Bricasti M3 vs. Holo Audio May vs. PS Audio DS

@dwest1023 + 1

For me I was not overly concerned about customer service. Kitsune answered 

my email in a timely fashioned. I love the sound of my holo may. Anyway I don’t listen to phones and customer service, I listen to music and my May delivers it just the way I like it.

I just ran across this thread as I'm currently comparing several of the DACs mentioned thus far in the discussion.  Where does customer service fit into the equation.  I am certain that Bricasti, Ayre, Weiss, PS Audio have exemplary customer service because I was able to reach with a single phone call a live body who was competent in answering alley questions.

HOLO / KITSUNE AUDIO IS THE EXCEPTION.  No phone number is posted anywhere.  And contacting KITSUNE  by email is a joke since emails apparently are not taken seriously and are generally not answered.  Why would I deal with a company that fails to have an adequate customer support system in place?  I CONCLUDE THAT KITSUNE, WHO IS THE USA DISTRIBUTOR FOR HOLO, IS A COMPANY BLOATED WITH PROFITS THROUGH SELLING A WELL DESIGNED PRODUCT BY JEFF ZHU.  However, Jeff should know how poorly his excellent product is being represented by KITSUNE - selling the product is only one half of the story.  I have huge doubts about spending $6k on a product with inadequate customer service.

Congratulations. Nice system...sounds like a great match. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.  About a month ago, I came to pretty much the same conclusions as @verdantaudio:  far fewer compromises at about the $10,000 level.  So I now have an MSB Discrete, driven by a Mac MA 8900 into Vandersteen Treo CT’s and a six pack of Rel S 510’s.  Streamer is a BluOS Node 2i believe it or not.  I listen to streaming only;  typical 60’s and 70’s rock n roll & blues:  Dead, Allman Bros, Richard Thompson, The Band, Van Morrison, Clapton, Beatles, MuddyWaters,BB Kung, Otis Spann, Coko Taylor—lots of live recordings—you know.  For this type of music,  the MSB is phenomenal:  sound stage has a physical aspect; clarity is live-performance like, especially vocals and acoustic strings, and low frequencies are clean and solid. Overall, the MSB brings a sense of weight to everything, but without any loss of crispness and bloom.  If you close your eyes on Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”, she is in the room.  I also considered the Bricasti M1, but had no practical ability to audition either.  Ultimately went with the MSB’s entry level, on the theory that maybe some of their top of line design and build trickles down. I don’t know.  I lucked out, but Idon’t think it was possible to make a
mistake between these two.  I could say more, but you get the idea.

I’ve owned my Bricasti M1 Limited Gold for 5 years and enjoy it immensely. When I was looking (at that time) I also listened to MSB and Weiss and went with the Bricasti. My previous DAC was a BMC DAC/Pre. I’ve also recently replaced my solid state BMC amps with a Bricasti M25. My source over this time has been Laufer Teknik's Memory Player through three series of upgraded models.

Bricasti's customer service is excellent, as noted in earlier posts.

A major factor for consideration is the rest of your system components. It truly is a synergy thing, and this factors into the DAC’s performance and sound in your particular system.

Auditioning in your system, or a similar system, is definitely recommended; e.g., how does it sound with amps similar to yours (tube or solid state), with similar speakers (horn, sealed or bass-reflex), fed from a similar source (dedicated Roon server, or other mechanism).

Worth taking your time, and using your own ears to make the decision.

I have owned a LOT of DACs and have been doing a ton of testing lately. 

At this level, there is some inherent compromise with most of these units still.  It is the next rung up ($8K to $12K) where compromises largely go away.  I know that sounds crazy but it has been my experience.  Not saying you want of even need to go up that higher level.  The key is understanding the compromises in each of these units and making a wise choice based on what is most important to you.  

There is a long list of DACs in the rage.  Bricasti M3, Chord TT2, Rockna Wavelight and Wavedream Edition SE, Audiobyte Hydra Vox, PS Audio DSD, Holo May, Denafrips, etc.....

I have spent tons of time with the Rockna, Audiobyte, Chord and PS Audio DACs and I am about to order a Bricasti DAC.  

My experience is there is a trade-off in terms of absolute details and refinement vs depth and stability of the image.  Are you looking for maximum detail or a deep and stable image?  And then, secondarily, tonally are you looking for something warmer or brighter?

Additionally, do you need a network bridge?  How will you get data to the DAC?  Do you have a server?  What connections do you need?  If all of that is laid out, then hopefully it will be obvious which DAC is right for you.  

They’re all good dacs, and there’s lot of others too.  TMRAudio.com should be where you start shopping… great people and great return policy will allow you to find something you really like.  Throw lampizator dacs into the mix too, my favorite his far.

Rsf507 keep in mind speakers are responsible for toe tapping as well. I can't believe how many expensive I have heard that can't get that right!😃

I owned the Bricasti M3 with the MDX board and now own (again) the PS Audio Directstream DAC.  

The Directstream DAC in my system and to my ears is superior to the M3.  

