Fsmithjack,
Relax, just bring your Tellurium cable to your Bricasti dealer and see if it works with his demo unit. If it does, he can just replace your M1 with a new one and you should check that one before you leave the store. If it doesn't, connect the Tellurium to another brand of dac in the store and if that works, it will show that the cable is not the problem. |
I cannot believe your Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable does not work with your new Bracasti M1. What did Bricasti say when you spoke to them? What about Tellurium?
I think you said other USB cables work with the Bricasti but not the Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable. There seem to be a wiring or sync conflict between the Telluriumand and the Bricasti but I have no clue what that is. Since the Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable works with the Ayre QB-9 and the DirectStream, the conflict seems to be with the Bricasti M1.
What a bummer. A brand new DAC and your USB cable does not work.
Please keep us posted. |
Contact DH LABS in FLORIDA. You want their MIRAGE USB CABLE, 250.00 for one meter. You will be surprised how good it is, may even give your BLACK DIAMOND a run for its money.
Should work with your BRISCATI.
Cheers.... |
Steve - or anyone else I really need help! I got the Bracasti M1 and I am really bummed.
It will not work with my Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable. This is a huge problem for me. This cable made my DirectStream MUCH MUCH MUCH better and it just won't work with the Bricasti M1. Been on the phone with Brian at Bricasti and the US Distributor for the Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB cable Fidelis in NH. If I knew this DAC wouldn't take my cable I would have never bought it. That is how good this cable is. I am bummed to the max!!! I plugged in a $3.99 cable from my printer and it worked fine but sounds like crap. I tried my Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB in Ayre QB-9 and it works great and it worked great with my DirectStream. Super frustrated and super bummed out. Steve I would love to still use this cable in some kind of configuration or work around if possible but used most my audio money on this DAC change. Could a off ramp work? I would need that and a good SPDIF cable? Not sure a $1,500 USB cable will be easy to Flip but it sounds amazing so I don't want to sell it but don't know what to do? This was not what I was hoping to report to you guys and I have been so looking forward to getting this DAC. What a HUGE let down... No music and not that it should be compared but the DirectStream with the all world Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable vs the Bricasti M1 with $3.99 cable is such a mismatch. The Bricasti sounds like an am alarm clock. Obviously not a fair comparison but well its what I have heard from it so far....
|
Thanks Bill_! It funny because the new PS Audio DirectStream Pikes Peak upgrade really changes the sound signature of the DAC and it really takes some time to get used to. It really increases the instrument separation that was already good but is much better and until you get used to this change the music almost feels a little disjointed or like the PRAT was effected but I think that was something our ears and brain needs some time on because I am very pleased with it now and don't feel that way after a little more time with it. I liked it before and I like it a lot better now.
I also did a full interconnect swap from Cardas Clear to Darwin TRUTH. I did that before the upgrade but may have still been getting used to those as well. I am telling you guys these interconnects are incredible. I think they are better than Valhalla. Quite similar actually just not as cool and their smoother but with all the bite and grip to them there notes. Much better than the Clears and I loved the Clears. I traded my Clear's and sold my Valhalla and couldn't be happier. Check them out you will be very happy and thank me because they are less expensive and he always has demo models and gives you a 30 day full refund but you will never send them back. Even if you have $5000 interconnects you will keep them because you won't believe what you are hearing for this kind of money, but I think they are the best interconnects out there under the $3,500 and they can be had for $600 to $800 SE. I am not selling because I have nothing to do with that company other than being blown away by their cables that cost so much less and are so much better I can't believe why more people don't use them is all. Just trying to help out a fellow agon brother is all. Perfect match for the DirectStream with pp and I hope as good or better with the Bricasti. It's funny because I am just settling in on the DS and now off it goes. So goes things in our world of HI-FI... |
Congrats on your decision to go with the Bricasti M1 DAC. It's a superb sounding unit, and the company and the level of support that they provide is absolutely first class! Looking forward to your further thoughts on it... |
