Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

04-17-15: Neno

Welcome and thanks for all the great info. A couple of quick things. I don't have a lot of time but on these:

" Simply, M1 and OPPO DSD reproduction sounds too mellow, it doesn't have a bite and live flesh I’ve used to hear from Esoteric DV-50 "

This is not a matter of the M1 not sounding as good or vs the DV-50 but the Oppo as a transport vs the DV-50 transport. If you used a DV-50 as a transport with a consummate (expensive / high quality coax cable) to M1 and compared that sound to the internal DACs in the DV-50 you would get a real feel for the difference in the DACs because the M1 can't be asked to make up for the lack of premium transport that DV-50 offers as compared to the oppo. The transport really matter as I have learned more about int he post. You were exactly right when you said "I’m expecting $1100 player to sound like $7000". The problem there is in the transport and coax not the DAC's in the M1.

Second

"I’m not mistaken all audio regardless of sampling rate is up-sampled to DSD first and then decoded to analog. It’s kind of strange no one is mentioning this that should’ve been natural strength of PS Audio DAC?"

The reason its not being mentioned as a strength is because in the end its about how it sounds. How ever this cat gets skinned in the end if one sounds better it doesn't really matter if one company claims some way of going about it is better if another implementation sound better than that's were the buck stops. Plus the M1 has so many more resources as it cost so much more that they can focus on those critical area of power supply, output stage, filtering, etc.

Also,

" I don’t like up-sampling"

" The fact that M1 doesn’t up-sample or convert but simply get the most out of the native incoming digital format was one of the major reasons I took Bricasti M1 into consideration after reading fantastic review in Stereophile magazine"

Sorry don't mean to bum you out but the M1 think this is working different than you hoped...

M1 D/A Conversion: 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling.

From M1 Manual:

Pressing STATUS a second time will take you to a display of the actual output sample rate. In most cases this will be 352.8k as this is 8 x 44.1k of the CD sample rate. If the source is DSD then 2.822 or 5.644 Mhz will be displayed.

Note: The the M1 uses delta sigma 8 x oversampling conversion so it is not recommended to “up-sample” the digital audio that is being sent to the M1. Defeat all up-sampling features in your media player or CD transport. Up-sampling the data before the M1 will yield poor results and always use the original source audio bit and sample rates, so for example if the source is 44.1k then send this data unprocessed to the M1and let the M1 reconstruct the data correctly

Thanks for joining us chatt! Great system also !!!

Neno,

Other than when listening to DSD files in DOP when listening to just PCM the M1 says you should just send the signal unchanged.

So when just listening to PCM if you are sending dsd over pcm dop in MediaCenter 19 you might want to try switching from DSD in drop down to none and sending it regular and untouched and see how it sounds. I like it better myself and thought you might like it. Especially if you don't like the up sample...Do you use any DSP in JRiver? Thanks

04-18-15: Shsohis

Hello,

How are you?

I like to try them but here are the filters: Not sure how it will look when I copy paste but I have been liking Linear 8 or Minimum 1. Going back between these two,

For filters 0-5 this chart is accurate for both Linear Phase and Minimum Phase filters.. The 6 Minimum phase filters have the same characteristics as the linear phase filters of the same number, allowing easy comparison between filter types. As an example, Linear 2 has the same basic frequency response characteristics as Minimum 2 but they are based on a different filter construction techniques and yield different results. Filter types 6-8 are only available as linear phase. For simplicity and as a general guide to their characteristics, the list below lists filter # but in the M1 menu they are called out as Minimum and Linear.
 Filter 0 - 20kHz bandwidth, Stop-band at Nyquist frequency with low ripple and high attenuation
 Filter 1 - Low delay filter with full attenuation at Nyquist Frequency
 Filter 2 –Same as # 1 with a gentler slope and the passband at 19.5kHz
 Filter 3 - Same as # 1 with a gentler slope and the passband at 19kHz
 Filter 4 - Same as # 1 with a gentler slope and the passband at 18.5kHz
 Filter 5 – Same as # 1 with a gentler slope and the passband at 18kHz
 Filter 6 - A halfband type filter with 6dB attenuation at Nyquist frequency
 Filter 7 - Similar to 0 with a slightly gentler slope filter at 19k
 Filter 8 - Steepest slope, highest bandwidth, with low ripple and high attenuation

If you don't like upsampling then you should try a NOS DAC instead.

