Bricasti M1 DAC vs PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

Ricred1 - I can tell you that Bricasti has demoed their M1 DAC directly driving their new mono power amps at recent shows, and the sound has been reported by several reviewers as one of the best of the shows. So it has the capability to perform exceptionally well as a preamp - in the proper system. It will depend upon how well it matches the power amp you're using, as far as its input impedance and sensitivity. Unfortunately the only way to really know how well it will work in a specific system is to try it, as to whether you will like it as much as having an active linestage. Hope this helps at least a little bit with your search! Good listening.

Bill,
Thanks for the info and you are correct, the only way to know is to try it. I have decided to sell my DSD and purchase a M1.

Ricred1, you may be interested in the recently published review of the Bricasti M1 on Dagogo.

Ricred1 has a real well designed amp from a great and very well respected designer. Both are spec'd well within each others optimal performance envelopes. I agree that hearing is Always best and the safest but much harder to do these days than before... I have heard both just not together but I think Ricred1is amp will sound GREAT with the M1 IMO...

Hey Essentialaudio

Thanks so much !!!

I had no idea about this brand new review.

It looks like it's just a couple days old or so from March 2015 and its a must read IMO.

For my fellow Agon comrades that may not have the time or inclination to read the entire review here is a cliff notes version with a few exerts to give you the gist of it... I really like the down to earth conversational style of this Dagogo review.

By: Ed Momkus | March 2015 Dagogo

" I will start this review of the Bricasti Design Model 1 USB DAC by taking out all of the suspense. The M1 is one of the best DACs available on the market at any price. In fact, when used in the right system it is actually a bargain, since it allows you to eliminate a preamp. It also gives tweakers a huge range of filter options that adjust the sound. Finally, it’s a great looking piece of equipment that you’ll be proud to feature on your equipment stand. The M1 is so good that there is no need for a long review – there’s simply nothing in the way of a weakness. Any DAC that’s “better” is not better because of a shortcoming in the M1. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the details."

"Whatever Bricasti did to achieve it, the M1’s digital volume control is excellent. "

" I bought and sold several well-regarded DACs and developed the opinion that audiophile DACs fell into one of two camps: (1) fast, excellent PRAT, “detailed” sounding (although that’s not a good description, as we will see) and “ethereal”; and (2) powerful, dynamic, full-bodied and somewhat impressionistic."

" In my system the Bricasti M1 completely obliterates the distinction between these two DAC camps. "

" The tonality of every difficult instrument to reproduce – pianos, violins, cymbals, etc. – was excellent. Every instrument, including vocals of every type, sounded natural. Tony Bennet, Diana Krall, Pavarotti, Mick Jagger, Patricia Barber and every other famous voice I played sounded very good and lifelike. At no time did anything sound like something else, and there was no confusion between upper standup bass and the lower registers of the cello, electric bass and electric guitar, mellotron and organ, etc. Quite refreshing."

"Finally, a note on power cords and footers. One of the pleasant things I noted about the Bricasti M1is that it sounded very good with a range of PCs. In addition, the existing feet of the M1 do a great job on their own. I eventually opted against using any aftermarket cones or discs. This can really make it easier to justify the purchase. I did not need to search for a “perfect” matching power cord or footers, both which would add considerably to the overall cost."

" the Bricasti M1 is an elite DAC regardless of price. Instead, I was looking for an analogy outside the audiophile world. I came across a review of the Bricasti where the reviewer stated that “the M1 is an understated performer, one that doesn’t necessarily scream for attention.” I understand exactly what he meant, though I would add some clarification. The Bricasti M1 is “understated” in the sense that Jackie Robinson made baseball look easy and Stevie Ray Vaughn made playing blues guitar look easy. They may have made it look easy, but you knew you were in the presence of greatness. That’s the Bricasti M1."