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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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eugene2
6 posts
 
I am always suspect when someone uses the phrase "kills it" when describing sound differences between two comparable pieces of equipment. I personally think transport to DAC synergy is very important to obtaining good sound. I think the Linux based Antipodes-gear is fantastic using the Ipeng interface. Initially I had the Antipodes DS Reference which is fantastic heard the DX version and immediately upgraded my unit. I like the flac file format Antipodes uses, it also helped me with my little Astell & Kern AK 120 as I used the flac files backed up from my Antipodes and loaded them to the 120.
I am sure the Bricasti is a better sounding DAC based on the reviews, but I'm going to stick with the PS DS because of the upgrade path and their ability to close the gap on the competition very quickly. I also put some Synergistic ECTs and a big red fuse, switched out a Verastarr Grand Illusion copper cable and inserted their silver Grand Illusion Signature, which for me took the sound up a whole mother level. I'm sure if I inserted the Bricasti it would be mind blowing, for me right now the PSA DS and Antipodes DX is a phenominal combination. I heard Steve's Empirical DAC at a show and the system sounded phenominal to say the least, I am willing to bet it will give all the Dacs in this thread a run for their money
rrolack
54 posts
 
I don't see anything wrong with saying one DAC is just plain better than another.

For example, no one has qualms about saying the DirectStream is better than the PWD Mkii in absolutely every way, even though they're substantially different topologies. Similarly, saying the REF75 is in all ways superior to the REF110, I suspect, would be perfectly acceptable as well.

If that's right, then why is it an issue to claim the M1 is far superior to the DS?
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Ricred1

How are you? I like the Bricasti M1 Direct to the amps so much that I am making a deal to trade my amps and my pre which I really like for better amps to drive direct. I am headed down non pre lane. I think with my current amps and pre I would say I like it a tad better with my pre but I think its because my pre is better than my amps. My amps are a bit too warm. Always welcomed and enjoyed their warmth but that was with brighter gear. Kinda needed that warmth to deal with brighter, not as resolved gear. I now am after a more neutral amp to get a closer more intimate sound. This is all from a pre lover. The pre used to be my favorite item but really because it helped pick up source imo. I am not sure I can call it heading down no pre lane because the M1 really is a DAC/Pre combo. It is not a popped in volume control by any stretch rather it is an outstanding well executed, duel mono output stage that has me putting my ARC Reference pre up on the trading block. I can always add a pre later if I go through pre withdrawals but my Bricasti is still breaking in and still sounding better. I think before I will revisit the pre I want to make a good run at improving my transport. Looking forward to that when I scrape up some more funds :)
ricred1
2,004 posts
 
Fsmithjack,

I'm doing fine. I'm still nervously awaiting the arrival of my M1. I will have it at the beginning of next week. As you know, I don't have a preamp and decided to sell the DSD instead of purchasing a preamp. I hope the M1 is my answer and it provides a fuller, more natural sound than the DSD direct.
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
I can say in my current system my pre does add weight and body which I like and prefer but there are trade offs. Like most things in audio there is always a what goes up must come down thing but this is Bricasti with a pre vs Bricasti w/o pre with my super warm amps the pre leans them out a bit but not compared to DS. With the DS in my system I found my ARC essential and no comparison to not having it with the DS. With Bricasti the pre is more of a preference. Take it or leave it as one adds here and takes there type of thing and its just about a push with a tad leaning toward pre for now... I bet with a better transport I would prefer no pre even with current amps but that's my gut not proof talking. Looking forward to a more neutral and substantial amp direct and for that matter with a upgraded transport then we should be cooking with gas : )...
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