Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

“Bricasti does not have an official response to MQA’s validity as a new format / codec.  Currently we have plans to support it because Its important for us is to support formats that are made available and interest our customers and to let them decide what is best for them. We are currently waiting on the next steps from Meridian including what costs will be associated with being able to offer MQA on the M1”.

Tidal is working on a MQA implementation. Their official response is "A firm date for launching MQA has not been set.  We will of course let everyone know if/when MQA becomes available”.   I emailed Tidal this week and their response was "We do not have an update on the date of release”.

For more information please visit
https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/208649445-What-is-MQA-

fsmithjack, I am very happy with my Bricasti M1 SE DAC upgrade.  After about two weeks of running, the M1 SE is now sounding more natural, clearer, has more bass, a lack of noise, excellent dynamics and details.  I am thrilled with how good my entire system sounds since I am hearing details, imaging and bass that I have not heard before.  I heard a slight improvement on day one but the unit needs to be on for a while before it really comes alive.

The Bricasti web site lists the upgrades made to build the M1 SE.  My Bricasti M1 was gone for about two weeks.   If you decide to upgrade, please make an appointment to ensure they have the parts in stock before you ship. Based on my positive experience, I recommend the Bricasti M1 DAC upgrade to the SE Version.

I happen to believe my system sounds outstanding because of the Aurender N10 Music Sever and my Hypex NCore NC400 Bridged Mono Block class D Power Amplifiers.  

I am replacing my Harmonic Technology Armour Link III Interconnect Cable (XLR) with James Romeyn Interconnect cables with Cardas XLR Rhodium connectors. Delivery is expected sometime next week.  All my power cords were upgraded to Pure Grid Power!” AC Mains W/Rhodium Plated Contacts to include Rhodium plated contacts wall plugs.   I was very surprised but the Rhodium walls plugs made the system sound quieter with less noise.  I hope this helps.  

Sundarum78 

Nice system, you really can't go wrong with any of the DACs you listed as they all will provide a nice improvement. With the Direct Stream and Bricasti I think it comes down to money. They are both great and I have owned both. I personally think the Bricasti is a better DAC but it also cost thousands more and the Direct Stream is not far behind as I really like that DAC. These are 2 of the better options out there so your in good company if you have the extra money I would go with the Bricasti but that's just me both are awesome. Both have recent upgrades and I have not heard either with the upgrades so maybe some people that have heard them can help and add some recent info to help you decide. Good luck with your choice!

hgeifman - When I started this thread I was hoping to start a thread for people to talk about both these great DACS, the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and the Bricasti M1 DAC. I have owned them both and think they are both amazing. When I read your post I called into Bricasti to work toward setting up getting my DAC upgraded to the SE so thank you for sharing. I have slowly been building a second system that is getting better and better and been looking for a deal on maybe a Direct Stream Jr.

hgeifman or anyone who has heard the Bricasti M1 SE upgrade can you tell me a little about it? Does it make a nice difference?

How about anyone out there on the Direct Stream JR - is it close to the original? Would love some feedback on both the M1 SE upgrade and the DS Jr.

Thanks 


 

Yes. Source is an Aurender N10 music server using ripped CD's (AIFF) stored on the N10 and Tidal streaming. 

hgeifman, is this analysis for Redbook?

I agree, we should forget the technical information.  After one day of operation, my Bricasti M1 SE is beginning to sound much better.  I am noticing the music is clearer, less noise and has more details. The bass is stronger and improved. Vocals are very clear and detailed. It is very musical.

I have a feeling my M1 SE needs some more "cooking" time. They installed all new capacitors and I think they need to be broken in.  I am listening to the piano right now and it sounds excellent.  It sounds better now than without the upgrade.  The M1 SE upgrade costs $1,000 plus shipping.  

Yes, the M1 SE upgrade sounds excellent and the M1 SE upgrade is recommended.   I finally connected the remote and it works fine.  I should of done it before. 

My upgrade last year was previous to the SE version. I had all the previous upgrades related to Redbook, prior to the latest 1K SE. I would like to know actual listening experiences to physical cds with the new upgrade, rather than the technical info.

Lula, As I noted above, the newly engineered feet with Stillpoints for improved isolation (and added stability), the new point-to-point wiring, the elimination of various connectors, the next generation power improvements and the power capacitor improvements should improve the your Redbook playback.  Since you already had your Bricasti M1 updated to the SE version, what is your listening experience?   My M1 SE is expected to arrive on Thursday.  

