Craig,
As a fellow K-03X owner, I'm very interested in the direction you've chosen. A couple of questions: (1) do you plan to use the M21's preamp function, and, if so, direct to what amp; (2) do you plan to rip your SACDs (using ___)?

Thanks - G.

Hi, Yes, I also sold my McIntosh C-1100 preamplifier and am using the M21 as a Pre/DAC directly into McIntosh MC2301 amplifiers.

I have been archiving my SACDs/CDs for a few years and am now 100% streaming from my NAS and or Qobuz.

Did you use an Oppo 103/105 (or ___) to archive your SACDs?

I use an OPPO 103. I only plug it in when I buy new SACDs. Otherwise, I keep it in its box in a locked closet. ;). It’s too valuable to spin DVDs or Blurays.

I feel I should have said more about my time with the M3.

To put it plainly, it outperformed the DAC in my Esoteric K-03x with a Cybershaft Masterclock. In fact, the M1SE, M3 and now my M21 all outclassed the K-03/Cybershaft setup.

If I had a preamp, I would have likely kept the M3 longer to save for the M21. The M3 is a fabulous bargain. Outstanding DAC, Roon Endpoint with Network Control and digital preamp as needed. And I didn’t even test the headphone functionality it can have.

Hi Craig,

I am thinking of replacing my TEAC NT-505/CG-10M with a M3H. I am currently using the NT-505 as a DAC/preamp.

According to the Bricasti Design web site “The M3’s high speed low distortion analog path features a bypass-able preamp class analog level control allowing the M3 to be used to drive power amps directly, with no bit loss for optimal analog performance.”

If the M3 was used as a DAC/preamp like you are doing with the M21, do you feel that it would still outperform your previous Esoteric setup or do you feel it needs a separate preamp?

Thanks,
Dave

Yes, in my system the M3 did outperform my K-03x/Cybershaft & McIntosh C-1100 trio with $2,500 of Shunyata & Wireworld cables.

Your mileage may vary but removing the C-1100 added resolution to the sound. Details I didn’t know where missing.

The M1/M3/M21 DACs as DACs we’re also more resolving than the K-03x system. But that was not what sold me. They also added depth to the sound stage by better placing the singers/saxophone players to the front when they should be. Their character is one of putting you on the first 10 rows of the audience.

Some may like that, others may not. Combined with the added resolution, it was an easy decision for me.

Given your finding, are you thinking of changing amplification to Bricasti Design (M25 or M28 monoblocks)?

Funny you should ask. Yes, I am considering of getting a pair of M28s to demo in my room. It would be an interesting shootout with my MC2301s. May make the decision shortly.

Wow!
 

It's bben a few months. Do you still feel the M3 bests the M5/Debussy combo? That's pretty high praise.