Fsmithjack,

Let’s not mix up-sampling with oversampling. Oversampling is always performed in synchronous mode and keeps original signal intact, at least every 8th sample (8x oversampling) will be original.

Up-sampling is in most cases implemented in asynchronous mode where resulting signal doesn’t contain any of original samples but only mathematically interpolated samples.

Oversampling only adds values with approximation, the originals are unchanged.

Regarding DSD comparison, you can’t send DSD signal from either OPPO or Esoteric through SPDIF connection. OPPO can do that through HDMI but DAC with HDMI input is needed. My comparison refers to sound coming out of balanced XLR analog outputs of Esoteric and OPPO when SACD played comparing to DSD file ripped from the same SACD and played from JRiver over Dop to M1 usb input. And while I certainly agree that Esoteric has far superior transport than OPPO that shouldn’t be the reason SACD is sounding better. For example I always preferred regular CDs and DVD-A ripped to wav files and played from PC through USB/M1 comparing to sound coming from Esoteric transport over the SPDIF. So, I’m quite sure it’s about decoding of DSD signal itself because experience with PCM material is opposite and same transport is used.

For DSP in JRiver I don’t use anything except stereo mix-down to 2ch for movies which shouldn’t affect regular stereo signals. I’ll try suggestions you mentioned but this means that DSD will be converted to PCM in JRiver internally and sent to M1 as PCM correct? So looks like we’re comparing who does better job converting DSD to PCM, M1 or JRiver?

Shsohis, I’m using DSD1 filter for DSD and Minimum0 for PCM. I played with filters for a week or so and settled down on these. Some of my friends prefer Linear6 in my system/room which is pretty much neutral. Filters are great feature on M1 and will be very useful to compensate for the overall sound of your system, so it really depends of system you have and your preferences for sound in general. Also you can smooth out not so great recordings if you will.

Coli, I didn’t have a chance to hear any of modern NOS designs although I remember well sound of the first CD players from 80s that were NOS by nature. They were bright and narrow sounding but it was something about speed and immediacy in the way they sounded.

Neno: I'm running DSD on Filter 0 with bigger soundstage and air.
Filter 1 seems to smoothen out the highs but makes the vocals more rounded and focused.

Filter 0 is no filter at all according to Bricasti...I prefer it also but is it safe, since all hi-frequency noise which can be louder that signal itself on DSD is passed downstream to pre/amp/speakers. This could potentially damage the tweeters or even our ears especially if listening loud. This kind makes me uneasy to use filter 0 so i settled for best compromise which is filter 1.

That is a good consideration Neno. Indeed filter 1 sounds closer to the DSD 128 rips from my vinyls - rounder and richer but I like the spaciousness that I get from Filter 1. It will be nice to have the best of both worlds. And of course vinyls still sound special.

Shsohis

As far as up-sampling with oversampling you seem to know a lot more about that than I do for sure so I will let you be the authority on that. I just know what it says in the manual. At the end of the day for me regardless of what is used is how it sounds and what is the best to my ears IMO how ever we get there...

" I certainly agree that Esoteric has far superior transport than OPPO that shouldn’t be the reason SACD is sounding better "

I can guarantee you that the transport at any level using any up-sampling and/or oversampling or non up-sampling or any medium be it ripped, streamed, downloaded, CD, SACD, any of it the actual transport has a gigantic impact on the sound. Way more than I ever thought. I have learned that mostly from when I started this thread and people brought it to my attention. So I am down digging around that rabbit hole now.