3 Days and the Bricasti will be here. I can't wait !!! Pretty excited to get it !!!
|
I am not sure the thin use of "salesman" is real accurate on balance. Salesman is more of a stereotype than anything else and it's semantically challenged as life just isn't black and white nor is audio. There is a lot of gray. He takes the time to contribute to our forum and adds value, feedback and educates us on things he knows a lot more than we do as I can speak to first hand. He take a grass roots approach to talking about his products and that is a classy form of selling but certainly not being a salesman which carries a negative connotation. It's always in proper context and is relevant perspective to the conversation. His value added input is appreciated from this forum member. |
Steve, I have read many of your posts.
No offense, but although you may be an engineer first, you are also a salesman and marketeer.
I recognize and appreciate both your engineering insight(s) and your marketing opinions. |
Rice - certainly not. I never have claimed zero jitter, only low jitter. I'm an engineer, not a salesman or marketeer. As for Hynes technology, its simply the best regulator for both digital and analog. I licensed the technology, so I design my own versions.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Many good Dacs out there and I tend to prefer the boutique guys.
The Big 7 is the best of Lampi that I have heard, but I mostly heard the 3 and 4. The 5 and 6 I have only heard briefly. His PS design is superb. Lampi DSD is also unique on the marketÂ…and sounds outrageously good. Next wek I will get to hear the Golden Gate Lampi in a killer high end system for an entire day, and can report back on my feelings then.
The Lampis dont sell in the regular commercial model, so the markup is not so high. Its a hybrid semi-direct model.
As fo all those Dacs I heard, well some at home, some at shows, some at Pals homes and some at the HQs of the companies themselves, as I have been fortunate to get invited to personal demos.
All of the high end stuff sounds good, but price/performance relationship has to come into play.
The ones that spak to me of high value per price would be the Dartzeel LHC-208, the Lampizator Big7, and to a somewhat lesser extent the DStream. Now be mindful that the DStream had the original firmware.
I was not a great fan of the Hugo, as I prefer the Qute EX with LPSU.
Never heard Empirical Dac, but I am inclined to think its very good, as Steve is boutique and knows his stuff. |
I mean its nice to think of what can be. Heck I am a fan of that for sure. Always have been. I have no doubt this will be a nice sounding DAC in its price range but lets be honest there are some really good DAC's already in that price range that sound great and those Theta alums will have their hands full with those DAC's for SURE never mind mentioning the MSB Analog DAC that's crazy.
Whoever said that is just name dropping. Why not it works. We are talking about it. A few years ago I paid $1,100 for a used Ayre QB-9 24/96 and Schitt has never built anything that sounds even close to that DAC so they need to settle down and show us something outside of the budget segment first.
They have proven they can get real nice sound for real cheap money but that next step is a lot tougher so we'll see and then we can talk about the next step and then the one after that and then maybe the MSB Analog DAC? Gotta love their name though "Schitt". Cool... |
I hope you are including yourself in the "every manufacturer" category.....he he.
I been around the block. I know marketing hype from reality. Reality is what you hear....what you experience directly.
It looks like some serious technology in the Yggdrasil....of course, no exotic Hynes regulators (you are the only one with the patience to deal with this guy), and Schiit are not the most tweaky executors.....but, this thing might be seriously great for the money and since it is so inexpensive can lend itself to modding (better regulators, power supply caps, WA Quantum chips, damping, shielding, better fusing, Mad Scientist Kegs, etc.) which, no doubt, will take it to another level.
