BRICASTI DESIGN M21 Stereo D/A

Product overview

The BRICASTI DESIGN M21 Stereo D/A is a dual mono digital-to-analog converter with three independent, user-selectable conversion paths: a 24-bit delta-sigma DAC and a 20-bit R-2R ladder DAC for PCM, and a true direct 1-bit converter for DSD, with a high-precision analog level control.

The M21 represents the trifecta of digital-to-analog conversion. Its 2 completely isolated, fully differential channels each have their own dedicated linear power supply, D/A converter, DDS clocking and analog level control circuitry, and the digital processing section has its own supply. Every current digital input type is supported, from AES, S/PDIF and optical to USB and network, with I2S as an option, and the analog attenuator can be used for direct output or hard-wire bypassed. The chassis is built from milled and CNC machined aluminium sections, anodised and laser etched, and hand crafted in the USA.

Key features

• Triple-path conversion: 24-bit delta-sigma, 20-bit R-2R ladder and native 1-bit DSD, selectable in the Status menu
• Dual mono design with fully independent linear power supplies for each channel and for the digital section
• High-precision analog volume control from -99 to +6 dB in 1 dB steps, with hard-wire bypass at 0 dB
• Six digital inputs: AES (XLR), S/PDIF (RCA and BNC), optical, USB and network; I2S input optional
• MDx processor: greater timing accuracy, improved master clocking, enhanced network performance and DSD256 over USB
• DDS clocking placed at each DAC: jitter of 8 ps at 48 kHz and 6 ps at 96 kHz
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, each separately buffered by discrete transistor output stages
• Linear phase and minimum phase PCM oversampling filters
• Analog balance, reference level memory, mute and a 5 V trigger
• IR remote control supplied
• Hand crafted by BRICASTI DESIGN in the USA

The power of three

The M21 lets you select, evaluate and enjoy three independent D/A paths. PCM can be converted by the 24-bit delta-sigma DAC with 8x oversampling or by the 20-bit R-2R ladder DAC. DSD, received as DoP, is unpacked as the original 1-bit data and, in NDSD DSD mode, converted by the BRICASTI DESIGN 1-bit modulator on the analog level boards, followed by a simple low-order analog post filter, for true, pure DSD playback. The alternative NDSD PCM setting routes DSD through the multi-bit converter for a different sound character.

Analogue gain and a pure bypass

Used with a preamplifier, the M21 level stays at 0 dB and the signal runs from the chosen DAC through a hard-wire bypass to the output stages. Turn the level away from 0 dB and the analog level control engages, so the M21 can drive power amplifiers directly with no loss of bits in the digital domain. Balance works in 0.5 dB steps, and a long press of Reference memorises a favourite listening level for instant recall.

Masterfully connected

The centre input section carries AES on XLR, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, optical, asynchronous USB isolated from the computer and an RJ45 network input that makes the M21 a network player. The fully differential design minimises resistance in the output signal path, an advantage when paired with fully differential amplifiers such as those in the BRICASTI DESIGN range. With the optional Network Player Card and the I2S input it joins the BRICASTI DESIGN streaming and transport range.

Dual mono build

Four internal sections keep everything apart: the central digital input and processing section with its own linear supply, and left and right analog sections, each with a linear supply, a PCM DAC with DDS clocking millimetres away, the DSD converter, the ladder DAC and the analog level control. A rear-panel circuit breaker replaces fuses, and a filtered AC inlet keeps digital noise out of the mains.

Available versions

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

In the box

• M21 Stereo D/A
• IR remote control with batteries installed
• Three-wire grounding-type power cord

BRICASTI DESIGN M21 Stereo D/A: frequently asked questions

What are the three conversion paths of the M21?

A 24-bit delta-sigma DAC and a 20-bit R-2R ladder DAC for PCM, and a native 1-bit converter for DSD. Choose them in the Status menu.

Can the M21 drive power amplifiers directly?

Yes. Away from 0 dB its analog level control engages, from -99 to +6 dB in 1 dB steps. At 0 dB it is a pure DAC with a hard-wire bypass for use with a preamplifier.

Which inputs does the M21 have?

AES on XLR, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, optical, USB and an RJ45 network input; an I2S input is available as an option.

Does the M21 play DSD?

Yes, as DoP on any input. USB supports DSD 64fs and 128fs, and DSD256 with the MDx processor; network supports DSD 64fs and 128fs.

Which finishes are available?

Classic (black), Argento (silver) and Platinum.

Where can I buy the BRICASTI DESIGN M21 Stereo D/A in India?

The BRICASTI DESIGN M21 Stereo D/A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Pure DAC into a preamplifier

Listeners with a preamplifier controlling volume.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the M21 level to 0 dB for the hard-wire bypass.
2. Press Input and turn the knob to choose the source.
3. In Status, choose the sigma-delta or ladder DAC for PCM.
4. Control volume with the preamplifier.

Tip: At 0 dB the M21 powers up to the Status page, showing the input and the sample rate.

Workflow 2: DAC and line stage driving power amplifiers

Systems without a separate preamplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Reduce the level well below 0 dB before playing.
2. Adjust volume with Level in 1 dB steps.
3. Set balance in 0.5 dB steps.
4. Long press Reference to store your listening level.

Tip: Mute fades out and in through the analog level control.

Workflow 3: Native DSD playback

Listeners with DSD libraries.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the media player to send DSD as DoP.
2. In Status, choose NDSD DSD for the native 1-bit path.
3. Play: the display shows DSD.
4. Compare with NDSD PCM for the multi-bit path.

Tip: If the display does not show DSD, check that the player sends DoP.

Workflow 4: Network streaming

Listeners streaming from a media server.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M21 to the network router.
2. Select IN5 (LAN).
3. Choose the M21 as the player in the media server.
4. Play at native sample rates, without down-sampling.

Tip: The network input plays PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD128 as DoP.

Workflow 5: Comparing conversion paths and filters

Listeners tuning the M21 to their music.

Connections

Setup

1. Open the Status menu.
2. Switch PCM conversion between sigma-delta and ladder.
3. Try the linear and minimum phase filters.
4. Defeat up-sampling in the player or transport.

Tip: Send the original bit and sample rate and let the M21 reconstruct it.

Workflow 6: System control with triggers

BRICASTI DESIGN systems with M20 preamplifier or M28 power amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. In Status, set the trigger to trigger out.
2. Connect the trigger to the power amplifiers.
3. Standby on the M21 places the amplifiers in standby.
4. Choose remote mode for exclusive control from the M20.

Tip: The ring of the TRS jack carries the 5 V trigger; the sleeve is chassis ground.