Bricasti Vs McIntosh

If the Bricasti has the necessary connectivity and feature set, then I would go that direction. The C55 looks bloated with connections and features that may never be used and add to the cost.

I recently acquired a Bricasti M3 DAC with the network option and I am using this strictly as a DAC, not a preamp, but I am very pleased with the results. I use it as a Roon endpoint, and connect using the network. I have compared the network to USB and SPDIF, and there is no contest, it is a huge step up. 

While I think that you can play to the M12 without using a dedicated server, I am not convinced this will provide the highest fidelity. I use mine with a dedicated server and a short direct Ethernet connection. Others may know more and can comment, but I don’t think there is a free lunch, something has to act as a server.

Bricasti will have a better DAC. However, if you only have one source and it’s digital, I’d go for Bricasti M21. Even M3 has a really nice preamp section. But M21 volume control is more advanced. You also get R2R DAC section in M21 in addition to Delta Sigma. Worth checking out. 

Agree with @audphile1 if you are only doing digital go for the M21. I use myself the M12 b/c I also do analog and the M12 has one analog input and an analog vol pot. I have compared the M12 to the M21 directly and yes the M21 is more refined but only on direct comparrision. 

(Bricasti dealer disclaimer)

If you're into sexy blue meters, go with the Mac.

I own a “middle of the line” Bricasti M 1 Series II DAC w/ a volume control & it is an excellent piece of equipment w/ as good build quality as there probably is & great sound quality. Very detailed, tight, clean & dynamic but not at all hard or fatiguing. Made in MA w/ high quality parts. They machine in house just about every chassis part used, wind their own transformers & the their high quality PCB ‘s are designed in house & built next door in a special high end company that mostly does work for fancy medical equipment. If you can audition it, do so.