BRICASTI DESIGN M5 Network Player

Product overview

The BRICASTI DESIGN M5 Network Player is a high-performance wired network audio streamer and media renderer with AES, S/PDIF and USB digital outputs, a low-noise linear power supply and a chassis milled from solid aluminium.

The M5 connects to your server over a local area network and delivers pristine lossless audio to your D/A converter, so your music server can go anywhere you choose. It connects by Ethernet and plays through its S/PDIF and AES outputs at sample rates up to 192 kHz PCM, with DSD64 and DSD128 over USB. Its renderer is based on the BRICASTI DESIGN M12 source controller, which has this feature built in, now offered as a complete stand-alone product, hand crafted in the USA.

Key features

• High-performance wired network audio streamer and media renderer
• AES, S/PDIF and USB outputs for versatile connectivity; AES and S/PDIF play simultaneously to one or two DACs
• Low-noise linear power supply, the same as in the M1 D/A converter
• Precision-built from solid aluminium to minimise vibration, anodised and laser etched
• PCM up to 192 kHz on AES and S/PDIF, up to 384 kHz on USB; DSD64 and DSD128 as DoP over USB
• Over 100 supported file types, lossless and compressed, PCM and DSD
• Trigger in and out for system standby
• Front panel standby button and status LED
• Hand crafted by BRICASTI DESIGN in the USA

Purity of sound

The M5 is a dedicated audio media renderer. It receives simple, raw data from your network storage or server and renders it only at the final stage into a real-time audio stream through its S/PDIF, AES or USB outputs, then on to your D/A converter. Unlike a computer server that handles both storage and playback, the M5 is purely focused on rendering, close to its D/A destination, leaving behind the noise of computer switch-mode supplies and of power over USB.

A class unto itself

The M5 is milled from solid aluminium with elegantly rounded corners. Inside its precision-machined chassis lies the BRICASTI DESIGN media player, powered by the same high-quality linear power supply found in the M1 D/A converter, for exceptionally low noise even in demanding environments. It is fully equipped straight out of the box, with no additional accessories needed.

Effortless streaming

The M5 is a player or end point, not a server: the audio can be stored on any storage device on the network, and applications that support the common network audio protocols see the M5 as a device to play to. A wired Ethernet connection can run a long way, so the server can be placed away from the listening room.

Available versions

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

In the box

• M5 Network Player
• AC power cord with 10 A IEC connector

BRICASTI DESIGN M5 Network Player: frequently asked questions

What does the M5 do?

It is a network media renderer: it plays music stored on your network server or storage and sends it as a real-time digital stream to your D/A converter.

Which outputs does the M5 have?

AES on XLR, S/PDIF on RCA (75 Ω BNC optional) and USB. AES and S/PDIF play at the same time; USB is used when connected at power-up.

Which sample rates does the M5 support?

44.1-192 kHz PCM and DSD64 as DoP on AES and S/PDIF, and 44.1-384 kHz PCM with DSD64 and DSD128 as DoP on USB.

Does the M5 need a wired network?

Yes. It connects by wired Ethernet to your router, with the server on the same network.

Which finishes are available?

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

Where can I buy the BRICASTI DESIGN M5 Network Player in India?

The BRICASTI DESIGN M5 Network Player is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Network streaming to a D/A converter

Listeners with a music library on a network server or storage.

Connections

Setup

1. Start the server and router first.
2. Switch on the M5 at the rear; it enters standby.
3. Press Standby: the LED lights solid when connected.
4. Choose the M5 as the playback device in your media player.

Tip: Place the server away from the listening room: a wired Ethernet connection can run a long way.

Workflow 2: Two DACs at once

Systems with two converters or two rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect AES with a balanced AES cable.
2. Connect S/PDIF with a 75 Ω coaxial cable.
3. Power up without USB connected.
4. Play: both outputs carry the stream.

Tip: AES and S/PDIF run simultaneously; USB is not active in this mode.

Workflow 3: High sample rates and DSD over USB

DACs with a USB input, for 384 kHz PCM and DSD128.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the USB cable before powering up.
2. Power up: the M5 defaults to the USB output.
3. Set the media player to send DSD as DoP.
4. To return to AES and S/PDIF, power off and remove the USB cable.

Tip: The USB output is powered from the M5's linear supply.

Workflow 4: With a BRICASTI DESIGN M1 DAC

Owners of a BRICASTI DESIGN converter.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M5 to the router.
2. Connect AES to the M1.
3. Select the AES input on the M1.
4. Play from your media player.

Tip: The M5 takes the network renderer of the M12 source controller and puts it beside any DAC.

Workflow 5: System standby with triggers

Systems with a preamplifier and power amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the trigger cables (TRS).
2. The M5 follows the 5 V or 12 V trigger.
3. Its trigger out repeats the signal down the chain.
4. Switch the whole system with one control.

Tip: Sleeve is chassis ground; the trigger voltage is applied between tip and ring.

Workflow 6: Quiet listening room

Listeners who want the computer out of the room.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the server and drives in another room.
2. Run a wired network cable to the M5.
3. Control playback from your media player application.
4. Enjoy playback free of computer and drive noise.

Tip: A wired connection is recommended for the best sound and reliability.