Guys HOW ABOUT SOME MORE COMPUTER SOURCE SOUND QUALITY HELP"

Really looking to keep my computer via usb for my source as I have a ton of music files that would cost a ton to replace via records or cd's.

I want to get better sound from my source for my DAC.

I tried the SOtM SMS-100 mini server for a while and liked the sound very much but it is super buggy and always dropping out and have to unplug and reboot. Way too much pain to use. They even sent me a second one and it was even worse. Sending them back.

Any other idea's out there that are not crazy expensive. I think there is a huge opportunity here for improvment as I heard great improvement using the SOtM but there has to be something more user friendly to work with my Bricasti. Thanks

1. Try SOtM tX-USBexp Audiophile PCIe to USB Audio Card / SOtM mBPS-d2s Intelligent Battery Power Supply. This is the best USB playback I have heard and it works flawlessly. I am using this for about a year now and never had a dropped connection. You can go without battery power supply if you want but since Bricasti needs 5v from USB this is the cleanest way to deliver it.

2. Other option, if you are willing to give up native DSD playback, would be Lynx AES16 audio card going AES connection to M1. This is what I used before and switched to USB only in order to have native DSD playback.

Fsmithjack,
This may just be what you are looking for :-

http://www.bryston.com/products/digital_audio/BDP-1USB.html

I have an Bryston BDP-2 connected to my M1 DAC. I love the convenience, but I never had the opportunity to compare it to other transports.

Jon2020 & Ricred1

This thing looks great. Can I still use JRiver with it? If so I need to find one. Thanks

Neno

Thanks a ton, when I send back the SOtM mini servers I am asking him for one of these and the battery pack and am going to pay the difference will should only be a couple hundred which is nice.

OK, so I assume putting the USB card in my computer is pretty easy like adding anything into a computer? Unplug and Open up the PC and then slip it in the slot and and then re-close up computer than download the driver and I should be good right?

Also, what about the Battery Supply. I hope I can just plug that in after I do everything above? Will tha battery pack work ok with my Bricasti?

So did you find this made a nice upgrade in SQ?

Thanks for the help!

If I understand it correctly, what the BDP-1USB does is to allow you to plug a usb thumbdrive or solid state/hard disk drive directly into it without the need for a pc. You can of course still use your pc with JRiver. The other function is to connect it by Ethernet LAN cable to your router/NAS and to the Bricasti via usb. This seems to give the best possible SQ.

I use a 1 Terabyte external hard drive. I've ripped my CDs via dbpoweramp on to the external hard drive and plug the USB cord into the BDP-2. It takes only a few seconds to upload the music. I control everything from my Ipad mini. It's very easy to create a play list or play an entire CD.
Although I don't stream, you can stream music through the BDP-2.

Suggest you take a look at the Antipodes server products from New Zealand.

I am on the hunt for a BDP right now. I am going to go with the upgraded usb card by sotm like above mentioned because I have a credit with that company coming and get its battery powered linear power supply as well and i think this combo will work great with a bdp. looking for a used one as we write :).

On loan from a local dealer I have a Clayton S-40 Class A 50 watt SS amp. Sounds exactly like a tube amp but better. Never have I heard such a pretty and tube sounding ss amp. Very Very nice... Solid can sound different now a days.

Fsmithjack,

Since you already have a top-notch DAC in the Bricasti M1, getting the BDP-1USB would save you a bundle. From the review that follows, USB thumbdrive seems to give better SQ than NAS.

http://www.bryston.com/PDF/reviews/2015_03_Review_BDP1_USB.pdf

Fsmithjack, Yes, SOtM is just ordinary PCIe card so you're good to go as long as you have available PCIe slot in your PC. One note tough, make sure you connect internal PSU from PC to card regardless of fact that you're going to use external battery PSU. This will step in ONLY in the case if for any reason card loses external PSU (accidentally un-plugged etc...) and will prevent damage to card itself ( see SOtM manual). For normal operation battery PSU is used all the time and you can hear improvement in sound immediately. Other thing to consider is that you go with Windows 8 (as suggested by Chris from CA) for better driver compatibility. Windows 8 will recognize SOtM card without problems but I would also suggest installing original (Texas Instruments) driver from SOtM website. I think I heard further improvement in sound after I did this.

