Bricasti M3 DAC

[krelldog]

I currently use a Yiggy as my DAC.

I'm considering an upgrade in the 5-6K range.

I'm looking for opinions and user experiences with the Bricasti M3.

Any and all opinions appreciated.

 

[VerdantAudio]

I have on currently out at a customer who is waiting on delivery of their new unit.

The M3 is musical first. It has a massive soundstage and is incredibly engaging but is not the be all, end all in terms of detail. I would rather listen to Black Sabbath on this DAC than any other I have ever heard regardless of price. You won't gain a ton in detail over the Yiggy but you will gain a lot in terms of soundstage and imaging.

 

[krelldog]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I appreciate it.

 

[bazelio]

While I feel both are better than any Yggy variant I've heard, I would suggest going for a used M1SE. It'll run less than $6k and is better than the M3 enough to matter.

 

[Macattack]

While I feel both are better than any Yggy variant I've heard, I would suggest going for a used M1SE. It'll run less than $6k and is better than the M3 enough to matter.

Having owned an M3 and directly auditioned a buddy’s M1SE with MDx board in my room, I would agree.

If you will use it as your PreAmp also, consider moving to the M21 which has an improved analog output section over either the M3 or M1SE.

 

[bazelio]

I'm glad that my "show conditions" A/B evaluation of M3 vs M1SE in a Bricasti room holds up. It seemed clear enough to be sure at the time.

The M21 was also at that show in the same room, so it was an A/B/C opportunity. The M21 sounded great with DSD. However, with non-DSD material (which would be 99.99% of material I listen to), I didn't feel the M21 price justified the incremental change* vs the M1SE. The M1SE is a real sweet spot, IMO.


*change: I'm not even sure I'd call it an overall improvement. It was "different" for sure. Smoother (maybe to a fault?).

 

[bazelio]

Both DACs are good. But I'd only ever a consider the M3 used because the used price of the M1SE is right around the usual retail price of a new M3, IIRC. Maybe his margins are higher on the M3. Who knows. But "more musical" is not it.

 

[krelldog]

Great advice....Thank You

 

[krelldog]

Out of curiosity...at the above mentioned price point....what other DAC's should I consider?

 

[bazelio]

Rockna Wavelight. Possibly a used Wavedream.

 

[Macattack]

You would be well served to call Bricasti and speak with Brian Zolner. He is a great guy and would openly discuss his products and how they differ internally. Doing so would allow you to make an even more informed decision.