Is the M1 SE upgrade worthwhile for strictly physical Redbook playback? I do not do DSD, USB, files, etc. I had my Bricasti upgraded last year for Redbook only. I use a 30.6 Levinson transport.

I sent my Bricasti M1 DAC back to the factory for the M1 SE upgrade.  My M1 SE is expected back on Thursday, June 9th.   As per their web site, the Bricasti M1 SE upgrade includes:

"The Special Edition M1 builds on the success of the Classic M1 and adds some of the improvements offered in the new flagship Limited Edition Gold M1. Presented in the classic anodized black and aluminum finish, the M1 Special Edition incorporates Stillpoints feet that are engineered and optimized exclusively for the design. The added stability improves isolation from vibration which translates to a more transparent sonic presentation. Point-to-point wiring, a labor intensive process, improves signal flow by eliminating various connectors which can degrade a signals performance. Finally, the next generation power improvements have been incorporated in this edition to further improve filtering of unwanted noise and power ripple.

Product Highlights:
Newly engineered feet with Stillpoints for improved isolation.
Point-to-point wiring.
power capacitor improvements.
DSD, DSD64 and DSD128 playback.
Features the latest generation asynchronous USB interface.
Dedicated dual mono design.
Highly acclaimed, proprietary filter technology.
Extremely low jitter @ 6 picoseconds.
Supports sample rates of up to 352.8kHz and 24 bits.
Minimum and linear phase filters".

I visited the Bricasti room at 2016 THE Show and asked them how they did the upgrade.  Brian showed me on an opened M1 what wires were removed, what connections were changed, what power capacitor improvements were made, etc.  He also mentioned their newly engineered software V1.32 which improves even further the M1 clocking designed specifically with the SE mind.  I spoke to two people who had their units upgraded and they both said the change was absolutely stunning and the $1,000 upgrade was highly recommended.  I will post my comments when I get my M1 SE installed.

Hi All,

I love this forum and this thread. So much information and and the unfortumate downside is it made me so confused on which DAC to buy... I am looking for a used DAC at a price range between $3000-5000..  I am new to this and just started building my system. Below is my setp

Goldenear Triton 1speakers
Line magnetic 219ia 845 SET amp
Bell Canto C5i - it's an integrated amp with built in DAC and i am using it as a DAC only... so this the dac in my system now...


I am fully satisfied with my speakers and LM 219 amp.. same components Sandy Gross (founder of Golden ear) uses in his system...

With this setup, my system sounds awesome... without going into lot of typical words, I will quote what my wife said about the music from the system ..."pleasent to listen, clean and not conjusted"


Now, I thought adding a better DAC might take this setup to next level and probably my last purchase for next few years..

I am thinking something from below list of great DAC's


PS audio DS DAC
Biscarti M1
Bel Canto DAC 3.5 vb ii


If anyone have a similar system as mine, please share your thoughts...

Thank you all.

Wisnon,

What is this you wrote?? It sounds awesome - can you explain a bit more for someone that would like to try or know more but isn't sure what it is :) - I am fixing to play around with those pesky black disc's a bit as I am picking a used matching - killer phono / cart combo (still no t-table yet though..lol). I know I got it backwards me think...

Would love to know more of what your post was about below :)



wisnon11-24-2015 5:12amFSmithJack,

I have tasted the audio elixir of the gods.

PC server with win12 AudioOptimizer in core mode, using JRiver to upconvert PCM/DSD to DSD256 feeding properly setup Bughead Emperor as the playback engine....WOW.

Reel to reel quality. Spinners begone! Bughead is magic.

Ejr1953,thanks for the reply. It was a tongue in cheek dig after reading Hgeifman's post...

Aolmrd1241,

I have upgraded the firmware on my DirectStream DAC twice, since I purchased the unit new about a year ago.

The easiest way to do the upgrade is to purchase the SD card directly from PS Audio (I'm not sure it takes the new HDSD or HDXC cards).

To upgrade all you need to do is power the unit completely down (turn the power switch in the back of the unit "off"), insert the SD card into the slot, and when you power the unit back "on", it takes just a little while (less than a minute or so) and it does the update.

I've never found that any of the PS Audio updates mess with my settings, they've all gone smoothly, without any adverse side effects.

