USB to Dual Coax Bridge for Qutest DAC

@drlou77 any update?

I’m also interested in your impressions as I’m thinking about this exact same move myself. 
 

DaveJ

@audphile1 

@treynolds155 

The seller dropped the DAC off at FEDEX today.  I will take delivery on Thursday, and have it playing on Friday.

I will post my impressions over the weekend.

Thanks!

👍

@drlou77 just wondering if you got your Bricasti M3 or the weather caused shipping problems?   Still interested in your impression! 

@testrun 

The storm delayed the delivery of my M3.  I have it, but won’t be able to install it until Friday.  I will listen this weekend.  Not sure I’ll be able to give it a 100% thumbs up, because I’ll be breaking in a brand new 2M DH Labs Silver Sonic Mirage USB Cable.  More to come.
 

Thanks.

@drlou77 more than one change at a time? Unacceptable!!!

😂

I’m guilty of the same sin! Enjoy!!! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 

@audphile1 

The Qutest has a tiny footprint, as you know.  It's sitting on top of my streamer.  The M3 needs to have its own space.  This required that I get a longer USB cable.  I called The Cable Company and they gave me a good deal on the DH Labs.  They also let me try it for 30 days, and if I want to upgrade, I get almost full credit towards an upgrade.  

Regarding the USB Cable, I did some research here and the DH Labs was a consistent recommendation.  I paid around $300.  If anyone has any feedback on this cable, or would recommend something else that would result in a reasonable cost/value investment, I have until February 11 to make a change.

Yes, I know that cables matter.  No, I will not spend over a $1,000 for any cable, despite claims by Synergistic Research that I should.

Thanks! 😎

@drlou77 I would say the Mirage is definitely a decent cable. I liked it when I had it. Are there better USB cables? Definitely. When I tried Audience AU24SE+ and compared it to DH Labs, there was no way back to the Mirage. Now, that was with the Qutest. With the M3 I only tried the AU24SE+ with Lumin U1 Mini bit sold that streamer and the USB.  Now with the Aurender I tried  stock USB cable that came with the streamer and the AQ Diamond that I am still breaking in.
I’d say try the DH Labs for 30 days. Keep the streamer and the DAC on and playing 24/7 to get at least 200hrs on the USB cable before you decide anything.
The M3 will also benefit from a good power cord. But will give you an idea on its capabilities even with a stock power cord.

@audphile1 

Thanks.  Will do. I will check out.  Just curious, whats an Audience AU24SE+ go for?You have piqued my interest.

I have an after market power cord.  I don't know if it's the right one for the Bricasti.  What would you recommend?  I'm open to upgrading in the next few months.

This forum is a blessing and a curse.  The wealth of knowledge is priceless.  Thanks to all that chimed in.

The curse, lol, is that I started with a $350 item and I'm now out of $3k+, that I had no intention of spending.  I love this hobby!

Used, I think somewhere between $425-$450 for 1m would be a decent priced including shipping etc.

@audphile1 Thanks.  I will look around for a used cable.  Do you have a recommendation for a power cord, too?

Thanks.

I find with the digital components, at least in my system to my ears, bigger gauge power cables seem to work best. 12 or 10 awg.
I am currently using a Furutech FP-S032N that I terminated myself. I had good results with Audience AU24SEi MP, Audioquest Tornado and Audioquest Hurricane. I would do copper or silver plated copper on power cords. But not pure silver. it’s all system dependent. Best to try. The Audience has always been a safe bet on DACs for me, and not just on the Bricasti.

Start with the stock cord to get a baseline but know that’s not the ceiling for the M3 performance.

@audphile1 The Audience USB is $1,000 new for a 2M cable.  I can't afford that right now, buy what does $700+ over my DH Labs Mirage do for me?  Are you able to describe the effect on sound quality for me?  I'm sticking with my Innuos streamer, Phoenix USB reclocker, and Bricasti M3.  Does a cable that costs $1,000+ fit into my system?  Thanks.

@drlou77 so take this with a grain of salt…because this was with a Lumin U1 Mini streamer going into the Chord Qutest…I never tried the DH Labs Mirage with the M3. But the improvements were: natural tone, no hint of digital glare, fuller sound, fuller bass and the more vibrant midrange. Soundstage improved as well. You won’t know what the DH Labs is lacking until you try a USB cable such as the Audience. If you can move the components closer, you can pick up a used Audience USB for not much more than that new 2m Mirage. Try the mirage first. No need to go crazy as it’s a decent USB cable.

