Bricasti M3 DAC Model 3 Digital to Analog Converter

Exceptional performance and value

The M3 offers an incredible array of performance in a more affordable price class. Highlights include two fully differential conversion channels, separate conversion for PCM and native DSD, and a balanced analog level control circuit, making the M3 suitable for all applications. In addition, the M3 incorporates the latest Bricasti Design high-performance MDx processor.

Powerful Architecture

The M3 utilizes two independent linear power supplies for the analog and digital processing to ensure low noise and superior isolation. A newly designed chassis made from robust CNC milled aluminum in sections insures superior thermal characteristics, excellent vibrational damping and shielding from RF.

Re-creating sound is an art and a science

The M3’s digital design employs precision DDS clocking that lowers jitter to extremely low levels, insuring a pure digital signal path without the use of sample rate converters, this combined with superior digital filter design, and Native DSD conversion yields a state of the art digital audio path. The M3’s high speed low distortion analog path features a bypass-able preamp class analog level control allowing the M3 to be used to drive power amps directly, with no bit loss for optimal analog performance.

M3H: Fully differential headphone option

The M3H was designed for the discerning headphone aficionado in mind. Featuring independent analog amplifiers for plus and minus on the XLR output to create a fully balanced headphone system with exceptional performance.

Network Player Option

The Bricasti network player is a network interface and media renderer that connects to your server via a local area network. With wide support for DLNA and other popular network protocols, the M3 with network player delivers pristine lossless audio from your network to your Digital to analog converter; your music server can go anywhere you choose. The M3 with network player connects to your LAN via Ethernet with SPDIF, AES outputs supporting sample rates up to 192k PCM, DSD 64, DSD 128 and DSD 256 over USB.

The network player option works with any app that is DLNA and UPnP compatible. The M3 is now Roon Ready, offering the reliability, flexibility, and ease of use that Roon can offer.

Handcrafted in the USA

All of our products are crafted in the old world tradition, in a classic brick mill building in Massachusetts USA by a team of individuals dedicated to excellence.

Product Specifications

Digital Inputs

XLR: AES/EBU 24-bit Single Wire, RCA: S/PDIF, Optical: Toslink 44.1–96 kHz, USB 2, RJ45: Ethernet (Optional)

Sample Rates AES, S/PDIF

44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, DSD64 as DoP

Sample Rates USB

44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, Native and DoP

Sample Rates Ethernet

44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, DSD64, DSD128 Native

Jitter

8 ps @ 48 kHz / 6 ps @ 96 kHz

Balanced Analog Outputs

XLR balanced (Pin 2 hot)

D/A Conversion

PCM 24-bit delta-sigma, 8× oversampling, NDSD pure 1-bit conversion for DSD

Impedance

40 Ω

Output Level

@ 0 dB front panel +14.3 dBm, 4 dB RMS (bypass mode)

Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz

10 Hz–20 kHz, +0 dB / −0.2 dB

Dynamic Range

>120 dB, A-weighted

THD+N @ 1 kHz

0.0008% @ 0 dBFS / 0.0004% @ −30 dBFS

Unbalanced Analog Outputs

RCA

D/A Conversion

PCM 24-bit delta-sigma, 8× oversampling, NDSD pure 1-bit conversion for DSD

Impedance

40 Ω

Output Level

@ 0 dB front panel = +4 dB, 2 V RMS

Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz

10 Hz–20 kHz, −0.2 dB

Dynamic Range

>120 dB, A-weighted

THD+N @ 1 kHz

0.0008% @ 0 dBFS / 0.0004% @ −30 dBFS

M3H Headphone Driver Option

4-pin XLR balanced or TRS stereo

Output Impedance

<500 Ω (20 Hz–20 kHz)

Max. Output <1% THD

8.8 V or >100 mW/600 Ω

A-Weighted S/N

116.3 dB

THD

0.00025%

General Specifications

Finish

Anodized aluminum

Dimensions

14 × 11.25 × 2.5 in

Weight

10 lbs

Shipping Weight

15 lbs

Mains Voltage

100, 120, 220, 240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, factory set

Trigger In/Out

TRS mini jack, tip ground, sleeve 5 V

Power Consumption

20 W

Warranty Parts and Labor

2 years, non-transferable