New DAC with streamer


Hi I'm looking for a DAC to replace a modified PS Audio DirectStream MK1.

I currently use MConnect on a Samsung S20 phone to stream Qobuz.  The preamp is a Spectral DMC-30SV and the amps are Spectral DMA-400 monoblocs.  Speakers are EgglestonWorks Rosa.  

 

My choice for a new DAC is the Bricasti M21.  It has a built-in streamer for ethernet, and gives you the choice of playing music using a ladder dac, delta sigma dac or 1-bit DSD.

 

Let me know your thoughts, if you have any experience with Bricasti and if it is worth the price at about $16K.

   

bigby

@cundare2 

I think Condosound has your answer. For me, the only drawback with the Airlens is the lack of dedicated software. Roon would be a good solution.

I just recently purchased and have been using for the past 3 weeks a Bricasti M1 SE with network card with Qobuz and Audirvana. Very pleased, also helped by a GREAT deal!  Enjoy

I've found that my Amazon Fire tablet works well as a streamer when it's used with a good stand alone dac like my Schiit Modius.  And on sale the Fire HD10 plus was only a bit over $100.

If you like the PS Audio DSD, my customers usually move to one of three brands depending on budget.  Meitner MA3, Playback Designs or Bricasti.  The M1 has been a popular choice but the M21 is awesome in that it is an M1 S2 AND it has the R2R.

regarding the streamer card, this outperforms most streamers/DACs and does this because it is solidly made and is connected internally via I2S.  I2S is advantageous as it connects the clocks in a superior way and leads to better sound due to reduced jitter.  
 

the MA3 is a step up from the DSD as well and is modestly priced compared to Playback or Bricasti with a list at $10.5k.  The Playback MPD-6 is amazing but with card, is $18k.  
 

full disclosure. I am a dealer for all three brands but have personally owned the DSD, had multiple DSDs in on trade for direct compare.

Regarding other recos in this thread that I have owned and spent time with, as wonderful as the Weiss 501/502 is, the unit is a bit brighter than what you are used to.  The Weiss Helios is smoother sounding but is a big step up in price to $22k.  I find dCS and Lumin also to be noticeably brighter than what you are used to.  
 

I just hooked up the Esoteric N-01XD a few minutes ago and I have not put it through its paces yet but reminds me of the Weiss Helios tonally.  It is neutral and pleasant sounding. I only listened to a few tracks but this might be a good fit as well.  

full disclosure. I am a dealer for all three brands

@verdantaudio 

So, I heard the Bricasti not too long ago and noted that it didn't sound any better than my Denafrips Venus or the Yggdrasil.  I opened it and noted that the build quality wasn't any better either. I wondered why and pondered it deeply. "Why didn't I get what I paid for??" 

And then....it occurred to me.

16 k Brici  --> subtract dealer's cut of 8k

----> Subtract another 4k (Just keepin the good ol' boys more honest in life cut)

Now, the resultant pice is about in the same ballpark as the Denafrips or the Schiit. Is that why it didn't sound any better Verdant? What do you think?