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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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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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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
There is a pair of Lamm 2.1 Hybrids that are mostly SS with one 6922 in each mono block. Any of you guys familiar with these? Was just wondering if a tube lover would like these amps and thought to reach out to you guys. Thanks
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Fsmithjack,

Respectfully suggest you start a new thread on the amp topic rather than hijack this one.

FWIW, I own a pair of the Lamm M2.1 hybrids you mention and would be happy to discuss them on another thread or by PM if you prefer.

Back to the DACs, the M1 is one of the best I've heard. Would think it would be close between the two and would require a long listen on same rig to draw a meaningful conclusion. Cheers
Spencer
bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
A customer with a DS recently borrowed the Bricasti M1 and emailed me almost immediately upon hooking it up, shortly afterward deciding he wants an M1.

I suspect upsampling everything to high rate DSD and then downsampling, using filters you have to make, PCM sources such as 96 kHz may be very compromised.

Dealer disclosure.
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Hi Spencer, Not sure I can highjack my own thread but I get your point.

I threw it out there on here because I listed my entire system earlier and have spoke about my amps as well and a bunch of the guys/gals that have provided input to this thread have opinion's I really value. In the event any of them knew anything about the Lamm amps I thought to take a shot in the dark here rather than starting a new thread in the amps section where I may not have gotten to them but I agree that I should just keep it to the DACS so my bad there...

That said with the 2 DACs at hand the DS and the M1 there is no long session needed imo.

I went into that in detail earlier on so no need to beat a dead horse on that point.

The DSD is a fantastic DAC and IMO the absolute best in its price range and it is much better than many more expensive ones as well but the M1 is lot more money. All that extra money gives the designer a distinct advantage and he doesn't have to deal with the bean counters nipping at the parts bin like the less expensive ones do.

The M1 is the best digital I have ever heard and once broken in I found it breath taking.

I love this quote which sums up how I feel:

Once I hit play, those cocky words "game over" did do a full frontal assault number quite without volition. When you're in the presence of better than you're used to by a significant enough margin, it takes no time at all to recognize it.
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