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.
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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) |
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. |
If your system is all-digital, you value Ethernet streaming (DLNA/UPnP), and you want maximum transparency with ultra-low noise and an analog ladder volume at the DAC’s output, the Bricasti M12 is the better fit. Especially into fully balanced power amps in a minimalist chain. - but that's a one-dimensional perspective imo. If I had to pick one unit for most systems, I’d choose the McIntosh C55. It’s the more versatile control center for mixed analog and digital setups (including vinyl), with handy ergonomics like the analog EQ, processor loop, multiple outputs, HDMI ARC for TV audio, and a reasonably strong onboard DAC. Personally it feels like an easy long-term anchor for a wider range of systems. But, like I said, if you’re a digital-only, streamer-centric listener chasing maximum neutrality, the Bricasti M12 would be the better choice.
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