Bryston BDP-1 or BDP-2 are network/USB players and they act as PC, so you don’t need PC if you’re going to use these, neither you need SOtM card/Battery PSU. So you need to decide which way to go first but since you already have money in SOtM I don’t see any reason giving that up.

Sound wise Bryston players are excellent option since they’re actually customized Linux based PCs for audio. However I prefer PC based source since for it’s far more versatile and future proof. For example I rely on JRiver more than 5 years now, my library has almost 10000 albums. I spent countless hours getting all tags correctly and believe me this is not something that’s get done automatically. I don’t believe that BDP user interface/library capabilities are even close to JRiver. On the other hand I run Steinberg Wavelab and Izotope RX professional software for audio editing and restoration of vinyl rips from the same machine. With BDP player you’re lock to music playback ONLY with limited options for upgrades in the future.

I hope this helps.

Ya that helps a ton thanks.

Jesus the US distributor for SOtM / Sonore thinks for a non computer expert like myself. I know a bit and can change out PCIe cards and stuff but nothing crazy.

He said he thinks the Sonore Sonic Orbitor with the SOtM USB card you recommended option built in will be perfect.

I can keep everything I am familiar with and it will let me keep my PC and and my JRiver and take advantage of my really good Tellurium Q Black Graphite USB cable I have invested in and don't I need to touch or change or really do anything other than plug it into my system. He said it is very stable and he said it sounds fantastic and it with my credit coming it will only be like $500.00 extra.

It sounds great but I am not real familiar like you def seem to be so your feedback will be really appreciated.

For this post if it goes great with my Bricasti or the folks with PS Audio DirectStream the folks on here might the like the idea of a all in unit under a $1000 that makes either of these great DACS much much better. They say the better the DAC the more improvement that can be heard and these are both great DACS. Would love any thoughts on this. Thanks

From Sonore web: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Sonore Sonic Orbiter is an audiophile PCM, DSD/DoP and native DSD capable music renderer with Ethernet input and SotM USB or SPDIF/analog output.

Your PC (you already have PC correct?) has Ethernet input and will have SotM USB output when you buy card.

JRiver is PCM, DSD/DoP and native DSD capable music renderer.

You're going to use USB to M1 connection so you don't need SPDIF/analog outputs.

You don't need this Sonic Orbiter save yourself some money and spend on something else you need.

BTW, nice alternative to PC is a good laptop, Brian is using this himself on audio shows. For critical listening you can always run it from batteries and charge overnight...It's silent as well, or almost silent:)

Cheers,
N

Thanks

Tring the Audiophilleo 2 as a more simple fix and it works pretty great and no bugs or problems. Anyone every try these with your Bricasti or DirectStream???

I have no experience with this brand, but if you want to have DSD128 support (double DSD) it looks like you would need their 'Audiophilleo 1 Special Edition' model. All of their models support DSD64 via DoP.

I tried this Audiophilleo 2 and really liked it so I upped the ante and got their pure power battery pack that pulls all of the computer power away and uses nice clean battery power and wholly smokes its soooo much better than a regular one. It doesn't do the double dsd and maxes out at 192 but its 1/2 the price than the 1. Its $1,000 for the 1 and $500ish for the 2 and all the options the extra options (volume control and color lcd and other stuff I don't need or care for and double the price for double dsd didn't seem make sense as the sound is identical but the pure power battery pack is a different story. It is excellent!! Highly recommended. Much better imo than the SOtm SMS-100 sound wise as well and is trouble free operation. Much better...

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone has tried using footers beneath the Bricasti M1? Please share experience.

When I brought the M1 home for audition, I placed it on these footers from Harmonix by Combak, the RF 900 series :-

http://www.combak.net/feet&bases/FEET_and_BASES.html

http://www.combak.net/ (review here)

They make a world of difference. I use the same for my speakers.