Any guys who owned a Bricasti dac before manch 20 had the old board 
and for $1k a very nice upgrade their New MDX board with new processors and other worth wild technologies , for the latest ps audio with windsom upgrade 
with very respectful but the current  Bri M3 just has better dynamics and control 
but still have plenty of finesse which most dacs don’t 

The Bricasti m3 with current MDX board and with streamer card sound at its best 
not far off it’s big brother the M1 ,  and to make streaming much better the 
uptone audio Ether regen  it truly removes all the noise residing in your digital 
just do a little research , and blue jeans cables their cat 6 bonded pair 500 MHz 
From Beldon is exactly what’s used in many studios and even comes with a bandwidth certification  great values  in quality, performance the 
Bricasti ,how they get it to have so much musicality but with authority 
at   Just over 10 lbs vs 40 for Denafrips terminator , or Holo springs May KTE 
at40 lbs is a mystery no where near as many capacitors ,or a  two box unit but it does have state of the art Shark dual processors  and other things in engineering.
They learned from pro audio mastering which they do around the world.

@hgeifman Got it, thanks!

@cosmic_charlie, I forgot something. I previously owned the Bricasti M1SE DAC and replaced it with the Bricasti M21 DAC. 

@cosmic_charlie, No, I never listened to the MSB Discrete DAC.

I looked at the MSB Discrete DAC but quickly discovered I need both an AES/EBU and USB connections that were all additional costs. Then, I got REALLY confused with the power supply options. It comes with one power supply box for both channels and, an option, another power supply box so that both channels have their own power supply. I discussed this with MSB (phone call) and they suggested I UPGRADE to their BEST power supply (The Reference Powerbase) for ever better sound quality that really increased the cost. I decided to pass on the MSB Discrete DAC.

https://www.msbtechnology.com/dacs/discrete-dac-features/

I own the Bricasti M21 DAC (MDx board installed) in my main audio system and the Bricasti M3 DAC in my 2-channel home theatre system. Both Bricasti DAC’s are excellent and I like them very much for the excellent sound quality. I hope this helps.

@hgeifman I’m thinking about increasing my DAC budget.   I see you looked at the MSB Discrete.  I don’t think I would need any of the  add-ons, which means it would be  priced pretty close to the Bricasti M1.  Have you compared those two by any chance?  Thanks!

@cosmic_charlie.    I failed to mention that I have owned a DirectStream (most recently with the Windom firmware) and I enjoyed it. Having an ethernet connection and being a Roon end point is very convenient (to me anyhow). 

I currently own a Bricasti M1SE and I prefer that DAC. But, at the end of the day, budget plays a role in audio decisions. You can have a DS with Bridge II for around $3,500. At that price, or less, I think it's a good option. 

Where PS Audio and Bricasti have some commonality is their approach to offering upgrades to the DACs, they diverge in how they deliver the upgrades: PS Audio with free firmware updates (which are always very impactful) and Bricasti with paid hardware upgrades (which are very much worth the price of admission). In both scenarios, you can invest in a DAC that will give you plenty of milage.

I've never heard a May DAC in my system and can't offer any input there. 

@hgeifman Yes, thanks, quite a bit of useful information.  Still researching, but leaning toward Bricasti.  As @mike_in_nc points out, the Holo Audio May does seem to be the latest reviewer’s darling—although it could well be the real deal. I do like that phrase and have been around long enough to know it’s a real phenomenon.  I also like that Bricasti is a well established company.  More work to do!

I had the PS audio and M3 at the same time. I liked the PS audio better. I also had the M21 and it was the best but a lot more money. I went with The Bel Canto E1x that I like better then the PS and the M3. 

@cosmic_charlie, You received 24 comments regarding your Audiogon post looking for thoughts regarding the Bricasti M3 vs. Holo Audio May vs. PS Audio DS. Was any of this information useful and did it help you make a decision?

IF NOT, I suggest you audition these DAC’s, and others, if possible, to help you make your decision. The process is not easy, takes time and more important, you do not want to make a mistake. The best way to make a decision is to audition these DAC’s (and others, if needed). Please keep us posted. Thanks.

One more thing. Please do not rush the process. There is no hurry and sometimes time is required to make the right choice.

I have an M1SE with the MDx board and ethernet module (which I prefer over USB). Bright is not a word I'd use to describe the DAC. 

About 5 years ago, I owned an Auralic Vega--I would describe that DAC as being bright. 

What sound characteristics are most important to you?  Lots of excellent DACs out there these days. 

When I say accurate I'm talking about sounding like real instruments and foot tapping that you can listen for hours on end. 

Look at Border Patrol and Simaudio. I have the 280D in my main system and really like it very transparent. I have the Border Patrol on my office system and it is very nice and affordable, much better than the DAC in the Node 2i we stream with.

Accurate= note musical

@jc51373 I own the Bricasti M1 and have listened to the M3 many times and it has NEVER sounded bright just accurate and musical.

@hgeifman 

You considered the MSB which is twice the cost of what you bought? I can assure you have listened to both the MSB is twice as good as the M3...Unless you prefer bright sounding gear. 

