Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

I cannot believe your Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable does not work with your new Bracasti M1. What did Bricasti say when you spoke to them? What about Tellurium?

I think you said other USB cables work with the Bricasti but not the Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable. There seem to be a wiring or sync conflict between the Telluriumand and the Bricasti but I have no clue what that is. Since the Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable works with the Ayre QB-9 and the DirectStream, the conflict seems to be with the Bricasti M1.

What a bummer. A brand new DAC and your USB cable does not work.

Please keep us posted.

The original question asks about the Bricasti Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DAC.

I just found the Dagogo web site and a review of the Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DA. Dagogo states the following (this is an exact quote from the review in the quotes):

"I will start this review of the Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DAC by taking out all of the suspense. The M1 is one of the best DACs available on the market at any price. In fact, when used in the right system it is actually a bargain, since it allows you to eliminate a preamp. It also gives tweakers a huge range of filter options that adjust the sound. Finally, it’s a great looking piece of equipment that you’ll be proud to feature on your equipment stand. The M1 is so good that there is no need for a long review – there’s simply nothing in the way of a weakness. Any DAC that’s “better” is not better because of a shortcoming in the M1. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the details”.

"I actually cut an entire page of additional detail that I wrote about the Bricasti M1. After I reread the draft review it seemed like the additional information actually detracted from the main point: the Bricasti M1 is an elite DAC regardless of price. Instead, I was looking for an analogy outside the audiophile world. I came across a review of the Bricasti where the reviewer stated that “the M1 is an understated performer, one that doesn’t necessarily scream for attention.” I understand exactly what he meant, though I would add some clarification. The Bricasti M1 is “understated” in the sense that Jackie Robinson made baseball look easy and Stevie Ray Vaughn made playing blues guitar look easy. They may have made it look easy, but you knew you were in the presence of greatness. That’s the Bricasti M1".

See:

http://www.dagogo.com/bricasti-design-model-1-usb-dac-review

You might have to copy this link into your browser.

I was at the California Audio Show and spent some time with Brian from Bricasti. He was very helpful and I agree the Bricasti M1 sounded very nice. I plan on listening again on Sunday and also plan on listening to my M1 at my local dealer.

I then discovered, that if I wanted to, I could use the Bricasti M1 as a pre-amplifier and replace my integrated amplifier with a power amplifier. Or, I could keep the integrated amp and use the Bricasti M1 as a DAC (and not a pre-amp). Several people have already recommended I do this but I am researching (my only source is my MAC Book Pro computer).

Does anyone use their Bricasti M1 as a pre-amp into your power amplifier? How does this sound? Does it make any sense to do this? Any comments would be appreciated.

For Bricasti M1 DAC owners only: If you connect your Bricasti M1 DAC to a pre-amplifier (any pre-amp), you need to turn the M1 volume control to ZERO since this allows the full signal to be sent to your pre-amplifier. If you reduce the volume on the M1, you cause more bit reduction meaning you lose sound quality. If you connect the M1 DAC to a power amplifier (this is what I am doing), you FIRST must measure your M1 volume settings. You measure the number where the sound is the loudest you listen to (mine was -15 to -20db) and the softest you listen to (mine was -35 to -40 depending on the recording). I discussed these settings with Bricasti and they said the goal is to have the M1 CLOSE to 0db front panel attenuation on the most dynamic recordings, this is mostly found in symphonic recordings and DSD ones.

You have two options. Option #1 is to move the internal PCB jumpers, they are right next to the XLR connectors, 3 pins so just move it over to the other 2 pins. This adjustment activates the two screws on the back of the M1 DAC for manual adjustments. If you WANT to change the level though, you will need a 1k-0dbfs tone and an AC voltmeter to read the voltage otherwise you cannot level match them. In most cases there is too much analog gain in systems and to get the M1 direct optimized this has to be adjusted, once done it really provides the BEST analog signal path and yields the most transparent sound with perfect level control with no side effects from added cables or resistor ladders in the level controls of the hi end preamp, all of which have an effect on the sound. This will get the digital attenuation at the minimum amount needed and the result is the best of both. Please be careful since some older M1 DAC's do NOT have internal jumpers (please call Bricasti to review).

The 2nd option (this is what I am doing) is to keep the M1 DAC the same (no changes) and adjust the power amplifier so that it accepts a higher incoming signal meaning you can move the M1 DAC volume control closer to zero. After conversations with Bricasti, Hypex and the James, the builder of my Hypex NC400 bridged mono amps, he is going to remove R141 from my Hypex NCore NC400 bridged mono blocks, thus lowering gain by 14 dB, requiring 14 dB higher M1 volume setting for same playback level. NC400's 14 dB allows 7 dB greater bit resolution than the M1's 7 dB. This is more complicated than I expected but everyone thinks it will work fine. As I understand it, you have to balance the M1 DAC to the power amplifier in order to achieve your M1 volume settings CLOSE to 0db. If it does not work, additional changes can still be made to the Hypec amplifier and/or the M1 DAC. In summary, for normal operation, the Bricatsi M1 DAC has a digital attenuator so minimizing the amount of attenuation is ideal, therefore setting analog gains is critical for best performance. I think I got everything. cheers, Howard

