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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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hgeifman
2,168 posts
 
I agree, we should forget the technical information.  After one day of operation, my Bricasti M1 SE is beginning to sound much better.  I am noticing the music is clearer, less noise and has more details. The bass is stronger and improved. Vocals are very clear and detailed. It is very musical.

I have a feeling my M1 SE needs some more "cooking" time. They installed all new capacitors and I think they need to be broken in.  I am listening to the piano right now and it sounds excellent.  It sounds better now than without the upgrade.  The M1 SE upgrade costs $1,000 plus shipping.  

Yes, the M1 SE upgrade sounds excellent and the M1 SE upgrade is recommended.   I finally connected the remote and it works fine.  I should of done it before. 
lula
213 posts
 
hgeifman, is this analysis for Redbook?

hgeifman
2,168 posts
 
Yes. Source is an Aurender N10 music server using ripped CD's (AIFF) stored on the N10 and Tidal streaming. 
fsmithjack's avatar
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
hgeifman - When I started this thread I was hoping to start a thread for people to talk about both these great DACS, the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and the Bricasti M1 DAC. I have owned them both and think they are both amazing. When I read your post I called into Bricasti to work toward setting up getting my DAC upgraded to the SE so thank you for sharing. I have slowly been building a second system that is getting better and better and been looking for a deal on maybe a Direct Stream Jr.

hgeifman or anyone who has heard the Bricasti M1 SE upgrade can you tell me a little about it? Does it make a nice difference?

How about anyone out there on the Direct Stream JR - is it close to the original? Would love some feedback on both the M1 SE upgrade and the DS Jr.

Thanks 


 
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Sundarum78 

Nice system, you really can't go wrong with any of the DACs you listed as they all will provide a nice improvement. With the Direct Stream and Bricasti I think it comes down to money. They are both great and I have owned both. I personally think the Bricasti is a better DAC but it also cost thousands more and the Direct Stream is not far behind as I really like that DAC. These are 2 of the better options out there so your in good company if you have the extra money I would go with the Bricasti but that's just me both are awesome. Both have recent upgrades and I have not heard either with the upgrades so maybe some people that have heard them can help and add some recent info to help you decide. Good luck with your choice!
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