Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

@jwm I use a sub router that connects wirelessly to the main router for wired, networked audio in my audio room. In a way, I’m applying both approaches.

If you are happy with the sound quality via your wireless setup, and are not experiencing any dropouts, etc. then stay with it and enjoy your music. If you go wired, it does complicate one’s system, despite the posts to the contrary. But it may also deliver better sound quality, though that isn’t guaranteed with your specific setup. That’s why folks are encouraging you to give it a try.

If I could eliminate the extra router, the switch, the multiple power supplies and DC cabling, and the LAN cabling I’ve chosen, I would and I have strongly considered it. The dCS Network Bridge comes to mind. Since you like Bricasti, perhaps the M5 for you.

I’m happy I came across this thread and your and Charles’ posts on the Bricasti v TotalDAC outcomes. Thanks.

My Bricasti has the M5 board built in to it. That is how I’m able to hook it up to the router through wi fi. The M5 board internally reclocks and sends the digital signal through I2S internally to the converter 

Have you tried going LAN in off of your router as a comparison?

Have you tried going LAN in off of your router as a comparison?

My guess that’s what he’s doing connecting wireless to the router. How else can you connect wireless? What endpoint?  The M5 board is Bricasti built-in dCS Network Bridge.

Yes but no it is not a splitter. This is a basic but managed gigabyte
switch. The basic part is good. The less going on the better. Less noise. Yes it can perform splitting duties but it’s much different than a splitter even if you use it as a splitter as it works well at that as well.

For me i could hear it immediately but not all systems are going to have the type of resolution to enjoy these small digital augmentations.

That said this is a Bricasti - Directstream thread and a system with either of these DACs with similar like quality other components it’s definitely a worthwhile add.

I have AudioQuest Vodka ethenet Cables and bought the excellent Cardas Clear Ethernet Cable to try and wanted to see if I could hear a difference so I hooked it direct from my router to player and it sounded worse. I was bummed so then I plugged the Vodka in Router direct and it sounded as worse.

Then I plugged the switch back in and ran the Cardas out of my switch to player and was like oh yes very nice and much better. In digital - noise floor matters. Don’t bother if you don’t want to it’s not a must add but I won’t go without it. Check it out over on Chris Conikors website the computer Audiophile it’s where I learned about and they speak of it as a pure must have. Because I was happy with it I bought a fancy much more expensive switch and it didn’t sound any better or worse.

The extra level helps trap a bit of the router noise ground. A managed switch is a much more simplifier device than a wireless router. 

Routers and wireless units are noisy.

The managed switch is simple so when you use one and add nice competent 12v linear power supply - I use the Uptone Audio JS-2 Linear Power Supply plugged into my PS Audio P10 with HiDiamond P3 Power Cable and I connect switch to JS-2 with custom Ghent Audio DC power cables (Canare Copper Cable and excellent  Oyaide Connectors). I put isonode Sorbane feet under it with EdenSound Solid Brass Vibration weights on top with AudioQuest Vodka and Cardas Clear Ethernet Cables and trust me it matters. You don’t need to go all in like me but switch as a nice add and I’ve found with Digital the more you can push it the better it sounds.

Moreover, I’ve tries multiple expensive Ethernet filters and they take away too much. Just get the simplest and cleanest you can is best in my opinion. The Acoustic Revive Filter and the SoTm filters both sucked out the life. This did the opposite. It became more linear, quicker, cleaner and just nicer. YMMV 👀