[bigfatpaulie]

True about reviewers - can’t stand people waxing lyrical for 2 pages just for the sake of it!
It is true that the aspects that define good sound have remained the same, but the level of technicalities that can be achieved have vastly increased/come down in price, at least with some component types, more than others.

but the reason I inquire is that from what I’ve been able to find, the Bricasti supposedly strikes a good balance between being ‘technical’, but without being bright or sharp sounding like fx chord is often accused of.

Thank you for responding by the way, was honestly not expecting to find much info about the dac, and having to pass it up as a result

I'll say this: the M1 is a really fun DAC. It's lively and energetic. Definitely one of the more toe-tapping devices out there. As with any piece of audio gear, personal preference and system synergy are the single biggest determining factors on if you will like it or not. The M1 is a top shelf DAC and goes head to head with any other top self DAC in the same weight class as far as mechanical ability (details, clarity, etc). Sure, with great scrutiny differences can be discerned and if that's they way you listen all the time, I guess to each their own... But for me, after the first month of so of critical listing I just start to lean back and see if I actually like the sound of things and forget all the measurebating.

And if I like it, ultimately, is a very personal thing. Best I can say is I really liked mine, and buy one at a fair price, just in case you don't love it.

 

[musicman59]

The reason I’m asking is that there is an M1 (from 2015 I think) on offer locally, second hand - so I don’t really have other options in that sense. I’m basically choosing between it, an RME or Chord Hugo/Qutest

I did see some mention the M1 might have a lossy volume control, which seems rather inexcusable at that price...

A 2015 most likely will not have the latest digital board. I have no experience with the RME but I own the Hugo II and used to own the Qutest and I can tell you the M1 is much better than those two. I replaced the Quetst with the M3 and it is better also. Depending on the price of the M1 you are looking it might be worth to take a look at a new M3. Send me a PM with more details on the M1 and I can give you some suggestion.

The M1 volume control is done through attenuation in the digital domain. You can go down to -16db without affecting resolution. It has a fix output in the RCAs but the XLR outputs can be adjusted using a pot next to the connector. It is very useful to match the M1 to the amplifier or monoblocks so you don’t have to go below -16db.

The M3, M12 and M21 all have different volume control done in the analog domain.

 

[Nicknick]

Hi,

I own a Bricasti M1 SE with network input and Firmware Version 1.49. It is a great piece of audio equipment and I'm very satisfied. From time to time I ask Bricasti for firmware updates. This time I was informed, that the unit would need to come in for clocking update for it to be 1.51. The cost would be $125.00 + shipping.

Does anybody know what "clocking update" means exactly?

Martin

 

[musicman59]

Hi,

I own a Bricasti M1 SE with network input and Firmware Version 1.49. It is a great piece of audio equipment and I'm very satisfied. From time to time I ask Bricasti for firmware updates. This time I was informed, that the unit would need to come in for clocking update for it to be 1.51. The cost would be $125.00 + shipping.

Does anybody know what "clocking update" means exactly?

Martin

The clock upgrade is a brand new digital board. I think the call it MDX. I am not sure is the price you are showing is a typo or if that is for something else because the new digital board is significantly more money than $125.
The new board is great. The bass gets more control and the level of detail and holographic presentation gets increase without loosing the musicality of the M1.

 

[musicman59]

I woke up at 3:30am and could not get back to sleep. I put on my Rosson Audio RAD-0 headphone and listen to Fleetwood Mac with my M3h. I upgraded it to the new MDx board and 1.02 firmware.
I am a huge FM fan and have every single thing ever recorded from 1975 to now. I Have listen to this songs thousands of times over the years but this morning I heard details in the recordings that I never noticed before. The level of detail and holography of the soundstage is just amazing. This new digital board is very special.

Whoever that have a Bricasti DAC (M3, M1, M12 and M21) without the new MDx digital board should consider upgrading it. It is worth every penny.

 

[Nicknick]

@ musicman59,

you were right. I first got a wrong information. Now they informed me, that its the so called MDx upgrade which will be definitely more than $ 125.

Martin

 

[musicman59]

I think but whoever is interested should check directly with Bricasti but I think they are running an upgrade special for $700.

Another fellow Headfier got the upgrade and shares the same opinion on the improvement in the sound.

 

[a1uc]

I now own the M21 with Mdx and M20 , I also own the Chord Dave . I plan on comparing the 2 once my new amp breaks in which might be awhile . I can say Bricasti is a great company and Brian is top notch

 

[musicman59]

I am driving my M28 directly from my M21. A friend of mine has the same and added the M20 and love the sound. I am thinking on doing the same thing.

 

[a1uc]

I heard from a few people they like the M20
In the chain , I was all ready to buy the M28’s also but bought a new Constellation Centaur II 500

 

[musicman59]

Nice!
Have you ever had monoblock amplifiers?
I used to have big stereo amplifiers but since the first time I went to monoblocks (Sonic Frontiers Power 3) I never looked back. IMO the monoblocks provide better and bigger soundstage presentation. My guess is because zero cross talk between channels.

 

[a1uc]

Nice!
Have you ever had monoblock amplifiers?
I used to have big stereo amplifiers but since the first time I went to monoblocks (Sonic Frontiers Power 3) I never looked back. IMO the monoblocks provide better and bigger soundstage presentation. My guess is because zero cross talk between channels.

Yes , I have had a few sets of Monoblocks
with some I noticed a difference and others not as much .

 

[a1uc]

Constellation Audio's Performance Centaur II 500 is one of the best-sounding amplifiers I have auditioned in my system. It offers high power, excellent low-frequency control, and clean, clear high frequencies. The accuracy and stability of its stereo imaging are to die for, coupled with a superbly transparent view into the soundstage.

That was posted a reviewer , I listened to many amps before making this purchase
and I’m floored how good it sounds

 

[musicman59]

Constellation Audio's Performance Centaur II 500 is one of the best-sounding amplifiers I have auditioned in my system. It offers high power, excellent low-frequency control, and clean, clear high frequencies. The accuracy and stability of its stereo imaging are to die for, coupled with a superbly transparent view into the soundstage.

That was posted a reviewer , I listened to many amps before making this purchase
and I’m floored how good it sounds

Awesome! I have never have had the opportunity to listen to one of those (I have read about them).
I will make sure whenever we get audio shows back to listen to them.

it is great when one reaches that satisfaction point, congratulations!

 

[koven]

I now own the M21 with Mdx and M20 , I also own the Chord Dave . I plan on comparing the 2 once my new amp breaks in which might be awhile . I can say Bricasti is a great company and Brian is top notch

I noticed you bought the M21/M20 pair that was on Audiogon last month but left negative feedback, what was wrong w/ it?