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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

Showing 3 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Fsmithjack,

Respectfully suggest you start a new thread on the amp topic rather than hijack this one.

FWIW, I own a pair of the Lamm M2.1 hybrids you mention and would be happy to discuss them on another thread or by PM if you prefer.

Back to the DACs, the M1 is one of the best I've heard. Would think it would be close between the two and would require a long listen on same rig to draw a meaningful conclusion. Cheers
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Fsmithjack, Okay, understood & fair enough. So to your question "Was just wondering if a tube lover would like these amps..."

Yes! Having previously owned BAT VK150SEs, Atmasphere MA1s, Dehavilland Aries 845s, Berning ZH270, VTL ST80 and probably some other that is slipping my mind, the Lamm hybrids have plenty of appeal to tube lovers.

Benefits include the expected impact on dynamics and low end control and the ability to drive almost any speaker (claimed down to 1ohm load although I never tried that!). However most noticeable and commented on by guests is realistic rendering of drums, something that isn't particularly high on my priority list, but with these amps adds an uncanny rendering that is always a pleasant surprise.

Above comments based on use in my posted system including driving Nola Viper Reference IIIs. Also worth noting using Amperex Bugle Boys 6922s and have also enjoyed Brimars & Tungsrams. Suspect Tungsol 7308s and Telefunkens would also show their unique strengths given the opportunity. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Wow, Frank, you're a true fearless audio cliffdiver! That's quite a leap.

Great to know that amp/speaker match will have perfect synergy. Here's my advice:

1) Break-in: Resist the urge to judge anything until plenty of break-in time. Use pink noise on repeat overnights.
2) Setup: Take your time with room setup and read the archives to suggestions. Start w/manufs' advice and consider the setup calculations on Cardas website.
3) AFTER the get a feel for the rig & room, then try rolling the 6922s. Current production won't be near the level of many great options including pricey Tungsol 7308, the crisp Telefunkens, my value-fav the Amperex Bugle Boys, bargain Valvos & Tunsgrams, and others. Read Joe's Tube Lore: http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html

Cheers,
Spencer
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