I believe that the later 39 models have PCM1704 dac chips, so they are very good in their own right.
Levinson 39 vs Bricasti M1
I got the Levinson bug recently and got a #39 processor/player. And a 38S pre. I’ve been using a CEC TL1 with the Bricasti for years. Great combo.
i was only planning on using the 39 as a transport. I got a great deal. Cheaper than the 37 (transport only).
Anyway, I was shocked that the 39, as a player, sounded nearly (and in some cases) identical to the Bricasti. I have A/B’d dozens of times and the 39 is so close that I’m considering selling the Bricasti and getting a 360s D/A. I can use my M2tech Evo for USB connectivity. I realize I won’t be able to play newer hi-rez formats but that’s not a priority for me.
Just wanted to share.
P.S. My Bricasti has the upgraded power supply but not latest firmaware.
i was only planning on using the 39 as a transport. I got a great deal. Cheaper than the 37 (transport only).
Anyway, I was shocked that the 39, as a player, sounded nearly (and in some cases) identical to the Bricasti. I have A/B’d dozens of times and the 39 is so close that I’m considering selling the Bricasti and getting a 360s D/A. I can use my M2tech Evo for USB connectivity. I realize I won’t be able to play newer hi-rez formats but that’s not a priority for me.
Just wanted to share.
P.S. My Bricasti has the upgraded power supply but not latest firmaware.