Description: Two-channel D/A processor. Digital inputs: AES3, S/PDIF (RCA), TosLink, USB, Ethernet. Analog outputs: One stereo pair balanced (XLR), one stereo pair single-ended (RCA). Sample rates supported: USB to 384kHz, DSD64, 128, 256, Native or DoP. Conversion method: For PCM, choice of sigma-delta with 8× oversampling or R2R ladder; for DSD, choice of native, pure 1-bit DSD, or conversion to PCM. Jitter: 8ps at 48k, 6ps at 96k. Frequency response at 44.1kHz: 10Hz–20kHz, +0dB, –0.2dB. Power consumption: 30W.
Dimensions: 17" W (431mm) × 4.5" (114mm) H ×…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: MacBook Air running Tidal, Roon, Qobuz. Bricasti M1 Series II DAC, Musical Fidelity M1 CDT, Pro-Ject CD Box RS 2 T CD transports.
Preamplifier: McIntosh C12000.
Power amplifier: McIntosh MC462 Quad Balanced Stereo.
Integrated amplifier: McIntosh MA252.
Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Specialties The WATT/Puppy, Harbeth P3ESR.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Diamond AES3, Coffee USB; Interconnects: AudioQuest Fire, Sky; Speaker: AudioQuest Firebird, Robin Hood; AC: AudioQuest Dragon.
Accessories: AudioQuest Niagara 7000 power…
Scott McGowan has left PS Audio to form Sprout HiFi, a new company built around a next-generation Sprout amplifier. The first Sprout HiFi product, a revamped version of the Sprout100, is projected for 2026, with email sign-ups open now.
Sprout is PS Audio’s compact integrated that built a following after its 2014 Kickstarter debut; McGowan says the new model will carry that idea forward for today’s listeners. The forthcoming Sprout is described as “smarter, more interactive and more versatile,” with the same small-footprint, living-room-friendly form factor. The company says the renewed…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I performed a full set of measurements on the Bricasti M21 using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system. The coaxial S/PDIF, optical TosLink, and AES3 inputs all accepted data sampled at rates up to 192kHz. Apple's AudioMIDI utility revealed that the USB port accepted 32-bit integer data sampled at all rates from 44.1kHz to 768kHz. The USB Prober app identified the M21 as "MDx" from "Bricasti" and indicated that the USB port operated in the optimal isochronous asynchronous mode. When I connected the Bricasti's Ethernet port to my network, Roon recognized the processor…
BluOS, the multiroom platform from Lenbrook Media Group, announced upcoming support for Qobuz Connect. The integration will let listeners cast music directly from the Qobuz app to any compatible BluOS player.
For Stereophile readers, the advantage is simple: direct-from-app, high-resolution streaming to BluOS devices (up to 24-bit/192kHz) without workarounds. Users select and control music in the Qobuz app; speaker and volume remain in the BluOS app. The company says the feature will work across BluOS brands including Bluesound, NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Cyrus Audio, DALI, and…