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Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

I own a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC that I like a lot but heard my friends system with the Bricasti M1 and I am strongly thinking of changing my DAC and would love your feedback from other members that have heard either or both. I know they are both great but really thinking of changing my Dac from PS Audio Direct Stream to the Bricasti M1 DAC. I use a HP Desk top computer as source with Jplay and JRiver Media 19 and the outstanding Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable. The rest of my system is below. I listen to Classic Rock, jazz, vocal, some modern music and the usual audiophile stuff.

Thanks

My system for reference.

Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany) Monitor
Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker cable
Cardas Clear Interconnect 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes Tube preamp
Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output StageTelefunken ECC801S
PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC w/ Bridge DA converter
Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable
PS Audio PerfectWave PowerBase Vibration Cancelation/AC Condtioner
Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts Tung-Sol KT120's amps
PS Audio PowerPlant Premier AC Regenerator
BMI Shark Pure Jeweler Grade Platinum AC Power Cable
Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable
Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier AC Power Cable
JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2M AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable
PS Audio Noise Harvester (5) Converts noise to light
OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2)
Hubbell Outlet 5362/5262 Deep Cryo Process
Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection
JPLAY v5.2 hi-end audio player turns PC into a digital transport.
JRiver Media Center 19 Music Software
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xfsmithjack
hollandw
30 posts
 
Sorry, I didn’t give any details... I have the Bricasti M1 SE that has all the latest upgrades, now including the v1.32 software upgrade. It really is a great sounding and very well made product and the Bricasti folks have been very nice to me. I bought my unit used, here on Audiogon, and had the seller send it directly to Bricasti for the full SE treatment. It looks like I missed the v1.32 software upgrade by a month or so, but the Bricasti folks sent me the upgrade free this week just because I asked about it. While my unit was at Bricasti, I asked them to look at the top cover, which the seller noted had a smudge he was afraid to try and remove. I authorized Bricasti to replace it, at their discretion, but apparently a little Simple Green in the deep sink was all it took and I didn’t have to buy a new top. What a refreshingly honest company, with caring and conscientious employees! I wish all the companies I dealt with were like Bricasti.
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linkster
431 posts
 
I will have the M12 source controller and M28 monoblocks in a couple of weeks.
mysticriver
11 posts
 
Hello everybody,

I have read this thread all the way through and I must say it  is a fascinating story, filled with drama, suspense, and a lot of great information.

I am a recently retired software engineer who has loved music for many decades, along with the pursuit of excellent equipment to enable an optimum listening experience.

When I was 11 years old I built an Arkay integrated stereo tube amplifier from a kit.  In college I had a Dynaco amp with AR-3 speakers.  Over the years I have had a series of tube and solid-state equipment, constantly upgrading in search of better sound.

I bought a PS Audio DirectStream DAC last year and have been amazed at each OS release from Pikes Peak through Yale Final and now Torrey's.  This DAC has been a series of delights with each upgrade and I have no doubt the best is yet to come. 

Since I liked the DS so much, I ended up buying a PS Audio BHK 250 amp and BHK preamp also, along with a PS Audio P10 Power Regenerator to power all of it.  Every new component was a revelation with the P10 perhaps the most surprising of all since I had no idea how much pure A/C power could do to improve the musical experience.

When I damaged a connector on the DS a couple of months ago I called PSA and they gave me an RMA number without question.  They fixed it for free and shipped it back via priority shipping within 3 days. 

My BHK preamp is registering 592 hours and 30 minutes of tube time and still the system continues to improve.  The synergy of all PSA components working together is absolutely marvelous.

With all the discussion of mixing and matching various components, of questions,  expectations, trials, and disappointments, I thought it might be helpful to describe a different approach.   By choosing all components from one manufacturer designed, developed and tested to work together, I have finally stopped  worrying about improving my system and am simply reveling in the joy of music.
ricred1
1,983 posts
 
I have all Jeff Rowland gear and finally  stopped worrying about my 2-channel system. I'm still working on completing my HT system. 
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