I know price isn't always an indication of sound quality, but I don't understand why it's a shock that the Bricasti M1 sounds better than the Direct Stream...it should, it cost 1 1/2 times as much. When I purchased my Direct Stream my dealer told me the M1 sounds better, but it was out of the price range I allocated for a DAC.
I have a pair of Aerial 7Ts and love them. I heard a pair of Raidho C3.1 and they are the best speakers that I've ever heard. If I could afford them, I get them today. I just went from a Parasound A21 to a Jeff Rowland M525 and the differences are pretty significant. Again, not in all cases, but usually when you spend more money the SQ increases. There are some that don't think the incremental increase in SQ is worth it, but I do. Enjoy your M1!
I have a pair of Aerial 7Ts and love them. I heard a pair of Raidho C3.1 and they are the best speakers that I've ever heard. If I could afford them, I get them today. I just went from a Parasound A21 to a Jeff Rowland M525 and the differences are pretty significant. Again, not in all cases, but usually when you spend more money the SQ increases. There are some that don't think the incremental increase in SQ is worth it, but I do. Enjoy your M1!