2. digital
  3. 157602-127487

Bricasti Design M1 SE - W/ LAN Network Streamer - Version 1.51 V. Denafrips Terminator

I am stumbling along trying to put together a digital streaming system. Have a tidal account and stream through a Farad Power Supply, Roon Nucleus and a AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red,  into a Pass Labs XP 30 Line Stage Preamp, Pass Labs Class A mono blocs, Klipsch LaScala. Considering Bricasti Design M1 SE - Includes LAN Network Streamer - Latest Clock Upgrade Version 1.51 or Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC. My budget is under $10K and I like to buy used. Would appreciate the Forum's assistance in evaluating these components, how they would would work with the Roon Nucleus and what other components would be necessary or desired. I don't expect to use the Dragon Fly. It was used as a cheap way to get started.  My system is currently fully balanced.

thinman2

Showing 6 responses by chesebert

chesebert
67 posts
 
I would skip DAC and go straight to all-in-one network streamer. Too many things can go wrong between streamer and DAC unless they are from a single manufacturer using proprietary connection.
Your choice, in addition to Bricasti, should include Linn (pioneer in network streaming), Naim (catching up in the last few years), dSC (top dog in DAC but late to the party with network streaming), Lumin (started llife as Taiwan knockoff of Linn that sounded worse), Ayre (genius at designing old-world digital, but don't have in-house know-how on network streaming), Esoteric (sounds like dSC, same issue with dSC and late to network streaming). Did I forget anyone?
chesebert
67 posts
 
MSB was left out because they don’t have an all in one network streamer - potential degradation of signal with digital interconnect. 
chesebert
67 posts
 
@dpac996 my bad. Looks like MSB is going modular now. Also looks like they changed owner a few years back. How is their latest DAC?
chesebert
67 posts
 
@dpac996 totally agree. Well implemented ethernet DAC is in another league compared with USB and you don’t need all the band-aid solution to make USB work well. 
I think Linn had this whole thing figured out over 10 years ago. I still use my 10 yr old Klimax DS all the time. It’s not as good as the latest DS with Katalyst DAC but it’s good enough that would allow me to enjoy the music without thinking about gear. 
To be fair when I listen to DS Katalyst I get the “holy sh%t” moment quiet often. 
chesebert
67 posts
 
@dpac996 I feel like this generation of high-end DAC/streamers are really converging in terms of being almost indistinguishable from high-end turntables. I have heard the Naim ND555 and have Linn ADS Katatlyst and they both sound extremely good, like high-end table.
chesebert
67 posts
 
@dpac996 Are you still using USB? I would get the network module and enjoy the much more robust and error free TCP/IP network. Note you will want shielded cable (cable and RJ45 connectors all need to be shielded - any generic Cat7 or better cable should work) to ensure you have a Faraday cage at the DAC side to keep out all the noises. So even though you have a cable that's connected to your DAC/network render, your unit is actually electrically decoupled from the router/switch.
More to discover