One guy says its better than the MSB Analog DAC....the other says its better than the Bricasti (see page 8).....of course, these are just two guys talking and we really don't know the context of their A/B testing or anything.....but, what if this soon to be released DAC (suppose to be even better than the proto) is really that good then those of us who do not want to spend multi thousands on the DAC de jour will have something to make them smile. We shall see...er hear. |
Ricevs - every manufacturer seems to claim their next DAC is the ultimate giant killer and has zero jitter as well (impossible). I have seen many flops recently. I would listen before buying.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Wisnon. Have you compared any different levels of the Lampis? Unfortunately I could only afford a level 4 (used), but have been curious how that compares to other options (like the PWD and DSD). Unfortunately, I need need four remote switchable digital inputs, so that limits the options somewhat. Like you, I'm most interested in tonality. |
Wisnon,
Wow, that is practically a who's who list of dac's. I wish I could audition the Lampi7 but no such luck where I live. When you have heard them all and settled on the Lampi7, it's got to be something very special. :) |
Them there are some mighty fine big boy - big pants DACs. Them there former Theta folks at Schiit never intended to play with these fella's regardless of what their marketing folks may be pushing. They make mighty fine stuff in their price points and wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being the DAC to beat in that $2k to $3k range these DACs on this list are the tip of the spear in the Vanguard. Each company is a price no object approach and keeps tweaking and dialing these beasts in with updates that no $2k DAC could ever compete with. The parts quality required just cost too much regardless how a great a design... |
It does not do DSD (a must for me) and as I own a Lampi Big7, I assure you there is no Dac out there that can give me any regrets and I have heard plenty, like the Trinity, EMM Labs, Rowland, CH, TotalDac, Devialet, Metrum, dCS, Zanden, Audio Note, MSB platinum, Diresct Stream, Hugo, etc.
Lampi is a tonality king... |
Ric - I'm also very intrigued by the Yggdrasil DAC. I just contacted Schiit for an update on its expected availability, and they responded "End Q1". Stay tuned for additional user feedback and reviews at that point. |
Guys,
Check out this thread:
http://www.changstar.com/index.php?topic=2047.0
If what one of the guys says is true then spending 8K on a DAC without listening to this about to be released $2300 DAC might be foolish |
It would help with any USB terminal of any Dac. There is a sizable thread about it at ComputerAudiophile forum. Do a search. |
Thanks - what is a Regen USB unit from Uptone Audio and what does it do? Would it help using it just with my computer or does it need to go with a streamer transport. Thx |
FSmith,
I hear yah.
If you do the Aries, get the more expensive one with the double clocks (one dedicated to the USB) and the LPSU. Also, get the soon to be released Regen USB unit from Uptone Audio. It can be found via the Computeraudiophile program as of March 15 or so. It treats the USB in a similar but less elaborate way compared to the SSR mentioned by me above.
Regarding song duplication, i guess you can go about this a few waysÂ…the easiest being in Windows or Mac where you go and arrange the music folder contents by name. The identical one will line up together in a bunch and you use your delete key with abandonÂ….just be careful that they are true duplicates and not different formats of the same music, ie rbcd/mp3/dsd/iso files/PCM hires at different rates/flac/wav/aiff, etc. Besure of what you want to keep.
For identical albums with diffent names/metadataÂ….that will be harder to find and sort, and will take real stickitoitivity to get thru. |
Yes I am really glad to now better understand the importance of the transport. I kind of wish I knew about that streaming transport before I mentally committed to the M1 but I am thinking my next move after the M1 is to go with a Auralic Aries streamer transport. It will allow me to still use my beloved Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB cable and keep using my JRiver. I m not a computer pro for sure. I tried combining all my music on one drive and now I have three of the same songs in a row on every album and have no idea how to fix it. The computer stuff is a little over my head so to buy a ready made transport seems like a good idea and I hope it add nice sq improvement. |
Pity,
As I said the Transport is half the equation here and the DS is compatible with the SS Rendu via i2s HDMI cable.
This is a superb link as it has a ethernet to i2S conversion board (with clean/isolated power distribution network) inside it that galvanically isolates the crud from packetized data streams like Ethernet and USB. THEN to avoid recontamination, it uses the Low voltage diffential signalling (LVDS) to stream i2S DIRECTLY to the DS Dac...stopping all the upstream crud from contaminating the Dac. Ultra elegant solution. The SSR is also benefitting from clean power inside it, as no switchers are used throughout.
