New DAC

Cyril,

This stuff gets crazy expensive if not careful. Specially on technology that is moving very fast. That is why I'm drawing the line at around $15k.

The MSB Analog is not in the running, pricey for what it is after the upgraded power supply and inputs, and, it is not even a balanced DAC.

To be honest, Bricasti is a terrific DAC and I consider it to be a front runner for what I'm trying to do. But, Mike's suggestion is very interesting and worth considering.

Mike
One local dealer carries both Bricasti and MSB (and a couple others). I don't remember seeing the Bricasti ever used in a demo.
 
Mike
One local dealer carries both Bricasti and MSB (and a couple others). I don't remember seeing the Bricasti ever used in a demo.
Keep in mind that MSB DACs in most of the recommended configurations are significantly more expensive than the Bricasti, which may influence what a given dealer prefers to show and then hopefully sell. I have seen several dealers claim that the Bricasti is competitive with other DACs at two to three times its price. It is also very rare to receive the kind of ongoing support that Bricasti has provided for owners of its M1 DAC. They've added DSD64 support and also plan to support DSD128. While many other companies require users to purchase new models to get their latest updates, Bricasti has offered several updates at no charge to its customers and others like the new power supply board for only their parts cost. I find their M1 DAC to be an exceptionally musical performer, and the company is truly a first class operation and an absolute pleasure to deal with.
 
I love my Auralic Vega DAC with a Shunyata Alpha Digital power cord, and a Shunyata AES Anaconda digital cable to the Bryston BDP-1 file player, which also has an Alpha a Digital power cable. It makes for a very fine digital package.
 
I'll throw my two cents in here, I have had just about all the major contenders through here at one time or another. MSB, DCS etc. All except the Trinity. If you partial to the Bricasti, that's an excellent one at the price. The company is doing a really good job with keeping it updated as well. Best bang for the buck is the Auralic. State of the Art is the Light Harmonic. Your instincts on keeping the price reasonable since these products are changing quickly, I concur with 100%.

Fantastic system, Annapolis Raider! Really like it a lot. I have spoken with a number of people about the DACs you mention, and I probably would have 'blindly' ranked them similarly. The only one I have heard of your list is the DCS - 3 generations from Elgar Plus to Scarlatti to Vivaldi (4-stacks in each case). I have heard extremely good things about Light Harmonic...extremely good. As you may have been suggesting, I also have heard excellent things about the only other one that intrigues me...Trinity. I have a good friend who owns Scarlatti, Zanden 4-box and Trinity (Transport/DAC). He loves his Trinity.
 
That good friend sounds like Audiocrack from WBF.

I thought the Light Harmonic Dac was $30K retail, not the $20K I saw mentioned....
 
That good friend sounds like Audiocrack from WBF.

I thought the Light Harmonic Dac was $30K retail, not the $20K I saw mentioned....

Yes, that is correct. Audiocrack. As for pricing, I just followed on the earlier recommendation. I also buy everything 2nd hand/demo pricing with very very rare exceptions. So I tend to look at the budgeted amount and focus on how far I can stretch it. If the Light Harmonic DAC retails for 30, I would hope someone could find one somewhere in the world for a lot less...20K or [maybe] better.
 
OK LL21, understood.

Yes, Audiocrack is a great guy. We have spoken a bit offline.
 
audio bill and bpw
I should have been a bit clearer in my previous post. I have never seen "my local dealer" choose the Bricasti when demo'ing gear. I was not alluding to the fact that other dealers or rooms at audio events do not use Bricasti as their DAC of choice.

If I remember correctly the Bricasti was used in the Tidal room at RMAF. The room sounded pretty good.
 
audio bill and bpw
I should have been a bit clearer in my previous post. I have never seen "my local dealer" choose the Bricasti when demo'ing gear. I was not alluding to the fact that other dealers or rooms at audio events do not use Bricasti as their DAC of choice.

If I remember correctly the Bricasti was used in the Tidal room at RMAF. The room sounded pretty good.
Indeed. The M1 has drawn a lot of attention from consumers and the press, and the M28 amps drew even more at the show. I can't wait to get a pair sometime down the road.
 
I "third" the CH Precision nomination! Go listen to the C1 and you'll
understand...
 
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