I've owned the PS Audio DirectStream DAC now for over a year and have the latest version of the firmware installed (Yale Final). I absolutely love the unit, especially the fact that the software updates improve the performance of the unit, not just modify the features.

The dealer who sold me the unit has been harping on me upgrading to the Bricasti, but instead, I spent my money on other upgrades.

FSmithJack,

I have tasted the audio elixir of the gods.

PC server with win12 AudioOptimizer in core mode, using JRiver to upconvert PCM/DSD to DSD256 feeding properly setup Bughead Emperor as the playback engine....WOW.

Reel to reel quality. Spinners begone! Bughead is magic.

I should also mention that several dealers have compared the PWT to other much more expensive competition and the PWT was found to play in the same league. It's a great value and at its best when combined with a high end DAC like the Bricasti.

I run the PS Audio PerfectWave Transport into my Bricasti M1 DAC and find the combination to easily outperform my PC which has been optimized as a dedicated server feeding the M1 via USB. I recommend using the AES/EBU digital connection between the transport and DAC. The PWT also allows you to play back high resolution PCM files which have been recorded to DVD-R media (up to 24/192), and again the sonic quality is a definite step up from my PC server. Highly recommended and you can usually pick them up at a very good discounted price from dealers who purchased them in a package deal with the DS DAC.

Transport - Guys I keep hearing over and over how a good dedicated disc spinner transport is better than the Network based transports. Can anyone recommend a really good CD transport for my Bricasti that is not crazy money? Would love to know what you guys think and are using? Thanks

Musicmann1

I wanted to get back to you on your question about the after market Linear Power Supply I bought for my Auralic Aries Extreme w/ duel femto clocks that I use to feed my Bricasti M1 DAC.

The SBooster BOTW P&P ECO Linear Power Supply with the Optional SBooster Ultra Filer is an Amazing ad to my Auralic Aries Extreme Transport. Man it took probably close to 400 hours or so for it to break in so that was a pain in the neck and I wasn't sure what was up for a while but it settled down and opened up finally and was well worth the wait. Highly Recommended...

I tried several usb cables. Chord silver plus, audioquest diamond and king rex y art & Upower powersupply. Chord is nice. Better than a standard usb cable. Audioquest is very good but in my system a bit to analytical/clinical. You get a lot of details but too much for me. The king rex is a usb cable that makes a match made in heaven for me. It has plenty detail but also a strong fundament and u believable depth and width. Yes, it is expansive but cheaper than the audioquest. Also lesser recordings sound much better. With the audioquest they sound shrill but just right with the king rex. I am very happy I tried these cables before buying. The king rex stays!

And some people think downloading/uploading a sd card for firmware updates on the DS is a hassle.....

For Bricasti M1 DAC owners only: If you connect your Bricasti M1 DAC to a pre-amplifier (any pre-amp), you need to turn the M1 volume control to ZERO since this allows the full signal to be sent to your pre-amplifier. If you reduce the volume on the M1, you cause more bit reduction meaning you lose sound quality. If you connect the M1 DAC to a power amplifier (this is what I am doing), you FIRST must measure your M1 volume settings. You measure the number where the sound is the loudest you listen to (mine was -15 to -20db) and the softest you listen to (mine was -35 to -40 depending on the recording). I discussed these settings with Bricasti and they said the goal is to have the M1 CLOSE to 0db front panel attenuation on the most dynamic recordings, this is mostly found in symphonic recordings and DSD ones.

You have two options. Option #1 is to move the internal PCB jumpers, they are right next to the XLR connectors, 3 pins so just move it over to the other 2 pins. This adjustment activates the two screws on the back of the M1 DAC for manual adjustments. If you WANT to change the level though, you will need a 1k-0dbfs tone and an AC voltmeter to read the voltage otherwise you cannot level match them. In most cases there is too much analog gain in systems and to get the M1 direct optimized this has to be adjusted, once done it really provides the BEST analog signal path and yields the most transparent sound with perfect level control with no side effects from added cables or resistor ladders in the level controls of the hi end preamp, all of which have an effect on the sound. This will get the digital attenuation at the minimum amount needed and the result is the best of both. Please be careful since some older M1 DAC's do NOT have internal jumpers (please call Bricasti to review).

