BRICASTI DESIGN M3/H Stereo D/A

Product overview

The BRICASTI DESIGN M3/H Stereo D/A delivers high-precision audio performance with a delta-sigma DAC and a dedicated native 1-bit DSD conversion path, a true analog volume control over a 90 dB range, and options for network streaming and an integrated fully differential headphone amplifier (M3H).

Developed with flexibility in mind, the M3 is built around a custom milled aluminium chassis with a minimalist aesthetic. It offers two fully differential conversion channels, separate processing paths for PCM and native DSD, and a balanced analog level control circuit, built around the high-performance MDx processor. Two independent linear power supplies for analog and digital processing ensure low noise and isolation, and the CNC-milled chassis provides thermal performance, vibration damping and RF shielding.

Key features

• Delta-sigma DAC and a dedicated native 1-bit DSD conversion path
• True analog volume control over a 90 dB range, preserving resolution at every setting
• Hard-wire bypass at 0 dB for use as a pure DAC with a preamplifier
• Two fully differential conversion channels; MDx processor; precision DDS clocking
• Independent linear power supplies for analog and digital processing
• Optional M3H fully differential headphone amplifier: 4-pin XLR balanced and TRS outputs
• Options: network player, I2S input and IR remote
• Chassis milled from solid aluminium; hand crafted by BRICASTI DESIGN in the USA
• Finishes: Classic black, Argento silver and Platinum

Powerful architecture

Analog volume control gives precise gain adjustment across a 90 dB range in 1 dB steps. The high-speed, low-distortion analog section features a bypassable preamplifier-class analog level control, so the M3 can drive power amplifiers directly with zero bit loss; at 0 dB it is a pure DAC with a hard-wire bypass.

Sound is an art and a science

Precision DDS clocking reduces jitter to extremely low levels, with a pure digital signal path and no sample rate converters. Combined with proprietary digital filters and native DSD conversion, a 1-bit modulator of BRICASTI DESIGN's own design followed by an analog post noise filter, the M3 delivers a state-of-the-art digital audio experience.

M3H fully differential headphone option

The M3H was designed for the discerning headphone enthusiast. It features independent analog amplifiers for the positive and negative phases on the XLR output, creating a fully balanced headphone system: up to 8.8 V, or more than 100 mW into 600 Ω, with 116.3 dB A-weighted S/N and 0.00025 % THD.

Simple operation

Six keys (Input, Status, Level, Balance, Reference, Mute), an adjust knob, a Standby switch and a built-in IR receiver for the optional M3 remote. Balance works in 0.5 dB steps, Reference memorises a favourite level, and Mute fades the output through the analog level control.

Available versions

• M3: stereo D/A with analog level control
• M3H: M3 with the fully differential headphone amplifier
• Finishes: Classic black, Argento silver, Platinum

In the box

• M3/H Stereo D/A
• Three-wire grounding-type power cord

BRICASTI DESIGN M3/H Stereo D/A: frequently asked questions

What does the H in M3/H stand for?

The M3H is the M3 with the optional fully differential headphone amplifier, with 4-pin XLR balanced and TRS stereo headphone outputs.

Can the M3 drive power amplifiers directly?

Yes. Away from 0 dB its analog level control is engaged, from -90 to +6 dB in 1 dB steps, with no bit loss in the digital domain. At 0 dB it works as a pure DAC with a hard-wire bypass.

How does the M3 play DSD?

Through a native 1-bit converter of BRICASTI DESIGN's own design with analog post filtering: DSD64 to DSD256 native over USB, DSD64 as DoP on AES and S/PDIF.

Which finishes are available?

Classic black, Argento silver and Platinum.

Where can I buy the BRICASTI DESIGN M3/H Stereo D/A in India?

The BRICASTI DESIGN M3/H 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: At 0 dB the M3 is a pure DAC; any other setting engages the analog level control.

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 M3/H 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: Headphone listening (M3H)

Headphone listeners with the M3H option.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn the level down before connecting the headphones.
2. Select the source.
3. Raise the level in 1 dB steps.
4. Use Reference to store a favourite headphone level.

Tip: The XLR output is fully balanced, with separate amplifiers for the positive and negative phases.

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.