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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
spydrwebb44
23 posts
 

This review in part led to my valued investment in the M3.

artg
383 posts
 

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 .  

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,982 posts
 

@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. 

Post removed 
artg
383 posts
 

thank you for weighing in. the rca cables are solid (stereovox https://www.stereophile.com/content/stereovox-sei-600ii-lsp-600-interconnect-speaker-cable)

I'm thinking since the amp isnt fully balanced the synergy of the balanced feed is less important.

I may give it a shot. part of this is the learning curve and refining our own individual tastes and needs when i comes to music.

 

ohh, i also have a bead on a used the Bricasti M1 Series II . the plot thickens!

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