Review on Bricasti Design M3 DAC


My review was just posted on Stereo Times website on the Bricasti Design M3 DAC. If you are searching for a DAC/streamer/analog volume control DAC, no preamp needed with the M3, in the price range of $5,000, you might want to get the details of why you might want to audition this piece. It's superlative in both build quality, innovative design, and most importantly in it's beautiful musical performance.
teajay

@garynospamm, The Bricasti M3 Manual says "The M3 features 2 fully differential conversion channels, each with its own D/A converter, and analog level control circuitry. With our twin DAC design, the dynamic range for each channel is optimized by using the stereo ADI 1955 D/A converters in a mono configuration for PCM conversion, clocking is implemented with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis) which takes clock induced jitter to immeasurable levels. DSD is converted with our own proprietary one bit analog converter".

"The M3 features 2 digital audio conversion paths, 1 for PCM which utilizes a sigma delta type, and for DSD is a true one bit modulator of our own design and unique to the industry. This DSD conversion is a true 1 bit analog converter followed by an analog post noise filter. The result is a true a pure DSD play back unlike any other converter in the market. It is recommended that this feature be selected in the status menu labeled NDSD, setting to DSD PCM will use the ADI 1955 as the multi-bit converter which will impart a different sound character". Please see the Bricasti M3 Manual for more details. 

This means your PCM source albums use the PCM converter setting and your DSD source albums use the DSD setting. My Bricasti M21 DAC requires me to SELECT PCM or DSD based on my source material (PCM or DSD). If you need more info, please call Bricasti Customer Support.

BTW, my Bricasti M21 DAC has a delta sigma DAC setting, a ladder DAC setting and a DSD setting. There is a knob on the front panel that is used to select the required setting. 

 

Hi all-

Currently in a revival of my love of music and its reproduction after a bit of a hiatus.This forum is so helpful and educational to help me get back on that horse.

quick history: Really only playing redbook cd (Levinson 390S has hdcd but not anything higher rate) direct to integrated tube based amp. the sum of my music was on those cd's no server, no files on hard drives. I know, i know, limited.

Well, the cdp transport is super wonky these days, and I realize DAC's have come a LOOOONG way since that unit was made. Streaming redbook and above has also become quite a thing via QoBuz and Tidal.

So, to make my point (finally), I am interested in this fine dac + network card. The whole Roon thing confuses me, but suspect I could figure that out if needed (some good info above).

MY QUESTION IS DOES THE PERFORMANCE SUFFER USING THE RCA OUTPUT? Anyone use the rca? Ultimately, i COULD upgrade the integrated tube amp to an amp that has xlr input and use the Bricasti as a preamp .  

@artg
I believe the M3 will sound better balanced but it highly depends on associated equipment and cables. Will it sound so much better that you will need a hydraulic jack to lift your jaw up off the floor? No

If you have good RCA cables you should be fine. 
 

As to Roon…to simplify your streaming setup I highly recommend Roon Nucleus One. 
Simple, reliable and sounds good. Also Ethernet cables are very important for M3 and Roon core. 
M3 is a very nice DAC. I don’t own it anymore but still think highly of it. 

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