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Bricasti M1 USB

I just picked up the Bricasti DAC a couple of weeks ago. Hands down, it's top notch. I'd been using the Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 mkii since 1995 or so. And I still think the SF is a great DAC. But the Bricasti is, well, something special.

I've demoed the Weiss 202 Firewire, Aesthetix Pandora and MSB Analog DAC and the Platinum Signature. The MSB Platinum Sig (at $23K) was great... but it wasn't another $14K better than the Bricasti, at least for my wallet. The MSB Analog DAC was incredible but I liked the Bricasti better. It had a presence and presentation that just seemed right to me. Granted, when I compared the MSB and Bricasti, I was listening on a unfamiliar system, albeit very high-end... Constellation pre/power amp and Magico Q3s.

When I got the Bricasti in my system I was thrilled. I've got Cary 211AE monoblocks, Cary SLP-98 Pre, Vivid B1 speakers, Organic and Nordost cables.

I had the Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 mkii for 15+ years and I could happily live with the Bricasti for the next 15 years.
marty97x
lasercd
50 posts
 
DSD has a very distinct sound (to my ears at least). Notes are rounder. Perhaps you can characterize it as more analogue sounding than PCM. Its probably not the ultimate in detail compared to hi-res PCM but its something that is just really pleasant on the ears.

I didn't listen to a lot of different units before I bought the M1. I had been using the Accustic Arts DAC I Mk 4 for some time. It was a very good DAC but time had passed it by. I was able to get the M1 on a brief loan. I immediately understood that it was working on a different playing field. Given the geneology of the DAC and the company itself, it became a no-brainer for me.

Since I've owned the unit I've seen it through various software updates and hardware upgrades. I've heard DACs from EMM, DCS and MSB (albeit not in my system). Great DACs but I prefer the Bricasti.

I love the ability to dial the unit in by changing filters. It makes a huge difference.

I'm not saying its the ultimate DAC but given its reasonable price I think it blows away the competition. YMMV.
stickman451
553 posts
 
I have no doubts that the M1 is a fantastic DAC. I will listen to the M1, the exaSound e20, the Analog DAC, and the Berkley DAC 2, and then decide which works best in my room and rig.

I've downloaded several DSD files and they sound very good even with Adirvana converting them to PCM on-the-fly; really looking forward to hearing this music in Native DSD on a top notch DAC... Will report back on this later...
stickman451
553 posts
 
The Shelby Lynne DSD from AS sounds GOOD.
smatsui
168 posts
 
I have the M1 USB with all the latest upgrades (purchased April 2013) and upgraded it for DSD. I agree with Lasercd regarding the analog like sound of DSD played through the M1. I use a Bryston BDP-2 for PCM, PC laptop with J. River v19 for DSD and a PS Audio PWT for CDs (rarely use it). I'm anxiously awaiting Bryston's implementation of DSD output capability for the BDP-2. Bryston has stated that DSD output upgrade for the BDP-2 should be out before the end of the year.

Back to the M1, it sounds great but I've only compared it to my PWD mkII. I have a lot of DSD files and they sound so musically engaging through the M1 and my Harbeth M40.1 speakers.
mcondon
235 posts
 
Smatsui, can you say more about the comparison of the Bricasti vs. the. PWD? What do you like better about the Bricasti?
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