J.

Hey Jon

Good idea. I am going to have to try this! I have wanted to try this type of vibration control mod.

Hey guys:

I just pulled the trigger on new speakers and amps to take full advantage of my Bricasti. I was struggling to find the right amps for my speakers to the point of then getting into swapping speakers so I just went hole hog and made a "HUGE CHANGE"! With my Bricasti and its great volume control / output stage it made my BAT and ARC preamps pretty much obsolete. I prefer the Bricasti M1 with no pre and not by a small amount. That said my preamps, speakers and amps are now gone.

I have gone in an entirely different direction and I am super excited and nervous at the same time.

My new speakers and amps should be here next week. For the first time I am purchasing amps that were specifically designed and made for my speakers by the same designer from the same company. Something new for me ! I have my digital front end nailed down pretty good with my Bricasti M1 DAC and I didn't want to get back onto the amp-merry-go-round so I thought this was a great choice for me. I love the dynamics, bass, grip and precise control of Solid Stage but I love the sound of tubes. I really fell for what a good solid state amp can do but missed tubes. That said I have decided to take the plunge and purchased new speakers and a new amp from a real small boutique company in India that I hope can offer some of the best of both worlds:

Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):

The speakers are single / driver / high efficiency / wide banders with a self powered built in bass module.

Here is the info:
Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):
103db, 18hz-20khz, 8ohm
Minimum amplification power: 2 wpc
Full Range - Horn loaded labyrinth:(7" – 4") length
Full range driver: Custom designed 7 inch paper cone w/whizzer w/ Custom designed Self driven bass modules: 3 Bass Drivers per enclosure
3 x 6.5 inch paper cone
Sealed Isobaric chamber:
Bass labyrinth:( 4' – 8" )
w/ one monobloc per enclosure
FET amplifier
Max. output: 210 wpc @ 4 ohms
Dimensions: H x D x W : 3'-5" )x( 2'-4 ½" )x( 8.5" )
Weight per enclosure: 88 lbs

Here is the matching amp that comes in 2 boxes. 1 - box holds all the tubes and the other holds the power supply tethered by a cable. They look like mono blocks but are attached by the cable and it is an integrated, stereo amp.

Rethm Gaanam Integrated amp.
They don't list all the specs per say but here some info if your interested. It interested me enough to order these brand new speakers and amps and we have all chatted a lot so I wanted to share in the event your interested.

This is a pretty unique amp that was again voiced and designed specifically to match the speakers perfectly.

Here is the designer talking about designing the amp.

The criteria we started with were the following:

1. It had to be between 10 and 20 wpc.
2. It had to be Single Ended pure class A.

We use a unique circuit for the power amp section whereby the ONLY tubes are the output tubes. No gain stage tubes, no buffer tubes, no driver tubes. The preamp section provides more than adequate gain, and instead of driver tubes, we have small, custom designed "driver transformers". This enabled us to get a beautiful sound that had all the warmth and dimensionality that makes valves so unique, while enabling a clarity and dynamic that is not often found in traditional valve amplifiers. To enhance control, we decided on a solid state buffer in this amplifier. We also have zero feedback.

After much experimenting with several valve types, we settled on a single-ended configuration using the 6C33C valve. It produces 16 wpc. The 6C33C valve is, on technical spec's itself, an amazing valve. It has an extremely high Trans-conductance value ( in excess of 30 mA/V -- as compared to the 12.5 of a KT 120 ) which facilitates much better current flow. And, it has an amazingly low Internal Resistance ( 130 ohms -- as compared to 3000 ohms on a KT 120 ) which is almost comparable to solid-state devices! This enables a much higher speed of signal voltage transfer. It also has very low anode voltages ( 120 v -- as compared to most valves that go from a few hundred volts to in excess of 1000 v in the case of the 845 valve ) -- which makes it a much safer device.

The preamp section uses two 6922 valves, one per channel, and uses an extremely simple circuit. The power supply is choke regulated, and here again, we have zero feedback.

