Bricasti M1 vs new M3


I've been using and loving an original Bricasti M1 (not SE) for awhile and have been offered a fair price for it. Is it worth selling and getting a new M3? Anyone have any 1st hand experience comparing each unit?
rsf507

Showing 9 responses by hgeifman

@draaglah, I think the cost to upgrade the Bricasti M1 DAC to the Bricasti M1SE DAC is $1,000.   Please call Bricasti or your Bricasti retailer and ask.

@rsf507,  I am also interested in hearing what you decided.  Did you purchase the Bricasti M1SE DAC?  Please keep us posted.  Thank.


@ddafoe,  Great decision and congratulations. I also sold my SimAudio 380D Network Player / DAC and purchased the Bricasti M3 DAC.  Excellent sound quality.  Enjoy.  
@sfseay,  Thanks for the information on the MDx processor update to the Bricasti M3 DAC.  

Where did this information come from?  I do not see it posted on the Bricasti Web Site.

What is the cost of the Bricasti MDx processor upgrade?   Does the M3 DAC need to be returned to Bricasti for the Mdx upgrade or is it a local software upgrade?   Thanks...


@sfseay,  What is involved in installing the Bricasti Mdx upgrade kit?   Is the install something the the average person can install or is it more complicated?  Thanks for the update.  
Bricasti reports "MDx Upgrades are performed at the shop in Boston. The new processor will offer improved accuracy and performance so its a worthwhile investment but you can do it anytime. It is a little less money at the moment since we have an introductory price of $700 and then they will sell for $1,000".   Please see:

https://www.bricasti.com/en/consumer/mdx.php  



@sfseay, Thanks for the information.  Please let me know how the MDx install goes.  It sounds very easy but is it really?   
Another friend installed the MDx upgrade in her Bricasti M21 DAC. She sent me the instructions from Bricasti and walked me thru the process. It takes about 30 minutes and is not complicated (maybe).

I ordered the MDx board and will install it. She said her audio system sounds better, more natural and detailed. The Mdx Board Cost is $700.

Bricasti reports the list price is $1,000 and the current cost is $700. This is a special MDx upgrade board offer GOOD until July 15th and after that the price goes up. Tools needed are:

a) Torx #8 driver for the top cover or #1 Philips

b) ¼ nut driver for the stand offs

c) #1 Philips driver for the internal screws.

d) 5/8” Nut driver socket wrench to remove the nut on the SPDIF RCA, it is not too tight and may come off with your hand.




The Bricasti M1 is a dual mono DAC in the analog section. The M3 is a smaller box and has just 2 power supplies (one for digital and one for both analog channels). 

I believe the Bricasti M1 DAC is going to sound better than the M3. The M3 offers an incredible array of performance in a more affordable price class. 

I suggest you consider upgrading your M1 to the Bricasti M1SE upgrade. 

I own the Bricasti M21 DAC and like it very much.
The Bricasti web site says:

“The Special Edition Bricasti 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”. 

I previously owned the Bricasti M1 DAC and upgraded it to the M1SE version. The SE version substantially upgraded the sound quality of the M1 DAC.