I assume you were running the Qutest with RCA cables. At some point, if you system allows, try the M3 with a good set of XLR cables. But as I mentioned earlier, get a baseline with your configuration as is. You can realize more if the M3 potential later. 
When you connect the M3, don’t forget to set it to 0db volume to bypass the preamp section if you’re not using it as a preamp. The USB cable will take time to settle. Don’t rush any afditchanges. 

@audphile1 

I've only listened to it for about 30 minutes thus far, but I am blown away.  I played AJA from Qobuz (24/192) and, wow. The sound was full, soundstage deep and wide, and the digital artifacts - gone.  
 

I am going to play it 24x7, for about nine days and then start listening critically, once my new USB cable is broken in.

Speaking of cables, The Cable Company will let me return the Mirage before 30 days, if I want to upgrade.

I did a quick search and they have this one:

It's not exactly the one you recommended, but I was wondering if it was close enough.

More to come next weekend.

Thanks.

I’m glad you liked the M3!!! I also knew you would. 😂

Let it all settle. If you like the Mirage, just keep it. Like I said before, it’s decent. 
As to Audience StudioOne…they say it’s a replacement for the AU24SE+. That’s what the rep told me when I called a while ago. Run the M3 round the clock with the new cable…it should sound even better when the cable breaks in but don’t be surprised if the sound will become harsh midway thru. I just experienced it with my AQ Diamond USB when it was breaking in. Just let it take its course for about 200hrs. Keep us posted. 
 

@audphile1 @tvad 

Hello to all.  I find myself in uncharted waters and need your help.

The M3 I purchased as a 9/10 item on US Audio Mart is not working as advertised.
 

The unit is connected to my preamp correctly, yet there is no sound when I play any tracks from Qobuz from my streamer.

I found a post on Audiogon from last year where @tvad Suggested pushing the Standby button for around 10 seconds and restarting the unit.  It worked once this morning, but once I switch sources in my preamp and went back to the Bricasti, no sound.

Spoke to Joe at Bricasti and he tried to help me, but to no avail.  No sound.

I’m packing it up and sending it in for service.  I notified the seller and he’s pushing back regarding paying anything towards shipping or repairs.  I paid him with PP friends and family, so I have no leverage.

Any thoughts?

What is your source of music?  What applications are you using ie Qobuz, Tidal, Roon, CD???   Are you using a music server, streamer, etc, wired, wireless?

@drlou77 before we declare it bricked, let’s try some basic troubleshooting…

Let’s compare settings:

1. Reboot the DAC using the breaker switch in the back of the unit. Shut it off. Wait 10sec. Turn it back on again

2. hit the input button and make sure the dac is set to the correct input. If you’re using usb set to in4, if coax then in2

3. hit the level button and make sure the level is set to 0

4. hit the mute button and make sure it says Lvl 0db

Now hit the status button and keep hitting it to go thru settings.
Do you see these listed as settings when you hit status button?

RBalSTBY

CtlREMOTE

What is the temperature it is showing?

When you stream from Innuous, does it show bit rate?

One other thing, prior to touching the DAC make sure you discharge static by touching the wall.

Let me know

@audphile1 

Here are my results at 9:04 pm est:

Bricasti notes

Rebooted unit
Input button = in4
Level button = 0db
Mute button = 0db
Status button:
Linear 0
38C 100F
MDx 1.08
CtlTRIGO  don't have a remote
PhaseNRM
BriteLow
NDSD DSD
RBalSTBY

Streaming from Innuos via Qobuz, bit rate = 192 hHz
Matches track from Roger Waters' "Amused to Death"

No audible sound.

What's next, besides packing it up?

Thank you!

Lou - CtlTtrig is your problem! Should be CtlREMOTE like mine. You’ll have your sound back.
Hit status and set ctltrig to CtlREMOTE by turning the knob.
then hold the standby button for few seconds to reset. Reboot dac from power breaker in the back. Confirm settings and you should be good to go

@audphile1 

CtlREMOTE, even though I don’t have a remote?  If you don’t mind me asking, what is the nature of this setting?

So,hit Status, change to CtlREMOTE, reset by holding standby for a few seconds, but not as long as 10, reboot (turn off for 10 seconds, then back on), confirm that the settings are the same as before rebooting, including CtlREMOTE, and then stream.  Have I got it?

Sorry, but I’ve had more than one person try to help me today, and they all told me different things, none of which worked.

Thanks!

Forget whether or not you have a remote. I don’t either. I replicated your problem. Let’s fix it (hope it will) then you can call Joe and ask him why it does what it does. 

@audphile1 

Followed your instructions.  Still no sound.  Any other thoughts or suggestions before I pack it up tomorrow?