@ jayrossi13, I purchased the Bricasti M21 DAC and it is truly excellent.   The M21 DAC is used in my main audio system and the Bricasti M3 DAC is used in my 2-channel home theatre system.   Both DAC's are truly excellent but the M21 DAC is the best of the best (IMHO). 

I use the laddered DAC option and use an AES/EBU cable from my Aurender N20 Music Server to the DAC.   I also have an USB Cable connected but rarely use it.  

I am very satisfied with the sound quality of this system and so are my friends that have heard it.  I also installed the Bricasti MDx digital in the M21 DAC and the sound quality improved.   The MDx board is an outstanding upgrade and is HIGHLY recommended.   The Bricasti M21 DAC is truly an outstanding DAC and is highly recommended.  I hope this helps,     

@hgeifman 

How does the M3 compare to the M21?  

On the M21, do you prefer the R2R section?

Fuzz# wasn’t the last update for the DAC  called Wyndham? Now it looks like it’s called sunshine. Am I talking about the same thing? That the different program should make the DAC sound different? Do you

mike_in_nc. 

What are you talking about?
The last DS firmware update was early 2019.
The latest is advertised as "the last."
You are the first aphile I've heard of that dislikes better sound.

raysmtb1
Just the firmware. Exquisite new SQ.  My doundstage literally jumped back. Streamers that sounded the same are now quite different. 
Everything else the same

OP, though I am a "listen" and not a "measure" person, do a bit of research on PS Audio before purchasing.

As others have mentioned the Bricasti is the superior product. PS Audio is mostly overhyped audiophile crap.

#fuzztone , Did PS audio rewrite the software for the direct stream DAC?

+1, Bricasti M3 DAC:   My Ayre Codex DAC was excellent but the unit was getting old and I wanted to try something else.  At that time Bricasti, just announced their M3 DAC.  After several phone calls with my retailer, and Bricasti, I purchased the M3 DAC in January 2020.  It took time for the M3 to break in BUT it was light years BETTER than the Ayre Codex DAC.   I like the Bricasti M3 DAC very much and highly recommend you consider it.  The addition of the Bricasti M3 DAC substantially improved the sound quality of my audio system.  

Based on my positive experience with Bricasti, I encourage you to consider  the M3 DAC.  Bricasti is a USA Company located in Shirley, MA.  Their customer service is excellent.

I also looked at the MSB Discrete DAC but everything thing was an extra cost option (USB, AES/EBU, power supply, etc.,) and expensive.  The dCS Bartok was also interesting but, based on my research, I kept coming back to Bricasti.  The Chord DAVE was also on my list, but I decided to pass (my Chord retailer was very 'pushy' and not helpful).  I hope this helps.   Any more questions?    

I am not familiar with the Holo Audio May and the PS Audio DS.  BTW, I use the Bricasti M21 DAC in my other audio system.  

I would listen, of course, but here also are my thoughts on this. Bricasti is not a "flavor of the month." They are an established company also serving the broadcast industry. They have great customer support and service.

Holo May is a reviewers’ darling. I remember many such through the years. Some were as great as originally thought; some were like MQA or a too-bright speaker -- initially impressive but didn’t wear well.

PS Audio is interesting. They keep changing their DAC with firmware updates. I tend to buy something whose sound I like, and am not crazy about constant changes. And it will be hard for me to forgive PSA for selling their original Bridge as "state of the art" when it would not even do gapless playback. Then they put their customers through year after year of denial and halfway solutions before finally offering them a discount on a functional product.

We are a bracasti dealer and there is more to selecting a dac then just sound quality

The m3 is modular and has allready been updated so one concern is can the product evolve?

The m3 also has an analog volume option and can play any kind of file it is also roon compatible and can stream

For all of these reasons the m3 is just outstanding

Dave and troy
Audio intellect nj
Bricasti dealers

Cosmic Charlie I’ve never heard the Briscati M3 though I am aware of the brand , it’s beautiful ! plus it has a purpose built headphone section something of a bonus I think .

I don’t stream my music I find ripped to the hard drive of a 432 Evo Aeon server playback sounds better then streaming GeorgeHiFi currently has a very good thread on that very subject..

JasonBournes comments above on using a $200.00 dac while streaming could have more truth then we know ...

+1 @

I’d be extremely surprised if a 200.00 USD DAC has the same quality chassis construction, power supply, part quality and analogue output stage  (Also well thought out I/V conversion) implementation as a 4 figure priced DAC/CD player. All of these vital factors contribute to overall sound quality.
Charles

Why spend so much money? You can buy a near-state-of-the-art DAC for $200! A Khadas Tone Pro 2! I have the earlier version! This DAC is competitive with any of today's four-figure offerings! 

The DS is so much better with this months firmware it's like a new stereo. All other comps are apples an oranges.

Yes sir

@raysmtb1... you mean the "Bricasti" is the clear winner, correct? 

I’ve had the PS audio and I just sold it for a Bricasti m1. The Burkowski is is the clear winner. Everything is better about it and the music is Clearer,Just gives off an entirely better image