Only like 7 Dac brands are compatible and the DS is one, so an almost tailor made solution, emulating the tightest possible integration between dac and Transport.
A reclocker here would be a waste of money as Ted Smith guaranteed an elaborate reclocking scheme for all input into the DS, as all incoming data goes thru the same preparation process into the same buffer.
On another note, the soon to be released dartzeel LHC-208 has a 2 clock system and the 2nd master clock in not in any PLL circuit and he says that is the special secret sauce he has for that sweet/fast analog sound |
Hello and thanks. I liked it a lot. I have them both on a little thumb cards so super easy to use either at any time. I think the pp upgrade is a big improvement but each persons system and preference is different.
My changing DACs is not because anything the DS did wrong or doesn't do in my system but more to do with my new speakers I think.
What I mean by that is that they are so much better and so superior to anything else I have ever had and they resolve and image so incredibly well that every little upgrade change has provided such clear and discernible improvements that it is this I think that has propelled me to try and really dial the rest of my system in and focus on the so important source.
This thread has been great because I now have a better understanding of my need to improve my transport after I change my DAC. My new speakers have really improved my knowledge and understanding of recorded music that I am looking to really nail down eve everything best I can.
I have heard the Bricasti M1 DAC multiple time at Fidelis in NH the Harbeth US Distributor and local Wilson dealer and it really struck me. It not only sounds "right" it really had a presence that wasn't analogue per say but made the music feel closer and more alive. I had that pop and drive that was special and it was so smooth and so resolving it seems to be on another level than what I have been accustomed to. It reached out and grabbed me and it remains to be seen if I can get that same type of presence in my system but my hope is with this DAC and an improved transport solution combined with what I think are great speakers will get me the sound i'm driving for but you never know and part of me is nervous because I know what I have now and that is a very special and outstanding DAC so we'll see... |
Fsmithjack,
This is very interesting. The PP upgrade was just released a week ago and though you seem impressed by it, you are going for the Bricasti M1 now. The Bricasti M1 has had great reviews but I am just curious - did you bring back a demo unit for audition in your home system before making that decision? Or is it that the PP firmware did not synergise well with your system? At other forums, those who don't like it have rolled back to the previous version. |
Thanks for all of the info. I have made the deal and am trading my PS Audio DirectStream DAC and its matching powerbase and cash of course for a Brand New Bricasti M1 USB DAC and should have by Thursday so I will share my thoughts on the difference DACS with you guys.
As I stated I was very impressed with the Pikes Peak OS Upgrade and really enjoyed my DirectStream DAC a lot. It was the best DAC I have ever owned by far and I have owned other PS Audio DACs as well. The MKI and the MK II and used the Bridge with the DirectStream as well. I think I have a pretty good feel for the DAC using it with a decent amount of different speakers, preamp's and amps as well so I think the time I spent with it really allowed me to get a real good feel for it and an idea of the DAC how it works with the different equipment listed below. Here is the equipment that I owned and was fortunate to spend extended time using with my DirectStream DAC:
Speakers:
Martinlogan Spire
Audio Physic Virgo
Kharma CRM 3.2 FE
Wilson Sophia 2
Merlin TSM-MMI
Sonus Faber Cremona Audior
Ascendo C8 Renaissance, my current speakers which are so much better than anything else I have listed above and by far.
Preamps,
Decware CSP2+ with V-Caps
Sonic Euphoria PLC
Manley Jumbo Shrimp
JE Audio VL19 Balanced Pre
CAT SL-1 Signature MK III w/Phono
Audio Research Reference 1 MKII my current pre.
