Bricasti M1 SE & other DACs under 10k worth auditioning

[tdimler]

You should give the Mytek Manhattan a look. They are about to ship the Manhattan II with a number of upgrades including a better USB implementation, MQA capability, and a better analog attenuator. I have a Manhattan I in my system and have been very happy with it.....neutral and detailed. It has both digital and analog volume control and serves as an excellent pre-amp. Additionally the cosmetics are spectacular IMO.

 

I can also heartily recommend the Bricasti M1. I've had one briefly on loan in my system and it is a fine piece. Very smooth. Although it lacks analog volume control, the way the digital attenuator is implemented it is a great pre. Even with the newer M12 having an analog pre, I believe the designer Brian Zolner still prefers the digital attenuation of the M1 in most cases. Furthermore, he is a super nice guy and you will get top notch customer service.

 

I haven't had the chance to try a Lampizator, but they seem to be universally praised. I'd love to give the Atlantic a try. It depends on what value you place on aesthetics, but I think the Lampizators are extremely plain given their price point.

[tdimler]

A quick update. I am currently auditioning the Bricasti m1 SE at home. I have about 20hrs so far and... I was expecting (and was told) that i would hear the difference between the Vega and Bricasti right away. So far, to my ears, they sound very similar. Perhaps I need to put more hours on it before i arrive at any conclusions. However, I've been thinking is it possible that the synergy of Aries and Vega allowed the Vega to keep pace with Bricasti thus far (to my ears)? And if so, an equally interesting question would be... is it possible that the Bricasti is simply emphasizing the Aries' shortcoming and therefore the overall composition is marginally better?

Don't undersell you ability to believe what you are hearing.......I'd say it is possible (probable) there just isn't a big difference in the sonics of the Auralic vs. Bricasti. Both fine products that are universally praised. When I auditioned the M1, it was after using a Parasound Zdac......that is $500 retail vs $10,000 retail. The Bricasti sounded wonderful and was very refined, but the differences against the Parasound were small and subtle. I'd say if you still like the Auralic.....keep it.......save your coins and be happy. Not many people want to admit that they don't hear the "right away" differences which some self proclaimed audio savants go on about, but IMO a rational person has to realize it gets down to splitting hairs.