I sent my Bricasti M1 DAC back to the factory for the M1 SE upgrade.  My M1 SE is expected back on Thursday, June 9th.   As per their web site, the Bricasti M1 SE upgrade includes:

"The Special Edition M1 builds on the success of the Classic M1 and adds some of the improvements offered in the new flagship Limited Edition Gold M1. Presented in the classic anodized black and aluminum finish, the M1 Special Edition incorporates Stillpoints feet that are engineered and optimized exclusively for the design. The added stability improves isolation from vibration which translates to a more transparent sonic presentation. Point-to-point wiring, a labor intensive process, improves signal flow by eliminating various connectors which can degrade a signals performance. Finally, the next generation power improvements have been incorporated in this edition to further improve filtering of unwanted noise and power ripple.

Product Highlights:
Newly engineered feet with Stillpoints for improved isolation.
Point-to-point wiring.
power capacitor improvements.
DSD, DSD64 and DSD128 playback.
Features the latest generation asynchronous USB interface.
Dedicated dual mono design.
Highly acclaimed, proprietary filter technology.
Extremely low jitter @ 6 picoseconds.
Supports sample rates of up to 352.8kHz and 24 bits.
Minimum and linear phase filters".

I visited the Bricasti room at 2016 THE Show and asked them how they did the upgrade.  Brian showed me on an opened M1 what wires were removed, what connections were changed, what power capacitor improvements were made, etc.  He also mentioned their newly engineered software V1.32 which improves even further the M1 clocking designed specifically with the SE mind.  I spoke to two people who had their units upgraded and they both said the change was absolutely stunning and the $1,000 upgrade was highly recommended.  I will post my comments when I get my M1 SE installed.

Lula, As I noted above, the newly engineered feet with Stillpoints for improved isolation (and added stability), the new point-to-point wiring, the elimination of various connectors, the next generation power improvements and the power capacitor improvements should improve the your Redbook playback.  Since you already had your Bricasti M1 updated to the SE version, what is your listening experience?   My M1 SE is expected to arrive on Thursday.  

I agree, we should forget the technical information.  After one day of operation, my Bricasti M1 SE is beginning to sound much better.  I am noticing the music is clearer, less noise and has more details. The bass is stronger and improved. Vocals are very clear and detailed. It is very musical.

I have a feeling my M1 SE needs some more "cooking" time. They installed all new capacitors and I think they need to be broken in.  I am listening to the piano right now and it sounds excellent.  It sounds better now than without the upgrade.  The M1 SE upgrade costs $1,000 plus shipping.  

Yes, the M1 SE upgrade sounds excellent and the M1 SE upgrade is recommended.   I finally connected the remote and it works fine.  I should of done it before. 

Yes. Source is an Aurender N10 music server using ripped CD's (AIFF) stored on the N10 and Tidal streaming. 

fsmithjack, I am very happy with my Bricasti M1 SE DAC upgrade.  After about two weeks of running, the M1 SE is now sounding more natural, clearer, has more bass, a lack of noise, excellent dynamics and details.  I am thrilled with how good my entire system sounds since I am hearing details, imaging and bass that I have not heard before.  I heard a slight improvement on day one but the unit needs to be on for a while before it really comes alive.

The Bricasti web site lists the upgrades made to build the M1 SE.  My Bricasti M1 was gone for about two weeks.   If you decide to upgrade, please make an appointment to ensure they have the parts in stock before you ship. Based on my positive experience, I recommend the Bricasti M1 DAC upgrade to the SE Version.

I happen to believe my system sounds outstanding because of the Aurender N10 Music Sever and my Hypex NCore NC400 Bridged Mono Block class D Power Amplifiers.  

I am replacing my Harmonic Technology Armour Link III Interconnect Cable (XLR) with James Romeyn Interconnect cables with Cardas XLR Rhodium connectors. Delivery is expected sometime next week.  All my power cords were upgraded to Pure Grid Power!” AC Mains W/Rhodium Plated Contacts to include Rhodium plated contacts wall plugs.   I was very surprised but the Rhodium walls plugs made the system sound quieter with less noise.  I hope this helps.  

“Bricasti does not have an official response to MQA’s validity as a new format / codec.  Currently we have plans to support it because Its important for us is to support formats that are made available and interest our customers and to let them decide what is best for them. We are currently waiting on the next steps from Meridian including what costs will be associated with being able to offer MQA on the M1”.

Tidal is working on a MQA implementation. Their official response is "A firm date for launching MQA has not been set.  We will of course let everyone know if/when MQA becomes available”.   I emailed Tidal this week and their response was "We do not have an update on the date of release”.

For more information please visit
https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/208649445-What-is-MQA-

@fsmithjack,  I installed the  Bricasti MDx upgrade board in my Bricasti M21 DAC.  My system sounds clearer, smoother, has more air and is more engaging with more musical details.  Your Bricasti M1 DAC is going to sound substantially better when it returns.  

Based on my understanding, PS Audio has made MANY software IMPROVEMENTS to the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC over many years.   This probably explains your listening experience with this DAC.   Unfortunately, I have never auditioned the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC so I cannot comment to your question.