Amps:
Manley Snappers
Premialuna Prologue 1 Integrated
BAT VK-600
BAT VK-600SE
Premialuna Prologue 6 Mono Blocks
Pass Labs Aleph 5
Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Monoblocks (KT120's) Current
I have used some different power cables, interconnects and USB cables as well. I REALLY REALLY like the Darwin TRUTH interconnects with this DAC. I think they go amazing with this DAC and I liked the Cardas Clear as well but the TRUTH better, actually a lot better. They are special with this DAC a perfect synergy match imo. I also used a PS Audio PowerBase for Isolation and vibration control and used the PS Audio Power Plant Premier to clean the up the AC and I used the outstanding Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable that was by the best I ever used and much better than Audioquest Coffee and Diamond and Wireworld platinum usb cable and Darwin USB. For power cables I used:
PS Audio AC5 amd AC12
Nordost Blue Haven
Synergistic Research Labs Master Coupler
Sablon Audio Petite Corona AC Power Cable
Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier AC Power Cable
JPS Labs The Power AC+ AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Cable
BMI Shark AC Power Cable
I will give you guys my thought on the Bricasti M1 but please anyone else that can provide some feedback on either of these DAC's would be appreciated for sure. Thanks |
If the Bricasti does not need the +5V in the USB cable, it will work. Ask them or refer to the specs.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Thanks for all the info and Time Steve. Can the The Short Block USB Filter be used with the Bricasti and will it be a helpful addition? Thanks |
"I just read about the Synchro-Mesh and was excited about the idea of it and then when reading about it I noticed it has no USB in?"
The SM is for reclocking Sonos, apple-TV, transports, Squeezebox, computer S/PDIF etc...
The Off-Ramp is for USB to S/PDIF, I2S, AES/EBU
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
"Could I use a " Antipodes Linux-based server driving the USB in my DAC and then maybe also use a Dynamo Hynes-based power supply?"
The Dynamo is only for powering the Off-Ramp or Synchro-Mesh.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Fsmith wrote:
"Not sure it is quite there yet in the uber competitive lower upper class of to name just a few Lampi, Berkeley, Meitner, Bricasti, MSB, dCS and it looks as if the DirectStream has poked its heard into there as well into this prestigious group."
It is there. It has beaten all of these in reviews and shootouts.
Read these:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&&&/Absolute-top-tier-DAC-for-standard-res-R
http://dagogo.com/empirical-audio-overdrive-se-usb-dacpredac-review
http://www.audiostream.com/content/empirical-audio-overdrive-se-usb-dacpre
"Correct me if I am wrong but I would assume any improvement I make in the transport area will provide benefits to any / all of the above mentioned DACS. With this group mentioned above do you really think their USB implementation is not good enough and really needs an off ramp?"
Yes and Yes.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Just spent the day with a pre-production Dartzeel LHC-208 Integrated amp/ethernet streamer/Dac. It is da bomb. 200wpc and costs circa $13K.
