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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
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davidz
44 posts
 
@fsmithjack 

Hi --The M12 has the same DAC & supporting architecture (i.e., internal power supplies, etc.). They are really, really, very close in that regard. The M12 has an analog volume control for both the digital and analog sections -- it is a delight to use & sounds great. It is an electronic resistor ladder. Brian thinks (& I agree) it adds a very slight touch of warmth vs. the "purity" of the digital control on the M1. The M12 has a re-designed DSD filter that I can't explain but definitely sounds better than the M1SE. The M12 only has 2 PCM filter choices minimum and linear. I didn't ask Brian about that, but I suspect the extra choices weren't worth the bother for most users. Count me in that category. Those are the differences I can recall now. I'll check later at home to see if I forgot any. Hope that helps. -- David
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Hmmm - I know my M1SE sounds much better with a good preamp in my opinion. I know the DACs are the same and DSD is different but it's $6,000 more so I was hoping overall the new R2R preamp was a substantial / big SQ upgrade. I mean a $6000 preamp after the M1SE would be a big deal and used you can get a pretty serious pre for that price. So you think for Listening to Digital PCM files they are very close with M12 just a bit warmer? I appreciate the feedback but is that accurate? So you wouldn't say that the new M12 is a big overall upgrade when listening to PCM? This is helping me decide. I am surprised I would have thought Brians preamp would be a game changer and take it to a TOTAL other - game changing type of level. It's double the price of the base M1? I am glad I asked because I would much rather upgrade my M1SE with the Network Player and get a serious preamp or top notch integrated for the extra $6,000 - $6000 can go pretty far on Audiogon if able to find the right deal!
Thanks again 
davidz
44 posts
 
@fsmithjack 

I would definitely see if you can demo an M12 and/or have a conversation with Brian about his design goals.. I'm sure you're aware, he's very accessible. Bricasti calls the M12 a "source controller," not a preamp. From my perspective, the fact that it sounds almost exactly like the M1 is spot on. But then again, the topic of what a preamp can/should do in a system is a large and contentious one. Clearly you have your own perspective and should evaluate the M12 on your own terms. --- David
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Thanks David - I appreciate the feedback. I look at it pretty simply really! I think my simple and focused view will be appreciated by the readers of this post be they be the PS Audio Owners / Bricasti Owners and most of the other Audiogon members! I want a $16,000 component to sound clearly and simply better than a $10,000 component. If it does then I want it and if it doesn't then I don't. I'm ok with whatever it's called pre/controller/DAC w/volume control is ok and no matter. It's the bottom line I'm after. The sound - just looking to up the game of my rig and make every dollar provide ROI in SQ advancement. No more - no less - anything else is just something else and subordinate to this goal. I'm sure it does sound better. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that I'm just trying learn from people that own / have heard it. I was talking to Brian the other day. There is none better and I'm sure when there are more owners and some reviews of this great item people will love it. He has put in an amazing - discreet - duel mono output stage with a pure R2R volume control that's to die for. The M1SE is an incredible DAC so if it takes that sounds and mates to the above output stage and volume control I'm sure it's outstanding but it's long money so just trying to get as much info as I can. I'm working with my Bricasti dealer to work a trade in deal to get one. No one has any yet to go listen to anywhere near me hence my impatient post. Didn't mean to come off like a terd I appreciate the feedback and input.
Thanks 
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Calling all PS AUDIO guys/gals/owners.

Do any of you gals/gals own the PS Audi Perfect Wave Transport / Memory Player?

I am looking to pick one up to spin some of my many discs that I have not used in quite some time.  

I use the micoRendu / Uptone Audio JS-2, 2x LPS-1, Regen combo and its great and I am getting my Bricasti M1SE upgraded to accept the Ethernet direct like the PS Audio Bridge does but I still would like to pick up a good silver disc spinner to use as well.

The PSA Transports have come down a lot in price with Paul flooding the market like he seems to do but that is not the transports fault and everyone always said it is great.

Is it still competitive with the microRendu / Auralic / Lumin / Aurenders of the world or has the servers just gotten so good that they have left the little silver disc in the dust?

I would like to still spin some discs and would love to hear from people that own both / owned both / heard both or could provide some feedback. I could just spend the money on another power cable or something. I consistently find Audiogon member feedback very accurate. Thank you  
    
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