Incoming M1 Series II DAC

[John Jordan]

I have been considering an upgrade for the digital side. It's been a tough decision as the Bryston BDA 3 has been great for the past five years. Also, a giant leap of faith as there are no local dealers to audition.

Based on a lot of internet "research," a call to Bricasti and the threads here (crwilli was especially helpful as a previous McIntosh guy) the conclusion was this M1 series II. While there are many fine less expensive DACs, I really wanted to make more than a lateral, and more than a step type move.

After some emails and two short phone calls, I decided to go with our own "local dealer" here at audio aficionado dot org.

As Bricasti's are made to order, it will be a few weeks; after which I'll post some comments.

John

[audiogear]

Huge Congratulations John! I’ve heard nothing less than spectacular about Bricasti. And the “local dealer” absolutely has your back!

Looking forward to your impressions!

[John Jordan]

Thank you audio gear!
This may well change a lot on my equipment rack.

Ever Onward, and as always,
Enjoy the Sounds!

John

[Masterlu]

[AVphile]

Hi, John --

As someone who is considering two Bricasti DACs (M1S2 and M21), I would love to receive your thoughts about your DAC now that you have had an opportunity to use an M1S2 for a while.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

Thank you audio gear!
This may well change a lot on my equipment rack.

Ever Onward, and as always,
Enjoy the Sounds!

John

John - Congratulations on your new DAC. Am guessing it is fantastic.
Am wondering, based on your signature line, if you've tried any of Shunyata's AC power cords with your digital gear? They truly transformed the digital side of the equation in my system. Another area where Ivan is a great help.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Am wondering, based on your signature line, if you've tried any of Shunyata's AC power cords with your digital gear? They truly transformed the digital side of the equation in my system. Another area where Ivan is a great help.

Same here. I’m using an Omega QR-s for my DAC.

[jfray]

Awesome I’m excited to hear your impressions!

[John Jordan]

Jonathan & JFray-

Yes, it's been a while with this new DAC. I bought it with the built in network player. This feature has been a whole new frontier for me with many tributaries that I continue to explore.

I like companies like Bricasti, smaller and based in the US. The products are designed and hand assembled in Massachusetts. Great customer support where one can have an actual phone conversation.

The DAC itself has been a good level up from the BDP3. The sound is cleaner with vocals and individual instruments more distinct. Lots of detail that especially shines with good recordings; lesser recordings can be a little rougher. There are 15 filters that change sound characteristics. Helpful in fine tuning various recordings and music types. Haven't done much with that as of yet. It comes with a very solid remote.

It is dual mono design each with its own power supply and DAC chip. The IEC power input has noise filtering built in and the feet still point isolation. One weird thing has happened a few times; no sound coming from the DAC when turning it on. As if it is stuck on mute or the volume off. Unplugging the unit for a minute allows for adjustment. No big deal. Although I have not tried this, there's a digital volume control making the M1 a pre-amp of sorts.

For me the network card has been a real system enhancement and a great winter project, fishing CAT 6 through there walls from the router upstairs to the stereo downstairs. Learned a lot about networking and making ethernet cables. Later after a few discussions with Tom (AKA W9TR) made the plunge to fiber. Threads begun by Steve (AKA PUMA) were valuable by flattening learning curve. Installing a NAS yesterday, this card, NAS, MiminServer and IOS JPlay for control could well eliminate the need for a stand alone player. A separate discussion if there is interest.

On the power cable and cabling question, having been disappointed by exotic offerings, I prefer to make my own. In the past year or two, been removing silver and moving to straight copper. The silver was beginning to sound "edgy." May have something to do with the power amps. The former had KT 88's and the new amps EL 809's. The 809's to my ears are more neutral (or less warm) sound. Of note, swapping power cables on the M1 made less of a sound change than with the Bryston.

Lastly, this is by no means a slur on the BDA3. It is a solid, well engineered and built DAC with many features and inputs. Bryston customer support is also stellar. The M1 is just another level up, as is the price.

All the Best,

John