Bricasti M3 vs. Holo Audio May vs. PS Audio DS

@ jayrossi13, I purchased the Bricasti M21 DAC and it is truly excellent.   The M21 DAC is used in my main audio system and the Bricasti M3 DAC is used in my 2-channel home theatre system.   Both DAC's are truly excellent but the M21 DAC is the best of the best (IMHO). 

I use the laddered DAC option and use an AES/EBU cable from my Aurender N20 Music Server to the DAC.   I also have an USB Cable connected but rarely use it.  

I am very satisfied with the sound quality of this system and so are my friends that have heard it.  I also installed the Bricasti MDx digital in the M21 DAC and the sound quality improved.   The MDx board is an outstanding upgrade and is HIGHLY recommended.   The Bricasti M21 DAC is truly an outstanding DAC and is highly recommended.  I hope this helps,     

+1, Bricasti M3 DAC:   My Ayre Codex DAC was excellent but the unit was getting old and I wanted to try something else.  At that time Bricasti, just announced their M3 DAC.  After several phone calls with my retailer, and Bricasti, I purchased the M3 DAC in January 2020.  It took time for the M3 to break in BUT it was light years BETTER than the Ayre Codex DAC.   I like the Bricasti M3 DAC very much and highly recommend you consider it.  The addition of the Bricasti M3 DAC substantially improved the sound quality of my audio system.  

Based on my positive experience with Bricasti, I encourage you to consider  the M3 DAC.  Bricasti is a USA Company located in Shirley, MA.  Their customer service is excellent.

I also looked at the MSB Discrete DAC but everything thing was an extra cost option (USB, AES/EBU, power supply, etc.,) and expensive.  The dCS Bartok was also interesting but, based on my research, I kept coming back to Bricasti.  The Chord DAVE was also on my list, but I decided to pass (my Chord retailer was very 'pushy' and not helpful).  I hope this helps.   Any more questions?    

I am not familiar with the Holo Audio May and the PS Audio DS.  BTW, I use the Bricasti M21 DAC in my other audio system.  

@cosmic_charlie, You received 24 comments regarding your Audiogon post looking for thoughts regarding the Bricasti M3 vs. Holo Audio May vs. PS Audio DS. Was any of this information useful and did it help you make a decision?

IF NOT, I suggest you audition these DAC’s, and others, if possible, to help you make your decision. The process is not easy, takes time and more important, you do not want to make a mistake. The best way to make a decision is to audition these DAC’s (and others, if needed). Please keep us posted. Thanks.

One more thing. Please do not rush the process. There is no hurry and sometimes time is required to make the right choice.

@cosmic_charlie, I forgot something. I previously owned the Bricasti M1SE DAC and replaced it with the Bricasti M21 DAC. 

@cosmic_charlie, No, I never listened to the MSB Discrete DAC.

I looked at the MSB Discrete DAC but quickly discovered I need both an AES/EBU and USB connections that were all additional costs. Then, I got REALLY confused with the power supply options. It comes with one power supply box for both channels and, an option, another power supply box so that both channels have their own power supply. I discussed this with MSB (phone call) and they suggested I UPGRADE to their BEST power supply (The Reference Powerbase) for ever better sound quality that really increased the cost. I decided to pass on the MSB Discrete DAC.

https://www.msbtechnology.com/dacs/discrete-dac-features/

I own the Bricasti M21 DAC (MDx board installed) in my main audio system and the Bricasti M3 DAC in my 2-channel home theatre system. Both Bricasti DAC’s are excellent and I like them very much for the excellent sound quality. I hope this helps.