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Which DAC ??? - Aesthetix Pandora Eclipse OR Bricasti M1 SE?

Fellow audiophiles, hope you are all well. I need your advice on my next DAC upgrade!!!

 

I recently acquired a Aesthetix Pandora DAC (base model) to replace my PS Audio Perfectwave mk2. I feel that the Pandora is a substantial improvement over Perfectware mk2 with sweet treble, solid mid and powerful bass. The vocals sound much smoother and there's more meat on the bones. For me, the sole task of music is to convey emotion and Pandora does this wonderfully! I feel that it brings souls to my music collections. Very musical DAC that I can keep listening for hours without any signs of fatigue. As compared to Pandora, the Perfectwave sounds analytical, flat and lifeless.

 

I like the Pandora so much that one month after I acquired it I'm thinking of upgrading it to its top of the line edition, the Eclipse edition which costs substantially more than than the base model and is in the same price range as the well-known Bricastsi M1 SE. The problem is there's no place in Sydney to audition the Pandora Eclipse or the Bricasti M1 SE, not to mention a home audition.

 

Now here comes my questions: Could you please kindly share your experience if you listened to the either Aesthetix Pandora Eclipse or Bricasti M1 SE before? The sound that I'm chasing is open, live, 3d and most importantly, musical and engaging. Bricasti M1 SE is a world class DAC and most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. However, there are still a few people saying it can be bright therefore fatiguing at times. Is it true? OR should I take a totally new perspective and upgrade other components to maximize the SQ improvement e.g. a dedicated server like Antipodes DX?

 

My humble system comprises:

Mac mini with Uptone DC-Conversion / Linear Fan Controller Kit (MMK).

Aesthetix Pandora DAC (base model)

Aesthetix Calypso Preamp

Aesthetix Atlas Monos

Magnepan 1.7i

IC: Entry level Chord XLR

Speaker cable: Clearday double shotgun

 

Please help me make an informed decision. Your opinion is highly appreciated!!!!!

Thanks.

Steven


steven365
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Greetings Steven
 I have heard the comparison
 The Bricasti is an excellent DAC and I would say its at its best with components voiced like itself higher feedback amps with more control
 Think Levinson the clean and clear crowd question here is how di both do justice Nina Simone's voice in the Midrange etc.

The Aesthetix Pandora Dac would be my first choice with your gear.
The Atlas amps and Calypso follow a no feedback design approach.
While the Pandora will seem to have a better tonal balance in your system e preserving the overtones with a significant improvement.

The Aesthetix Eclipse Romulus CD and Pandora Eclipse DAC, by comparison, are of a much more musical engaging experience.
 Something to not overlook on Eclipse Dac besides power supply and chassis isolation is the expensive special exotic Caps
 At this level and in my listening experience make the Eclipse even a better value at its asking.
 .
 Best
 JohnnyR
  
steven365 OP
26 posts
 
@tomic601 Hi Tom

thanks for the info. May I please ask which tubes did you purchase from Vintage Tube?

I’m thinking of upgrading to the Eclipse edition but feel the cost is quite discouraging. Nowadays everyone is talking about streaming believing better sound quality can be achieved via Ethernet than via USB. Maybe I should give the DAC/streamer option a go, like the Ayon S-10? I’ve heard great things about the Ayon S-10 and the gentleman who sold me the Pandora highly recommends it.  
steven365 OP
26 posts
 
@audioconnection 

Hi John

nice to see you again. Thanks for your advices via WhatsApp. I purchased the Aesthetix Atlas Monos and Pandora based on your recommendation and I am indeed impressed. 

Just wondering if you have compared the Pandora Eclipse with Ayon S- 5 or S-10 DAC/streamer which are also no feedback design? 

Thanks



audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Steven
 Thanks for your comments
  Ayon is using a 6H30 output stage.
Aesthetix is optimizing their set up with 6922/12Ax7 the same tubes your Calypso Pre amp and will voice/ match in an obvious way when you hear it.
 I would suggest you stay the course all the way through w Eclipse
I think once you experience Eclipse level you will then be confident and know you have an excellent matched system enjoying the music instead of writing to us pen pals here.
 Best
 JohnnyR  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Very thoughtful and wise counsel from Johnny R. The context must be the entire audio system and the overall sonic result. Johnny R. has addressed the situation from this approach. His comments regarding NFB(negative feedback) compared to zero NFB designs is noteworthy. It depends on the type of sound you’re seeking from your system. I lean toward the  zero NFB concept  however  many people are happy with components utilizing NFB as well.
Charles
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