Solo streamer

Bricasti also has a preamp by the way and it’s really good. However, it’s done right and it sounds it. 
just to compare…

DAC 3 HGC:

Bricasti M3:

Thank you.

I’d always rather have a separate preamp.  I know DAC / Preamps are hugely popular but I wonder how many are just climbing the DAC ladder and have never had a really good preamp that meshes well with all their other gear.  
 

My last two preamps were a CJ and Zesto.  System sounded thin and honestly not that great with just a DAC driving my amps.    I tried it with several DACs and put the preamp right back on the chain. 

@oddiofyl I compared the preamp in the M3 to Pass Labs XP-12 and XP-22. The M3 direct to amp is very transparent but not harsh. The only area where it lacks slightly is the soundstage depth and layering. This is where a dedicated preamp comes in. 

@oddiofyl 

The heart of my system is a vintage Conrad Johnson preamp refitted with Teflon caps by CJ.  It really makes my system work.