Review samples supplied by Ohm Audio
Retail price in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
M19 (SA)CD Transport: 12.900 Euro
M21 DAC: 20.900 Euro
M19 Description
The M19 is an SACD/CD transport designed to be simple to operate and dedicated solely to uncompromised performance. The player is robustly constructed of milled and CNC-machined aluminum sections. All parts begin as solid aluminum blocks, precision-machined to exact tolerances for a perfect fit. These parts are then anodized, and the text and markings are laser-etched for a clean, lasting look.
The player contains two separate linear supplies: one for powering the mechanism and control aspects, and another for the digital audio section. In the rear of the chassis, behind the mechanism, is the digital output section. This provides the system clocking and creation of the AES and S/PDIF outputs, while the I2S signal is passed directly from the drive to the output connector. As an option for the SPDIF output, the M19 can be fitted with a true 75-ohm BNC connector.
The original sample rate is passed; it does not employ any sample rate conversion or up-sampling of the data streams. When playing a SACD and using the AES or SPDIF outputs, DSD playback is via DoP. When using the I2S connection to a Bricasti DAC, DSD transfer is done Natively.
The player’s I2S RJ45 connection carries separate clock and audio signals, providing purer sound, not just for SACD but also for regular Red Book CDs. Although I2S can theoretically work between components from different manufacturers, there is, sadly, no market-wide, agreed-upon pinout for the connector, resulting in hit-or-miss compatibility. As the Bricasti manual notes, there is no standard for I2S apart from the original intended inter-component use on a PCB within an audio component. Thus, the M19’s I2S interface is designed for use with Bricasti products. It is not meant for general use with other products.
Whenever I use a CD player or a CD transport, I’m always curious about which optical mechanism is used. Nowadays, the surprise element is gone when it comes to SACD mechanisms. Since Teac/Esoteric stopped selling their optical mechanisms to third parties, D&M (Denon & Marantz) remains the sole supplier of SACD mechanisms. This explains why Bricasti, Accuphase, Goldmund, Wadax, CH Precision, Playback Designs, and several other high-end manufacturers use these mechanisms as a basis for their transports. Of course, although CD mechanisms, servo systems, and their associated signal processing ICs can exhibit specific sonic signatures, this does not mean that all players will sound identical. The power supply and overall design also significantly influence the sound, not to mention the implementation of the digital interface. I’ve actually heard players with identical optical mechanisms sound very different.
In the M19, the mechanism is internally covered by a heavy, purple-anodized aluminum screen visible through the chassis vents. The disc drawer is attached to steel guides and operates smoothly and quietly, while feeling sturdy.
Besides the default black-and-silver anodized version, the M21 and all other Bricasti products are also available in an Argento finish (shown above for the M11 Series 2 DAC), which can be regarded as the inverse of the standard version, with a silver casing and a black dial and buttons. Additionally, you can select silver buttons and choose between light and dark fascia lettering.
Incidentally, the M11 Series 2 DAC shown above is also available as “regular” M11, in which case it has the original 1U flat case design like the M1 DAC. In this case, Series 2″ refers to an upgraded version with bigger power supplies that require more space, thus requiring a taller cabinet than the flatter standard versions.
The infrared remote control is made entirely of metal and feels very solid. It provides access to the most commonly used functions of the M19, including CD/SACD layer changing.
The M19 is a puristic, straightforward design, focused on intuitive operation and sound quality. While tracks can be skipped via the remote control or the front-panel rotary dial, there is no Search (Rew/Fwd) function, meaning that you can’t quickly fast forward to, or repeat a particular section within a track. In operation, the M19 is whisper-quiet. Without pressing an ear to the player’s enclosure or watching the display, you can’t tell whether the disc is idle or playing. From the listening position, you cannot hear the disc start or spin, or detect any track-change sounds.
Unlike most multi-format disc players, operational controls do not override the power state. Thus, when the player is powered off, the drawer cannot be opened using the front-panel open button, and the player cannot be operated from the remote. Likewise, pressing the power button while the drawer is open puts the player in standby while keeping the drawer open.
Next: System Context, M21 DAC description, and Listening to the Bricasti Combo
