is at Bricasti with Joe and Brian getting the SE upgrade as we speak. It was dropped it off yesterday - one of the nice things about living near the manufacture.

Guys I read on another site about one of the features to the newest version of the M1 software. I will paraphrase some of the writing I read on another site:  

"the software version is 1.32, first press Status on the front panel several times until you see either SyncWide or SyncFine, and then rotate the knob to change from one to the other" " Once the display shows one of those modes you can toggle the choice from your listening chair to listen for the differences. The SE upgrade by itself is something, but the SyncFine setting is even better -- bigger soundstage, everything more distinct and 3D. Spooky. It will be interesting to get customers' reactions when they hear the comparisons between those modes and between the SE and the standard version."

What do you guys think - has anyone tried this or heard this? It sounds awesome and would love some feedback or more info about this. The guy said at the time he was the first one who had it and this was back in March so I wanted to share and get any feedback on it if possible because it sounds awesome!
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