Bricasti M1 owners- a question-

I’m aware of what the owner’s manual provides. What’s interesting is that the unbalanced output is set at +8dbm and the fixed balanced output is set at +13.5dbm which is a bit odd as it should be double the unbalanced output. And yet by moving the jumpers you do get +16dbm, without needing any other adjustment at all. 

@rsf507, The Bricasti M1SE DAC is very good and the Bricasti M21 DAC sounds much better (In my opinion). The M21 DAC includes both a sigma delta DAC and a ladder DAC.  The M21 has great detail, is clearer and is very musical.   I suggest you give it a listen.   It is truly amazing.  

Set the output fixed level so the digital volume control is up near full for loud listening, this way you won’t run the risk of "bit stripping" if the volume is too low.

Cheers George

Thanks @hgeifman did you have a chance to compare the M21 to the M12?

@rsf507, I never considered the Bricasti M12 Dual Mono Source Controller since I ONLY needed a DAC.  I am using the SimAudio 700i V2 integrated amplifier and use its volume control.   Based on my experience, I prefer to use the volume control in the pre-amplifier section and NOT the DAC.   It is my opinion that the volume control function needs to be in the pre-amplifier section (and not the DAC).  

HOWEVER, there are some people that PREFER using the volume control in the DAC, like the Bricasti M1, M12 and the Bricasti M21 DAC, and go direct to a power amplifier.  Please note that Bricasti recommends using the volume control in the DAC and going direct to a power amplifier.  Everyone has a different opinion on this topic. Most likely, if the DAC's volume control works in the analog stage (like the Bricasti M21 DAC) and is "perfectly matched" to the power amplifier, the system will probably sound excellent.  On the other hand, I have excellent sound quality results using a pre-amplifier for the volume control so I am happy.

The only way to determine what sounds best for you is to demo using the DAC's volume control going direct to a power amplifier and also using a pre-amplifier volume control.   Once you hear both connections, you can make a decision based on the resulting sound quality.  Unfortunately, it is not easy to demo these 2 combinations so maybe you need to get additional comments from Audiogon members.  I hope this helps.  

BTW, the Bricasti M21 DAC is excellent and I am very happy with it. The M21 DAC includes both a sigma delta DAC and a ladder DAC so you have 2 options to choose from.