Thanks for trying.

Have you confirmed the settings are back to ctlremote? And used the standby button to reset it? 
Reboot the streamer and the reclocker just in case. 
is usb the input you’re using on the dac? Rebooting the streamer will re-establish the handshake if you’re using usb. Try it. 
 

Yes, I did everything.  I’m having a problem rebooting my server.  Gotta fix that first.

Thanks

Cool. Let’s try everything before it heads back to Bricasti 

@audphile1 

Hello.  It appears I blew a fuse when I rebooted my streamer.  I am going to replace it and try again.

I bought this component on US Audio Mart.  The seller has been in business for 20 years with a Feedback Rating of 100% for 58 transactions.  He also boasts a 100% Feedback Rating on Audiogon for 345 transactions.

Based on these ratings, and that the DAC was rated a 9/10 on US Audio Mart, I paid him using his preferred method of PayPal Friends and Family.

I've been corresponding with the seller about this matter all along.  He has been very argumentative and accusatory in response to my suggestion that he bear some financial responsibility for any shipping and repair costs, should I sent the unit to Bricasti for service.

He claims that because I reported to him that the unit worked initially before I started having problems, that I must have done something wrong.  He has explicitly stated that the unit should been left on 24x7, and that rebooting it voided any responsibility he may have towards costs incurred to rectify the "no audio" situation I am faced with.  He also mentioned that I probably blew a fuse (the unit doesn't have one), and that the DAC was only used in conjunction with a CD Transport, and may not be compatible with my streamer.

In my last email, I stated that "I'm relying on your reputation as a trusted seller with a 20 year track record, to help me resolve this matter in a fair and equitable manner."  I also mentioned to him that I was sending the unit back to Bricasti for service, and I would circle back with him once I heard back from them.

Again, he fired off two impulsive and accusatory emails to me, implying that I caused the malfunction when I rebooted the unit to fix the problem.  At this point, I am not responding to any of his emails and will wait to hear from Bricasti before I contact him again.  

Looking for guidance on what is reasonable and customary, and how to handle this situation. 

Thank you! 

Are you talking about a fuse on the Bricasti? There’s no fuse there. Find a little button on the back of the Bricasti dac by the power cord and press it. That’s the “breaker” so to speaker. That should get the dac back up and running.
USB card in the m3 should be compatible with your streamer.

Get everything connected properly. Take your time with it. Turn it all on after all the cables are connected.
Use the settings on the M3 that I recommended. And try again.

I want to believe the seller wouldn’t sell you a paperweight with the kind of feedback he has.

One other test you can do is connect a coax or toslink cable from a dvd plsyer if you have one to the m3 and play a cd. See if you get sound.

I’ll add - do not make any connections between your components when they’re powered on or in standby. Turn it all off/power down and if you have to, unplug from  outlet. 

@audphile1 

Thank you for your continued support.

The fuse on my Innuos Zenith mk3 blew when I rebooted it last night.  I have a bad back and replacing it is a big tricky for me.

In the interim, I will buy an inexpensive coax cable from Amazon and hook it up to my Oppo universal player and run it through the Bricasti and see if I get any sound.

Thank you and I’ll sign in and report the results later.

Sounds good! 

@audphile1 BINGO!  My streamer is still down, but I bought a SPDIF cable and hooked it up as per your instructions.  Repeated steps, but this time I switched the input on the Bricasti to IN2.  Push play on my Oppo and, voila, Free Falling, by Tom Petty came blasting out of my B&W 804s.  Whew!

Now, I need to replace the fuse in my Innuos streamer, switch to IN4, and test it out.  Question: do I have to reboot the DAC (circuit breaker) after I switch the input from IN2 to IN4?
 

Thanks!

drlou77 a/k/a Rich

@drlou77  That is awesome news man!!! Glad to hear it’s working. The USB input should be working as well as soon as your streamer is up and running.

As far as rebooting the M3….select different inputs on DAC all day long, no reboot needed. Power down when switching cables. Always. Everything. Takes few extra seconds but it’s worth it.
Putting components in standby does not cut it when plugging and unplugging cables. Some circuits may be kept on and it can get expensive if something gets fried.

Keep us posted.

@audphile1 Thanks.  Couldn't have done it without you and others in this forum.

Now onto streaming.

@audphile1 

Since my streamer may not be up for a few days (long story), I feel compelled to give the seller feedback asap.

I'm not going post anything publicly, but will send him an email.

IMO, he sold me a good DAC, at a fair price, but did not treat me as I would have expected for someone who has a 20 year track record of 100% positive reviews.

