BRICASTI DESIGN M1 Series II Stereo D/A

Product overview

The BRICASTI DESIGN M1 Series II Stereo D/A introduces a fresh design and upgraded features to the M1 series, succeeding the M1SE: the latest MDx processor, high-current twin linear power supplies with larger performance capacitors and a robust, handcrafted chassis milled from solid aluminium.

Focused on simplicity and performance, the M1 Series II reflects BRICASTI DESIGN's expertise in high-precision D/A engineering. With a taller profile than its predecessor, it includes integrated isolation feet as standard. A high-performance linear power architecture delivers a clean signal with exceptionally low noise and ample headroom; with point-to-point wiring and isolation directly in the chassis, music is rendered with depth, detail and dimensionality, and improved spatial cues and separation.

Key features

• Advanced delta-sigma conversion for exceptional detail and clarity
• Enhanced power regulation: high-current twin linear supplies with larger performance capacitors
• MDx processor: no sample rate converters, native signals preserved, DSD256 over USB
• Fully differential design with a lower-resistance output signal path
• Point-to-point wiring and integrated isolation feet in the chassis
• Five digital inputs: AES/EBU, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, Toslink and isolated asynchronous USB
• Modular design: optional network player, I2S input and VC Analog Volume Control card
• Premium chassis milled from solid aluminium; hand crafted by BRICASTI DESIGN in the USA
• Finishes: Classic black, Argento silver and Platinum

Extreme performance

A high-performance linear power architecture delivers a clean signal with exceptionally low noise and ample headroom. With point-to-point wiring and integrated isolation in the chassis, music is rendered with enhanced depth, detail and dimensionality.

Purity of signal

The MDx digital platform, advanced clocking algorithms and filter technology deliver exceptional performance without sample rate converters, preserving native signals. The digital section is paired with a pristine analog path, focused on the most faithful representation of tonality, precision and dimension.

Masterfully connected

The digital input selection integrates seamlessly into most systems. A fully differential design gives a lower-resistance output signal path, ideal for the fully differential M20 preamplifier and the BRICASTI DESIGN power amplifiers. Options include the network player, the I2S input for the M19 SACD/CD Reference Transport and the VC Analog Volume Control card.

Available versions

• Classic black: black anodised aluminium
• Argento silver: silver anodised aluminium
• Platinum: real platinum finish

In the box

• M1 Series II Stereo D/A
• Three-wire grounding-type power cord

BRICASTI DESIGN M1 Series II Stereo D/A: frequently asked questions

What is new in the M1 Series II?

A fresh design succeeding the M1SE: the latest MDx processor, high-current twin linear power supplies with larger performance capacitors, a taller chassis milled from solid aluminium and integrated isolation feet as standard.

Which digital inputs does it have?

AES/EBU on XLR, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, Toslink and USB 2, with optional network (RJ45) and I2S inputs.

Does it play DSD?

Yes: DSD64 to DSD256 native and DoP over USB, DSD64 as DoP on AES and S/PDIF, and DSD128 over the optional network player.

Which finishes are available?

Classic black, Argento silver and Platinum.

Where can I buy the BRICASTI DESIGN M1 Series II Stereo D/A in India?

The BRICASTI DESIGN M1 Series II Stereo D/A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: DAC into a preamplifier

Hi-fi systems with an existing preamplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the input with the Input key and the adjust knob.
2. Check the input and sample rate on the Status page.
3. Leave the level at 0 dB.
4. Set the listening level on the preamplifier.

Tip: Send native sample rates: switch off up-sampling in the source.

Workflow 2: Direct to a power amplifier

Minimal systems with no preamplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Reduce the level before playing music.
2. Select the source.
3. Raise the level in 1 dB steps to the listening level.
4. Press Level again to mute when needed.

Tip: The optional VC Analog Volume Control card gives a fully analog volume control instead of digital attenuation.

Workflow 3: Computer audio over USB

Listeners playing high-resolution files from a computer.

Connections

Setup

1. Power the computer off before connecting or changing the USB cable.
2. Select the USB input.
3. Play PCM up to 384 kHz / 24-bit at its native rate.
4. Play DSD as native or DoP, up to DSD256 native.

Tip: The USB interface is electrically isolated from the computer.

Workflow 4: Network streaming (option)

Systems with a media server on the home network.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the network port to the router.
2. Enable network sharing in the server application.
3. Choose the M1 Series II Stereo D/A as the player in the server.
4. Play native sample rates, no down-sampling.

Tip: The server can be anywhere on the network, out of the listening room.

Workflow 5: SACD/CD playback over I2S (option)

Owners of the BRICASTI DESIGN M19 SACD/CD Reference Transport.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M19 to the I2S input.
2. Select the I2S input.
3. Play the disc.
4. Compare PCM filters to taste.

Tip: I2S carries the direct reference signal normally used board to board.

Workflow 6: System standby by trigger

Systems with BRICASTI DESIGN power amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the trigger function in the Status menu.
2. Connect the TRS cable (ring = 5 V).
3. Use the front Standby switch to place the system in standby.
4. Use the rear switch for full power off.

Tip: Standby mutes the outputs and keeps power consumption low.