The 2nd option (this is what I am doing) is to keep the M1 DAC the same (no changes) and adjust the power amplifier so that it accepts a higher incoming signal meaning you can move the M1 DAC volume control closer to zero. After conversations with Bricasti, Hypex and the James, the builder of my Hypex NC400 bridged mono amps, he is going to remove R141 from my Hypex NCore NC400 bridged mono blocks, thus lowering gain by 14 dB, requiring 14 dB higher M1 volume setting for same playback level. NC400's 14 dB allows 7 dB greater bit resolution than the M1's 7 dB. This is more complicated than I expected but everyone thinks it will work fine. As I understand it, you have to balance the M1 DAC to the power amplifier in order to achieve your M1 volume settings CLOSE to 0db. If it does not work, additional changes can still be made to the Hypec amplifier and/or the M1 DAC. In summary, for normal operation, the Bricatsi M1 DAC has a digital attenuator so minimizing the amount of attenuation is ideal, therefore setting analog gains is critical for best performance. I think I got everything. cheers, Howard

I am purchasing an M1 next week and would like to thank all who have contributed to this thread. I made sure I did my due diligence in the paper reviews I studied and the personal interviews of MSB, PSA, and Bricasti reps at RMAF.
I am very excited to finally put a stellar piece into my system which should really help elevate my sound to the same level of the remaining gear.
Thanks to all of you for your personal experiences and exchanges to those who were also helpfully informative via messaging.

Here' s the link to the review:http://www.hifi-advice.com/AAZ-ReferenceFlow-review-1.html

So I bought a bricasti M1. It replaces my wadia 581. First I tried the wadia 781 GNSC and the S7i. Both very good players but not wat I was looking for. My dealer advised me to try the bricasti. My wadia 581 doesn't have digital out so I tried it with a 30 year old rotel cd player. This combination outperformed the wadia 518 in almost every way! All the positive things that are already said in this topic so I won't repeat that. Only thing I missed was soundstage depht and width. My dealer told me to be patient and let the M1 furher burn in 24/7. Yesterday it had 150 hours burn in time and I listened that evening. Unbelievable. The soundstage opend up and I heard a depth I've never heard from wadia regardless the model. And then I know there is more to come because the burn in needs aprox 400 hours. I was looking for a better cd drive and searching for it I found a review of a ripper/streamer and the reviewer claimed that it outperformed every drive he knew including wadia, mark levinson etc. The manufacture is a Dutchman with a small business. I called him and I am going to listen tonight. The ripper/streamer has a dedicated psu. So far with the rotel as cd drive I am very happy but the reviewer stated that the ripper/ streamer was very analoge sounding and thats wat I am looking for! I know this reviewer and he has tested and owned a lot of high end stuf. I'll keep you informed....

Ozzy, how are you connecting your 2 Amber Regens (just one to the other?). And can you give a link to the LPS you are using (if it isn't the stock power supply). Thanks.

I really like the Yale Final. I also have 2 Regens attached to it and they are powered by a linear power supply.

I have never had a chance to listen to the Bricasti M1.

But, PS Audio offers such fantastic upgrades and at no charge, it would be hard for me to part with the PS Direct Stream unless I could hear the Bricasti M1 and the PS side by side.
And then, it would have to greatly exceed the PS Direct Stream. Because of the probability that another upcoming future PS Audio Direct Stream firmware upgrade would far exceed it.

Sorry, my earlier post was posted to this thread in error.

Has there been no response at all from Hegel?

Nglazer,

You're very welcome. I am glad to hear you are happy with Yale.

I have to chime in, I've listened to a LOT of digital, bought and sold dacs and CDPs but have always been a vinyl guy and listen to about 90-95% analog that is until I heard the Briscasti M1. It's so neutral, detailed, musical, expansive all rolled up in a beautiful package. Yes analog still rules but I now can listen to digital for hours and actually enjoy the music and forget about the equipment. My search has ended.

(Dealer disclaimer)

On the PS Audio Directstream, the Yale Final upgrade is the Jam! I have never heard digital sound so natural and realistic, and I have been doing digital since 1986 when I bought the first 16 bit CD player -- the redoubtable Magnavox CDB 650wit Favorite Song programmability -- at The Wiz!

Thanks, Sabai.

