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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
fsmithjack
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Mcondon,

I also note you have stated, "I doubt the Direct Stream will hold its value either, especially since it seems to get somewhat mixed reviews from people who have heard it or own it. It seems to need 1000 hours of break-in to sound its best ...".

Regarding DACs holding their value, can you name a single DAC that has held "its value" over a period of more than one year. Of course, it also depends on what you mean by "its value". Do you mean your purchase price, or the after market price 6 months or 12 months or more down the line, or something else?

Also, I have yet to read a mixed review from anyone who owns the DS DAC. And it is clearly stated by PS Audio -- and reaffirmed on many forums by DS DAC owners -- that break-in for the DS DAC requires 500 hours -- not 1000 hours as you have misstated.
aolmrd1241
1,046 posts
 
The PSA DS dac does not start to bloom into a music machine until a minimum of three to four hundred hours. I now have around 550 hours on mine and it still amazes me as to how much more I am hearing from this dac. The pike peak OS is a stunning update,and must be considered mandatory to realize the full potential along with substantial break in time. It would be a big mistake to not give this dac time to open up. The reward for persistence will be large....
ricred1
2,084 posts
 
I know price isn't always an indication of sound quality, but I don't understand why it's a shock that the Bricasti M1 sounds better than the Direct Stream...it should, it cost 1 1/2 times as much. When I purchased my Direct Stream my dealer told me the M1 sounds better, but it was out of the price range I allocated for a DAC.
I have a pair of Aerial 7Ts and love them. I heard a pair of Raidho C3.1 and they are the best speakers that I've ever heard. If I could afford them, I get them today. I just went from a Parasound A21 to a Jeff Rowland M525 and the differences are pretty significant. Again, not in all cases, but usually when you spend more money the SQ increases. There are some that don't think the incremental increase in SQ is worth it, but I do. Enjoy your M1!
nglazer
857 posts
 
jbnachman,

FWIW, I have been luistening to digital music since the Magnavox CDB 650 (the first 16 bit machine) in the mid-'80's, and have been through countless DAC's. The PSA DSD is a dream machine once it burnms in, which does take a long time. You will hear the improvements after 100-200 hrs, but +400-500 you will hear how breathtaking it is.

It is PC and IC sensitive, so if you are have not already, I would ensure I had cabling equal to the DSD. Be patient and you will be amply rewarded.

Neal
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Fsmithjack,

Thanks for letting me know. I didn't realize this about Mcondon. Just as the Bricasti software improves its level so too does the software for the DS DAC. I am sure there will be improvements with DAC technology in the future, just as there have been in recent years. I am not on an endless quest. I have drawn the line in the sand except for room treatments and one other element. With my system at a very high level I see no need to keep on the treadmill anymore. I am very satisfied with what I have now.

I'll be interested in hearing your observations about the DS DAC vs. the Bricasti. I am very happy with my DS DAC and my system. I will not be selling it. I do my own DIY things and they elevate the system to a much higher level. This is the best bang for my audio buck at the present time. Buying a new component can improve SQ parameters but I achieve a lot with room treatments. I have enough detail, transparency, etc. with my system. I concentrate on sound stage and imagining with room treatments.
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