Will be ready in about a month or 2. only downside is that its already backordered. |
Hello 02-14-15: Audioengr,
I just read about the Synchro-Mesh and was excited about the idea of it and then when reading about it I noticed it has no USB in? How do I go from my computer to it and then to my DAC with only Inputs of Toslink, RCA, BNC. you had said i could keep things the same and try this but I don't see how? It is stuff like this I am not familiar with so maybe there is a way I am just not seeing?? |
This is probably a really dum question but as you can see the transport / computer side of this stuff has me at a loss like I had mentioned earlier but could I still use JRiver and the JRemote on my iPhone with a " Antipodes Linux-based server driving an Off-Ramp USB converter powered by a Dynamo Hynes-based power supply and then S/PDIF to your DAC using my BNC-BNC cable ". Thanks. Could I use a " Antipodes Linux-based server driving the USB in my DAC and then maybe also use a Dynamo Hynes-based power supply? Thanks |
Yes I have heard the Overdrive SE DAC is a very nice DAC indeed. Not sure it is quite there yet in the uber competitive lower upper class of to name just a few Lampi, Berkeley, Meitner, Bricasti, MSB, dCS and it looks as if the DirectStream has poked its heard into there as well into this prestigious group. I know there are others this is small list but listed it to name the main charterers imo. Good to see your grass routes approach to the brands development which is meant as a compliment. I wish I knew more about the transport side of things. Looks like I have some work to do for sure. I very much appreciate the feedback. Correct me if I am wrong but I would assume any improvement I make in the transport area will provide benefits to any / all of the above mentioned DACS. With this group mentioned above do you really think their USB implementation is not good enough and really needs an off ramp? I have no doubt the off ramp will offer improvement but these are some pretty serious, engineering driven companies that seem to have paid decent attention to their USB's inputs but I am happy to always learn more from those that know much more than I. The transport/computer side of things is sort of a blur for me as evidence by my just using JPlay, a killer USB cable and JRiver in a plain old HP i5 Desktop. Would love to hear and learn more...Thanks |
Your best source would be an Antipodes Linux-based server driving an Off-Ramp USB converter powered by a Dynamo Hynes-based power supply and then S/PDIF to your DAC using my BNC-BNC cable. Replaces the built-in USB interface with a really good one. The source is really more important than the DAC.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Wisnon is right, upgrade the transport first. If you want to keep what you have, you can try a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh.
BTW, both of these DACs were in shootout and recent review of Empirical Audio Overdrive SE DAC. The Overdrive beat them both.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Wisnon
Thank so much for the info? Do you guys think this SoTM-100 would improve the sound over regular computer usb? They are $450 and i will buy one now to try it if you guys think it will be an upgrade? Thanks |
Neal,
I ordered the SD card from PS Audio. It only took three minutes to upload, but I haven't had time to listen. Hopefully, I will get an opportunity tomorrow. |
I guess changing transport would be a good idea if I knew more about it prob would have been better. Any advice you guys have please share - please. I work a ton and went with a i5 new computer. I also have a MacMini I7 but Jplay in computer is way better than the Mac IMO. JRiver Media Center 19 and Jplay 5.2 and a super great USB Cable and that was about my depth level on that end. Guess I should look at the transport. Guess it would help with the DS or the M1 but good point and if you know of any tips please share. Thanks |
Thanks Ricred1 and Bill_K,
I have ordered a few 2gb SD cards and will download and upgrade. as what I am reading says it is an audible improvement. Will report after this is done.
Neal |
My advice would be to upgrade the Transport before looking to change Dacs. +1 |
My advice would be to upgrade the Transport before looking to change Dacs.
Perhaps the Sonore Sig Rendu doing i2s to the DS Dac...or a CAPs server with Win2012 Audiophile Optimiser with HQ Player upsampling to high rate DSD....or using a SoTM-100 as a Network audio player in-between?
To be economical, you could also get an Auralic Aries streamer and eventually mod it for even higher performance. Their firmware update yesterday apparently lifetd it up a notch. |
Hey Mcondon,
Great info! Thanks so much that is super helpful info... Thank you... I can tell you I just did the Pikes Peak OS Upgrade and it is fantastic. I guess you have give PS Audio some credit when you can go onto their website download a software upgrade and in many ways it totally changes the DAC. If I had done this before I got the Bricasti stuck in my brain I probably never would have been thinking about the change but we all know how that goes... Its that good! Everyone that owns one of these needs to do it and ASAP. That said I am still all about the M1 so any other feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks |
The PS DSD DAC is interesting because it is FPGA based and not chip based. Not sure about M1. Has anyone compared the PS with Chord DSD DACs? They are both FPGA based. Wonder how Chord DAC compares to Bricasti. |
Neal - The Pikes Peak OS upgrade was just released from PS Audio about two days ago. |
He is referring to Pikes Peak. It's the most recent update. |
68pete,
Whish PSA DSD upgrade are you referring to? When did it come out?
Thanks. I am a huge fan of this DAC.
Neal |