We also get all our transformers (the output transformers, driver transformers, power transformer and choke) cryogenically treated as we see a substantial improvement in performance with greater transparency, detail retrieval and delicacy to the reproduction.

Wish me luck guys. I took the plunge and took a chance that I can get that Tube and SS flavor and overall take my rig to the next level.

Any advice or feedback or anything is always really appreciated. I know this is the Bricasti thread but we have talked a lot about other amps and speakers matching to the Bricasti and that kind of stuff so I wanted to update and share :)

Wow, Frank, you're a true fearless audio cliffdiver! That's quite a leap.

Great to know that amp/speaker match will have perfect synergy. Here's my advice:

1) Break-in: Resist the urge to judge anything until plenty of break-in time. Use pink noise on repeat overnights.
2) Setup: Take your time with room setup and read the archives to suggestions. Start w/manufs' advice and consider the setup calculations on Cardas website.
3) AFTER the get a feel for the rig & room, then try rolling the 6922s. Current production won't be near the level of many great options including pricey Tungsol 7308, the crisp Telefunkens, my value-fav the Amperex Bugle Boys, bargain Valvos & Tunsgrams, and others. Read Joe's Tube Lore: http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html

Cheers,
Spencer

Sbank

Thanks for the advice! Any idea where to get a pick noise download? That's a good idea!

Rather than pure pink noise, you might want to use the CASCADE burn-in track provided for free from TARA Labs.

Wow Fsmith that's a big leap of faith! I do wish you the best it will be interesting to see what you think. I too just received my own Bricasti M1 and have to say it's the first time I now listen to digital, this coming from an analog guy. Yes I still feel analog sounds superior but now I can listen for hrs thru the M1 and not be fatigued. Can I ask why you didn't consider the Bricasti M28 amps? I heard them and even though I'm a tube guy thought they sounded wonderful. Am hoping to get to hear them for a longer time to see if it's something that may be an option.
Enjoy your new set-up and keep all posted.

(Dealer disclaimer)

Sksos1,
What happened to the Lampizator DAC?

It's being updated! Once I heard the M1 though I had to have it.

I love it I caught a rash when I stated I liked my Bricasti better than the new Lampi.

The original question asks about the Bricasti Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DAC.

I just found the Dagogo web site and a review of the Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DA. Dagogo states the following (this is an exact quote from the review in the quotes):

"I will start this review of the Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DAC by taking out all of the suspense. The M1 is one of the best DACs available on the market at any price. In fact, when used in the right system it is actually a bargain, since it allows you to eliminate a preamp. It also gives tweakers a huge range of filter options that adjust the sound. Finally, it’s a great looking piece of equipment that you’ll be proud to feature on your equipment stand. The M1 is so good that there is no need for a long review – there’s simply nothing in the way of a weakness. Any DAC that’s “better” is not better because of a shortcoming in the M1. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the details”.

"I actually cut an entire page of additional detail that I wrote about the Bricasti M1. After I reread the draft review it seemed like the additional information actually detracted from the main point: the Bricasti M1 is an elite DAC regardless of price. Instead, I was looking for an analogy outside the audiophile world. I came across a review of the Bricasti where the reviewer stated that “the M1 is an understated performer, one that doesn’t necessarily scream for attention.” I understand exactly what he meant, though I would add some clarification. The Bricasti M1 is “understated” in the sense that Jackie Robinson made baseball look easy and Stevie Ray Vaughn made playing blues guitar look easy. They may have made it look easy, but you knew you were in the presence of greatness. That’s the Bricasti M1".

See:

http://www.dagogo.com/bricasti-design-model-1-usb-dac-review

You might have to copy this link into your browser.

