Is the Bricasti M3 a dark sounding dac

I own an original M1 and don't consider it at all dark sounding. Gives stunning black backgrounds when that's what is on a CD or via streaming

I too have an M1 and in no way do I consider it dark or leaning towards dark. The only way I would call it dark is in comparison with some gear that are, to my ears, way too bright.

My M1 was updated to the MDX board in 2020 (and I've not heard the M3)

Yes it’s very dark and small sounding. Not worth even 1/4th the price.

Might I ask those who have an M1 or M3, how you're feeding the DAC? I've just got a used M1se with the MDX update and Ethernet and I'm swimming in indecisiveness. My existing setup just plays Bitperfect/iTunes from my laptop w/ my 3TB library on a portable external HD, through Airplay to an Airport that connects to my existing DAC via mini Toslink... but I want to upgrade now that I'm switching my DAC to the M1.

@au_lait you need to get Qobuz and even ROON then using a s Roon Nucleus attach your 3TB library to the Nucleus and now enjoy either your library or the 80 million songs in Qobuz. I think you will be in for a treat.

I would not say the M3 is dark.  It is about dead neutral.  That being said, it is all relative and you need to take into account system matching and where you are coming from.  If your point of reference is Chord then yes, Bricasti will seem dark.  If your point of reference is Aqua, then it might seem bright.  It is relative but when you consider the range in terms of output, Bricasti is middling and about neutral.  
 

regarding feeding an M1 SE with network card, your best option is a server with a direct Ethernet connection.  The Antipodes S40 or K41 are perfect examples of how best to do this. I have used a K40 previously and it was a big step up from my Nucleus+.  I do think a part of that is the direct connection and the signal not passing through my router where it is with the Nucleus+.

@verdantaudio 

I have used a K40 previously and it was a big step up from my Nucleus+.  I do think a part of that is the direct connection and the signal not passing through my router where it is with the Nucleus+.

Thank you kindly, this is helpful.