Digital Processor Reviews

Bricasti Design M1 D/A converter Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: 24-bit, 8x-oversampling delta-sigma digital/analog converter with seven choices of reconstruction filter. Digital inputs: AES/EBU on XLR, S/PDIF electrical on RCA and BNC, S/PDIF optical on TosLink. Word-clock input on BNC. Analog outputs: 2 stereo (1 XLR, 1 RCA). Sample rates handled: 44.1–192kHz. Maximum output level: 4V, balanced (adjustable); 2V, single-ended. Output impedance: 40 ohms (balanced or single-ended). Frequency response (44.1kHz sample rate): 10Hz–20kHz, +0/–0.2dB. Dynamic range: >120dBA. THD+noise at 1kHz: 0.0006% at 0dBFS, 0.0004% at –30dBFS. Jitter: 8ps at 48kHz, 6ps at 96kHz. Power consumption: 28W (6W in standby).
Dimensions: 17" (432mm) W by 2.5" (64mm) H by 11" (280mm) D. Weight: 12 lbs (5.5kg).
Finish: Black anodized aluminum.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: Demo 2.
Price: $7795. Approximate number of dealers: 25.
Manufacturer: Bricasti Design Ltd., 123 Fells Avenue, Medford, MA 01255. Tel: (781) 306-0420. Web: www.bricasti.com.

COMMENTS
Erranti's picture
Submitted by Erranti on May 14, 2012 - 1:16pm

Hi there John,

Thanks for another informative and thorough review. I've turned to computer audio, or as it is also called, desktop audio. This is mainly to economize space and of course money. I have recently acquired a pair of Beyerdynamic T1s to upgrade from my AKG K702s, and I would also like to find a good headphone amplifier that can deliver what it takes to make these 600Ohm babies sound their best. 

I have been doing some online window shopping and research, and I have come across at least 4 very intersting Amps that according to their specs could do a very good job with the T1s, and which have still to be featured at Stereophile. Two of them feature DA converters that also have impressive specs.

The first candidates are German made Violectric V100 and V200, which can be obtained with built-in 16/48 or 24/96 DA converters via USB. Violectric also features a standalone DAC, the V800, which is a very versatile unit with some really serious specs. They are all very fairly priced and fabulously well built, and only with German components and labor.
http://www.violectric.de/Pages/en/products/index.php

The second candidate is both a headphone Amp and pre-amplifier. It's Headamp's GS-1, which is also a very well built Amp with great specs and fully manufactured in the US. 
http://www.headamp.com/home_amps/gs1/index.htm

The third candidate is the D2 DAC -and also headphone amplifier- by Anedio, which features some really fantastically good and detailed specs. 
http://www.anedio.com/index.php/audio/gandalf

I have read your reviews of Benchmark Media's USB DAC1 Pre, Grace Design's m903 and CEntrance's Dacmini CX, which are all great products, but I would still love to see any of these other components, which also feature great specs and appear to equal or challenge the DAC 1, m903 and Dacmini CX's performance.

In the case that these components are not within near future review plans, I would still appreciate any impressions you could have on them. Thanks in advance for your help,

Greetings, 

Erranti

Dan Moroboshi's picture
Submitted by Dan Moroboshi on August 1, 2012 - 5:26am

Dear JA,

since you reviewed this wonderful product of audio engineering, Bricasti releases an update extensive to the existing products which includes USB asynchronous interface and digital level control.

I would like to suggest a follow up using this USB interface and maybe measurements on this one.

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