The M19 from the American manufacturer Bricasti is an SACD/CD drive without DA converter and other functionality. The new device is easy to operate and focused solely on uncompromising performance. The user has several digital outputs at his disposal and can therefore connect just about any DA converter desired.
The design of the M19 follows simplicity in all aspects. There is no DA converter and no upsampling or other forms of editing. The designers have gone to great lengths to achieve clear and clean reproduction of the highest order from CDs and SACDs. Bricasti products are hand-built in the USA “in the tradition of the Old World, in a classic brick mill building in Massachusetts by a team of individuals committed to excellence,” according to Bricasti.
The M19's power supply design is made using two oversized, independent linear power supplies with medical grade toroidal transformers. One toroidal transformer is in charge of driving the mechanics such as the motor, laser system and tray and the other for the digital aspects and those related to the audio path. In their own words, this rules out mutual contamination between the two power lines. The audio path simply cannot be influenced by the mechanics of the M19 and potential sources of jitter and/or current ripple are therefore absent.
The M19 is made as one complete unit in a machined aluminum chassis, with the advantage of having the power supply close to the drive and digital output sections. This significantly reduces the chance of RF contamination and, most importantly, ensures excellent isolated power delivery from the power supply to the drive motor. It also removes all unnecessary cables and connectors, as it involves low amperage, low voltage DC power, and this approach will ensure the best possible power supply to all parts of the device. The manufacturer therefore believes that – unlike many other manufacturers – removing the power supplies from the vicinity of the drive does not provide any practical benefit.
Bricasti M19: super performance with I2S
The M19 also offers its own I2S digital output that can be used exclusively with Bricasti DA converters. The I2S interface ensures the perfect connection between the devices, as if the DA converter was part of the M19. This delivers a clear performance gain across the entire sound spectrum, highlighting additional clarity. The I2S input is now listed as an option for all new Bricasti DA converters, and also as an upgrade path for previous customers.
Price and delivery information have yet to be announced.
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