Neal

Bill_k,

Thanks. I really love the Bricasti M1, but had an opportunity to pair the Aeris with my Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 and couldn't resist. I'm attending RMAF 2015 next week and hope to find my next speaker. I hope I have an opportunity to listen to Focal Sopras, Dynaudio C4s, Joseph Audio, and Vienna Liszts.

Congrats Ricred1, that's another great sounding DAC! The only reason I didn't consider it is that its USB input is limited to 96kHz and it doesn't support DSD or DXD rates.

Replaced my Bricasti M1 DAC with the Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC.

The Bricasti M1 DAC was also again listed in Class A+ by Stereophile. Just sayin'. ;~)

FWIW, both the PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player (transport) and DirectStream DAC were again listed in Class A+ of Stereophile's Recommended Components (October issue).

Just sayin'. ;->

Bill Leebens
Director of Marketing, PS Audio

Any feed back yet on the LPS for the Aries? I am most curious to know if it changed the Aries presentation from a "tonal" perspective (IE: did the sound become fuller, or leaner, or did it stay the same. If you are happy with the change/improvements can you post a contact link, and pricing.
Cheers.....

What are you guys (PS Audio & Bricasti) Using for Transports. I am curious I like mine but want to hear about some others from you guys??

Sabai

I couldn't agree with you more... Synergy is so the key... It's not always that easy to find but we all sure chase it and rightfully so. Just takes some time, effort, resources and luck as well I'm afraid but I am sure that PS Audio Duo is a killer, no brainier match up. Takes all the guess work out of it for all you PS Audio guys. I wish Bricasti made such a great matching transport like that.

I am trying to get the most out of my current transport/DAC combo myself. Each time I have improved the transport my Bricasti just keeps getting better and better.

I am kinda psyched as I just purchased an upgraded aftermarket (LPS) Linear Power Supply for my Auralic Aries Extreme. It was made / designed specifically for the Aries Femto version from a European company called SBooster. Its called the SBooster BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V. I also purchased the added SBooster Ultra upgrade as well which is another filter add that is on cable that attaches it to the Aries that re-cleans the power one last time before hitting the transport. I have read some real positive feedback about it on some German threads via Google translate that its a fantastic upgrade and really improves the Aries so I am looking forward to it. It should be here and the next few days.

Fsmithjack,

There may be differing opinions on whether the DAC or the transport is more important. For me, it is the synergy that matters most. I have been using the PS Audio PerfectWave transport for years. I am very happy with it. I decided to go with separates after I went through the EMM CDSA SE fiasco with their flimsy, problem-ridden transport drawer that they charged customers $1500 to replace. Not a nice thing to do to customers who already paid upwards of $11,500 for the DAC.

Bill_k,

You're welcome. The ideal situation is to A/B different DACs in your own system, if possible.

Thanks for your response, Sabai. That's very respectable of you to so fairly qualify your DAC comparisons.

Sabai,

I agree I really do wish I heard it with Yale. The thing with me was how clueless I was to the gigantic role the transport plays. Granted I love my Bricasti and am happy as can be but I heard a DS on a different with system with their own matching PSA transport and it was awesome. The rest of his system is for sure decent but much more modest than my own and I loved it. I am now fully convinced - hands down by the most important means of getting information - ie; my own ears that the source (Transport & DAC) is by far the most important part in the chain and I think the transport and DAC are equally important - which is crazy I never would have guessed that.

Moreover, I think a great transport and decent DAC will vastly outperform a great DAC and a decent transport. I don't think that makes the transport more important but it might be and I never would have thought this and only new after I got my Bricasti !!

Bill_k,

I own the DS DAC. I have heard the Berkeley Reference DAC and the Bricasti M1 DAC in 2 different systems. I have not had the opportunity to do A/B testing with them in my own system. So, my observations have to be taken advisedly. Nevertheless, I was very impressed with the Berkeley.

Sabai - Have you actually heard the Berkeley Reference and compared it to the DS/Yale DAC, or is that just conjecture? TIA

" my system blows away $50k audio show systems"

When I see ...blows away...it gives me reason to doubt. Most rooms in show conditions are not ideal to start with so you stating that your system is better vs. $50,000 in kit seems unlikely... Go listen to some of that kit in a more real,properly set up room and then tells us the truth to your claim...

Fsmithjack,

It's a shame you did not wait for Yale. It was well worth the wait. In my estimation it may allow the DS DAC to rival the M1 and the Berkeley Reference.