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Bricasti M1 - where is the music

I had a chance to audition the highly-praised Bricasti M1 at my dealer. The associated gear include ATC 100 passive floor stander, ML pre and mono block. We used playback designs MPS5 for comparison and as the transport. I auditied this DAC hoping to use it as a secondary source to my Klimax.

We used primarily Diana Krell's CDs, including Live in Paris, and violin solo and concertos.

The positive:

M1 is technically excellent. The highs are extended without harshness. Mids are fairly transparent. Bass hits deep with power and definition. M1 reminds me of DAC1 and dare I say it's a souped up DAC1 in every respect (could be a good or bad thing)

The negative:

I would say the biggest weakness and ultimately my dismissal of this otherwise technically proficient DAC is its ulter lack of musicality. For example, human voice do not sound real and organic when compared with MPS-5. When Diana sings, I did not get the imagery of her singing. Like the mids, the highs on M1 leave much to be desired. For example, symbols in Living in Paris and violin solos lack the real life quality associated with those instrument. M1 sounded just like another digital DAC, displaying all the negative aspect of digital music. On the very high notes of violin, all I heard was a monotone sound, without the usual harmonics and woodiness I am used to with Klimax and what I heard on MPS-5. Soundstage of M1 feels contrived and not realistic. I did not hear the complex layering as with he MPS-5, nor did I hear as deep of a soundstage.

I believe if you like how DAC-1 sounds and wants a more refined and upgraded version of that sound, M1 may be a great choice. However, if you value real-life organic sound with music unfolding in a natural way, you may want to look elsewher
e.

Overall I was very disappointed in the M1 when I had very high expectations after reading the latest review in an audio magazine.
chesebert
sounds_real_audio
677 posts
 

Chesebert

I think that you point out perhaps the biggest problem with selecting audio equipment. You just need time to really determine if you love the sound or not. Does it move you, is it involving, is it satisfying?

It appears that Bricasiti has changed the filters so that the one that you were listening to was not the one that John Marks loved. Filter ! is now what was filter 4.

As a dealer for Bricasti I have to say that I have always hated listening in shops or even the CES show rooms. Everything is new, every piece of equipment in the chain. All new, all unfamiliar. I hate it..... I would say take the gear home and spend at least 8 hours listening to it.

The best
Jim
ronnjay
36 posts
 
In the manufacturers' comments following the Bricasti M1 review in the latest Stereophile, the M1 designer explains the filter update.
lasercd
50 posts
 
Filters have been added. The sequence has changed a bit. Don't go by what a reviewer used. You need to spend time with the M1 and experiment with it in your system.

For example, I found that I preferred a different filter for hi rez to the one I settled on for Redbook. Sometimes I like a different filter for 24/96 vs 24/192. Lots of flexibility lets you fine tune for a specific recording.

I bet if you take it home and live with it a bit you will develop a different impression of the M1.
sirotseta
30 posts
 
From my (limited) experience, different filters affect presence, decay and naturalness of the instruments, but not so much about pace and rhythm.
lasercd
50 posts
 
Sirotseta:

I've only heard the Berkeley DAC on a very limited basis at Goodwin's so I can't comment on it. I'm sure its reputation exists for a reason and the new version is even better. You raised the issue of PRAT. CDs are our business. I operate 4 different labels plus an extensive distribution service. I take digital very seriously and I've had some excellent DACs in our reference system over the years. I specifically remember one night of listening after I had the M1 "locked in". I actually laughed out loud because it was the first time I ever found myself tapping my foot along to the music. Considering our raison d'etre is progressive rock....it isn't easily done!! YMMV.
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