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Which DAC ??? - Aesthetix Pandora Eclipse OR Bricasti M1 SE?

Fellow audiophiles, hope you are all well. I need your advice on my next DAC upgrade!!!

 

I recently acquired a Aesthetix Pandora DAC (base model) to replace my PS Audio Perfectwave mk2. I feel that the Pandora is a substantial improvement over Perfectware mk2 with sweet treble, solid mid and powerful bass. The vocals sound much smoother and there's more meat on the bones. For me, the sole task of music is to convey emotion and Pandora does this wonderfully! I feel that it brings souls to my music collections. Very musical DAC that I can keep listening for hours without any signs of fatigue. As compared to Pandora, the Perfectwave sounds analytical, flat and lifeless.

 

I like the Pandora so much that one month after I acquired it I'm thinking of upgrading it to its top of the line edition, the Eclipse edition which costs substantially more than than the base model and is in the same price range as the well-known Bricastsi M1 SE. The problem is there's no place in Sydney to audition the Pandora Eclipse or the Bricasti M1 SE, not to mention a home audition.

 

Now here comes my questions: Could you please kindly share your experience if you listened to the either Aesthetix Pandora Eclipse or Bricasti M1 SE before? The sound that I'm chasing is open, live, 3d and most importantly, musical and engaging. Bricasti M1 SE is a world class DAC and most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. However, there are still a few people saying it can be bright therefore fatiguing at times. Is it true? OR should I take a totally new perspective and upgrade other components to maximize the SQ improvement e.g. a dedicated server like Antipodes DX?

 

My humble system comprises:

Mac mini with Uptone DC-Conversion / Linear Fan Controller Kit (MMK).

Aesthetix Pandora DAC (base model)

Aesthetix Calypso Preamp

Aesthetix Atlas Monos

Magnepan 1.7i

IC: Entry level Chord XLR

Speaker cable: Clearday double shotgun

 

Please help me make an informed decision. Your opinion is highly appreciated!!!!!

Thanks.

Steven


steven365
jimski
46 posts
 
Hi, Steven,
I have Eclipse versions of the Calypso and Atlas stereo amp.  I cannot compare with the Bricasti, but can compare Calypso base model with the Eclipse version which I had done last summer.  Presumably the difference with the Pandora would be comparable.  I feel the Eclipse upgrade is a lot better and worth the money, but again do not know how it compares with the Bricasti.  It's really a different level SQ than the base model.  Based on this experience, I'd also recommend upgrading your Atlas to Eclipse, although since I bought it at Eclipse level I cannot compare before and after. 

As it happens, I also bought an Antipodes DX and recently had it upgraded to Gen3.  I like its sound better than the Aurender base model it replaced, but that is to be expected at nearly three times the price--I did like the Aurender.  My impression--not based on direct comparison, except for the Aurender--is that the DX is among the higher performing streamer/renderer/rippers, and the convenience of its internal storage (I got 2TB, and it is SSD) is appealing.  As you probably know, it  does not contain a DAC.  It's also Roon Ready.  I will say the Antipodes customer service is excellent.  Good luck with your explorations.
Jim Heckman (Pennsylvania, USA)
steven365 OP
26 posts
 
Hi Jim, thanks for the info, much appreciated.

The price of the Eclipse upgrade for Pandora is a whopping $6,500 USD. I'm having a hard time justifying the cost for a couple of exotic capacitors, new power supply and new feet. With $6500 USD I could probably find a used Bricasti M1 SE with Network Card which is a much better known DAC and their upgrade price has always been acceptable. 

If I have to choose between upgrading Pandora and buying a Antipodes DX server, which one do you believe will bring the most improvement in SQ? Also do you feel that the Antipodes DX gen 3 is much better than gen 1? Some one told me that gen 1 sounds more relaxed and organic, is it true? 

Thanks.
steven365 OP
26 posts
 
@jimski 
Sorry, forgot to at you...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
I have the Pandora Sig not the Eclipse. In I guess a fairly resolving system...I am certainly a fan of your components. I am holding off on any further Aesthetix investment until they clarify where they are headed w MQA. I will move to Brinkmann soon IF they keep sitting on fence....
having said that the sig with nos tubes is a sonic wonder
Inhave heard a previous rev level Bricasti, hyper detailed, etched but I can see why people like it, system synergy....
you might contact Andy at Vintage Tube ( Jim White recommended him to me ) for about $600 and a cable upgrade you might be very suprised, add a power cable and HRS Nimbus couplers ( which are better than the HRS feet that Aesthetix use and you might be shocked....
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