If it wasn't for you, and others on this thread, the M3 would be in a box on its way to  Boston.

Thoughts about tone and content of the email?  I have a working rough draft, but feel that it's good to check in with my Audiogon friends for feedback.

Thanks!

Rich…let’s break it down….it’s the cat that can be skinned few different ways…

From the pure sale standpoint, the item was as described? Not misrepresented? Complete with everything that was listed in the classified? Seller came thru, shipped it on time? Everything is working fine, correct? 

On this basis alone, I’d say the seller deserves a Positive rating feedback on US Audio Mart. 
 

Now let’s account for the user error (not being familiar with the unit, non-descriptive manual, whatever the reasons may be). To be fair, there was a user error. 

Now, in that feedback you can mention less than desired post sale support. That is technically a reason to downgrade it to Neutral rating, but I probably wouldn’t do it.

I’d leave a Positive feedback on USAM, expecting the same to be left for me, and express my dissatisfaction with post sale support, attitude, what have you, thru an email. Best thing to do is working this out in email first, civilly, then exchange feedback.

I’ll let others weigh in if you need additional thoughts, but this is just how I would tackle it.

@audphile1 

Yeah, that sounds like a plan.  The seller sold me a great DAC for a great price.  Positive feedback warranted.  Done.

I kept him apprised of the difficulties I was having getting the unit to operate.  I suggested that if the DAC needed to be sent to Bricasti that he should bear some financial responsibility.  Maybe, I jumped the gun on that, but instead of being supportive, he became antagonistic, attacked my credibility, and essentially implied that I was at fault, and a liar.  He knew nothing about the component he sold me and indicated as much, when he suggested that I may have blown a fuse.  There's more, but I won't bother with the details,

For a seller with a 20 year spotless record, I expected better than that.  If it sounds like I overreacted, than I'll just thank him for doing business and fade into the ether.  Otherwise, I think he needs to know that I expected better post sales support.

Rant over.  😎

Rich…you got a very good DAC and I’m sure you will enjoy it when you get your streamer back up and running. 

@audphile1 

You are correct sir.  In the absence of my streamer, I hooked my laptop and Qobuz up to the Bricasti tonight via the Mirage USB cable.  It sounds pretty, damn good.

I contacted The Cable Company today.  I bought the Mirage from them. They will loan me the Audience Studio One for two weeks.  I just pay for postage to/from.  Retail is $1,000 for 2M.  May pull the trigger on Monday just for the heck of it.  More to come.

Awesome! You confirmed USB works as well! Enjoy!!!

@audphile1 Yes, it does work.  Really sounds good coming from my noisy laptop.  Imagine how good it will sound with the streamer.

Have a nice weekend.

@audphile1 

Well, you haven't steered me wrong yet, so I just placed an order for the Audience Studio One USB cable.  It arrives tomorrow and I will begin breaking it in immediately.  How long should I give it before I do some critical listening?

I've never spent this much on a cable before, but if it knocks my socks off, I will return the Mirage and keep it.

Any thoughts on what I should notice when listening to the Studio One?  I have until 2/9 to make a decision.  I'll probably spend a good part of the weekend listening to Qobuz.

More to come.  Thanks. 

Nice! Like any cable around 200hrs but I’m pretty sure it will sound good right out of the box. 

What I usually do is listen to an “upgrade” for at least a day or so, then go back to my previous reference. It should be obvious once you switch back to DH Labs, and once again when you switch back to Audience. As I mentioned earlier, Audience should sound fuller, more natural and dynamic with better bass. It wasn’t difficult to hear the difference in my system. 

Is the streamer back from the dead?

@audphile1 Yes, I replaced the fuse and it’s working fine.  Sounds great with the Bricasti.  200 hours puts me at next Tuesday.  Hopefully, I will hear a big improvement over the weekend.

I heard from the seller over the weekend.  He was in the ER, and has some very serious medical issues.

I told him that the DAC was working and sounded great.  I thanked him for selling to me and wished him the best.  You just never know what’s going on in peoples lives that drives their behavior.

All’s well that ends well.

Glad to help and it’s very nice of you not to rush to judgement on the seller to leave a permanent bad mark. 
So what is the arrangement with the cable co? They’re letting you audition the Audience cable and send back either it or the DH?

@audphile1 

The Cable Company is letting me borrow the Audience Cable for two weeks.  However, the 30 day clock is ticking on the DH Labs.  It expires on 2/9.  In essence, I have until next Friday to make my decision whether to purchase the Audience cable.  I keep both while I audition the Audience.  This is helpful to comparing them as you suggested.

More to come.

Sounds like a plan!