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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
ricred1
2,084 posts
 
Ok, so what's better? Soundstage, bass, midrange? I'll have a M1 shortly and if I agree with your assessment, I'll be sure to post it! Listening always makes it clear.
aolmrd1241
1,046 posts
 
My main reason to state my displeasure with PSA was not the quality of sound,but with their pricing scheme. My digital playback before the DS/PWT combo was a Wadia 861se with the GNSC Statement upgrade by the venerable Steve Huntley.. I loved the Wadia and kept it in house for 9 years before moving on to the DS/PWT combo.

The reason for moving on from the Wadia was simple...The PSA sound quality just plain crushed the mighty Wadia. The full up Wadia retailed for $13,500 vs the PSA retail of $10,000. I do not fall into the more money is better debate. What does get my goat is pricing that falls like a lead balloon when the manufacture wants to move a few more units for his bottom line,which in turn... causes animosity amongst the customer base.

They say a happy wife makes for a happy life[very-true]. I say a happy customer makes for a repeat buyer. Do it right or don't do it at all...
bill_k
939 posts
 
Ricred1 - Sorry if my post upset you, I was merely following up on your post about other superior DACs which you 'guaranteed' exist. By your statement I thought that you had personally experienced some, but apparently not. I was only politely requesting you to share your findings.
ricred1
2,084 posts
 
Bill_k,
You didn't upset me. This is only audio; not life and death. My guarantee was somewhat "tongue-in-cheek", meaning in this hobby someone else will declare the Bricasti is inferior to the DAC they prefer.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Fsmithjack,

I note your system lists 2 old Synergistic Research power cords and that your system is single ended. I wonder what the result would be if you listened to the DS DAC with high end power cords substituted for those old Synergistic Research cords, and if your system were balanced. Just a thought. What cables and cords were attached to the DS DAC when you were listening to it?
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