Psaudio has a new firmware for it i would not change until i heard the YALE firmware up grade

My friend has modified Yggdrasil DAC and would love to A/B with a Bricasti. He is in Pocoima, CA. If you have a Bricasti he could bring his DAC over or visa versa. The Yggy modified is pretty killer......might be better than Bricasti. See post here for pics of mods....More mods coming. I will post more of his listening comments soon: http://www.tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/Schiit_mod.html

I am sure its a great sounding DAC. All their stuff at its price point is good stuff and they have the best name no doubt. Its funny though I have not heard much about anyone modding a Bricasti though? I think Brian did most of that himself...

No one does mods on anything over $1300.....the Oppo 105D is the only thing being modded by anyone. People are afraid of losing resale value. I could mod a Bricasti in many ways to make it way, way better.....no one would do it. NO ONE. This is what makes the Yggy so exciting. Already with a few mods it is way, way better. One guy thought that stock it was as detailed as the $11,500 MSB Analog DAC he had there that had the separate power supply and the latest 4X usb input option. He said the MSB stock was more musical.......but all the mods my friend did to the Yggy made it more detailed and at least half of them made it more musical.....this means it is now way more detailed than the MSB and probably as musical. And this is a $2300 product with a couple hundred dollars worth of mods.....this is pretty cool. However, getting anyone else to mod their Yggy is very, very hard. Fear of loss is what rules most people.....not finding out what is possible.

Hoping for some comparisons of YALE firmware upgrade for the DirectStream. Anyone think PS Audio will catch Bricasti or Lampi?

-Josh

The Yale FW upgrade for the PS Audio DS DAC bring the SQ to a very high level.

Sabai,

Is the Yale firmware more recent than Pikes Peak? hard to keep uop with PSA. Thanks.

Neal

Yes, the Yale firmware is their latest and currently in beta testing. Anyone can download and try it. Most users feel it's their best yet, but of course there's never a unanimous opinion.

Thank you. I will try it. Pikes Peak is a bit too sharp and overly detailed for my tastes.

Neal

Ricevs

I am sure you could make the Bricasti sound more toward your liking but " making it way, way better" I am not buying it.

There is a lot more going on at this level of product than just throwing some top shelf parts at it. I guarantee that!

Tweak the sound to work better with your speakers in your system sure but it is a very accurate DAC, well executed that sounds very good. Now I do believe many products can be improved with modding. I have seen it and done it and appreciate it and I don't doubt the Bricasti or any audio product can be improved with modding. Brian makes one of the best pro Reverbs on the planet for pro studios and he offers inexpensive upgrades frequently but he offers genuine, accurate, universal upgrades that sound and measure excellent. I can tell you that many people on this site spend more on power cables than on a Bricasti DAC and resale is not stopping these folks that I am sure of.

Regardless of what one guy said I will take the sound of the wonderful MSB Analog DAC 1,000 out of 1,000 times over any modded schiit DAC regardless...

Sorry but that company doesn't even beat out the better 2k to $3k DACs out there never mind the fabulous MSB Analog DAC... I get it your trying to get their name out there that's fine but let that DAC beat out the others in its price range first then talk about mods...I would find a deal on a nice and clean, used DirectStream for not that much more than one of these Schiits and it will Blow its Doors off!!!!

I heard the Bricasti M1 DAC a few months ago in a show room and I heard the Berkeley Reference DAC in a different show room. Two different systems. The Bricasti M1 was OK but I was impressed with the Berkeley Reference DAC. But now that PS Audio has come out with the Yale firmware for their DS DAC the gap is narrowed to such an extent that I would think twice and 3 times before jumping to a more expensive DAC.

PS Audio have done something exceptional with the Yale firmware. The 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 (Pike's Peak) FW pale in comparison. With Yale you have a whole new DAC at a superior performance level. PS Audio is planning at least one more firmware upgrade for the DS DAC.

As it now stands, the DS DAC is the best DAC value that I know of -- by a country mile. People have been dumping them on Audiogon in recent months. The DS needs 500 hours to break in. So, perhaps these folks were simply impatient, or perhaps the synergy was not there with their system. In any case, they did not wait for the Yale firmware. If DS DAC owners hang in there they will be handsomely rewarded, in my experience. IMO. FWIW.