{"id":42232,"date":"2026-02-21T14:20:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T12:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=42232"},"modified":"2026-04-28T18:59:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T16:59:38","slug":"bricasti-m19-sacd-transport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/digital-reviews\/cd-player-reviews\/bricasti-m19-sacd-transport\/","title":{"rendered":"Bricasti M19 (SA)CD Transport"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review samples supplied by Ohm Audio
\n<\/a>Retail price in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
\nM19 (SA)CD Transport: 12.900 Euro
\nM21 DAC: 20.900 Euro<\/h4>\n

M19 Description<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Next: System Context, M21 DAC description, and Listening to the Bricasti Combo<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

System Context<\/h3>\n

The M19 was listened to in the <\/span>main system<\/a>, <\/span>which consists of the CH Precision C1.2<\/a> DAC, CH Precision L1<\/a> preamplifier, and CH Precision A1.5<\/a> power amp,\u00a0and the Antipodes Oladra<\/a>\u00a0and Grimm MU1<\/a> Music Servers for comparison. <\/span>All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a>. All components, including the Bricasti components, are powered by the PS Audio P20<\/a> PowerPlant. Speakers used are the Apogee Duetta Signature (recently refurbished with the latest Graz foils).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Although the M21 DAC is included in this review, the focus is on the M19 transport. With its AES\/EBU and S\/PDIF outputs, the M19 is compatible with any DA Converter. However, I suspect many people will buy the player to complement their Bricasti DAC. Naturally, this achieves a matching visual style and sound philosophy, but there’s another essential reason to pair the M19 with a Bricasti DAC: the I2S connection. Not only does the I2S connection deliver better sound than the other digital interfaces, but it also enables Native DSD data transfer. This is why the Bricasti M21 DAC is included in this review.<\/p>\n

Bricasti M21 DAC in brief<\/h3>\n

The M21 DAC offers various settings to tailor its sound to user preferences, and it features three digital audio conversion paths. For PCM, the user may choose either a Ladder DAC or a Delta\/Sigma DAC. For DSD, conversion is performed via Delta\/Sigma, using an in-house-designed true one-bit modulator and a proprietary, pure-analog filter.<\/p>\n

Additionally, one can select between various oversampling filters and choose between Fine and Wide clock settings. I prefer it with the conversion set to Ladder DAC, using the Linear 0 oversampling filter, and the clock set to Fine. This achieves what I feel is the most solid, direct, and expressive sound. Alternatively, it may be set to sound either a little spicier up top or a little rounder and sweeter overall. As a power cable for the DAC, I used the same cable I use for the CH C1.2 DAC, a GigaWatt LC-2 EVO. For the M19 transport, I used my usual very neutral home-made cable, the same as I use with the other digital sources.<\/p>\n

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Listening to the M19 and M21 as a combo<\/h3>\n

The Bricasti combo offers effortless liquidity, natural flow, refinement, and an utter lack of digital or electronic signature. The sound is very neutral, neither cool nor warm, but very natural, and gently relaxed. Whereas a fluid and liquid performance is often accompanied by warmth, thickness, or both, the Bricasti combo is articulate, slender, quick on its feet, transparent, and very precise. Thus far, I’ve not even started experimenting with power cables, interlinks, footers, or rack placement, and already it sounds this good.<\/p>\n

Now, I should mention that the Bricasti footers are not just large aluminum discs. These footers contain a special built-in StillPoints coupler mechanism. Like the standalone aftermarket versions, these footers have loosely connected parts that act as mechanical diodes while preventing loose components. This makes it easy to move and position the components.<\/p>\n

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I know I’m off to a very good start when components sound this good right from the beginning, using only a simple home-made power cable and a Mogami 3080 AES\/EBU cable. Still, with a system this transparent, it’s worth paying attention to all aspects. <\/span><\/p>\n

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For example, I found that the\u00a0Network Acoustics muon 2<\/a> AES\/EBU cable highlights key areas of the M19, improving smoothness and flow, while also adding deeper tonal saturation and a more relaxed character. Likewise, the M21 DAC clearly benefited from a GigaWatt LC-2 EVO power cable.<\/span><\/p>\n

I2S<\/h3>\n

The Bricasti I2S connection is compatible with standard RJ45-equipped Ethernet Cables, making it easy to experiment. A short, standard, but good quality Cat. 8 cable is supplied to get you started.<\/p>\n

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In every case I’ve tried, I2S has always produced better sound than S\/PDIF or AES\/EBU, and the Bricasti combo is no exception. It’s worth noting that I consistently find that even standard I2S cables produce more accurate results than the best AES or S\/PDIF cables, and the same is true for the supplied cable. This is a significant extra benefit of using components with a compatible I2S interface: better sound without the need to obtain exotic cables.<\/p>\n

However, it’s possible to achieve a smoother, warmer, fuller, or more relaxed sound with certain higher-end digital cables. Whether this is found to be more pleasant, more truthful to the source, or better at conveying the feeling of a live performance than the relatively more factual rendition of the standard cable remains a matter of personal preference.<\/p>\n

I generally prioritize accuracy and neutrality over warmth or harmonic richness. For me, the supplied Ethernet cable does the trick perfectly, providing what I feel is the most accurate and faithful rendition.<\/p>\n

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When connected via I2S, the Bricasti combo sounds just as liquid and free-flowing as via AES\/EBU, but with increased solidity and bass tightness, crisper transient behavior, and an overall more confident and expressive nature. By comparison, when you go back to an AES\/EBU or S\/PDIF connection, these sound a little rounder and more diffuse.<\/p>\n

Some I2S-equipped components, such as the LAiV uDDC, have auto-sensing I2S. As such, they are potentially compatible with other I2S connections regardless of pinout. Alas, the LAiV uses HDMI connectors, whereas the Bricasti uses RJ45, making them incompatible. The Aqua La Diva M2 CD transport has I2S on an RJ45 connector, and I tried it with the M21 DAC, but alas, the DAC did not lock onto the signal, meaning the connection is incompatible.<\/p>\n

Next: SACD, Transport comparisons, Music Server comparisons, and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

SACD<\/h3>\n

Using several Hybrid SACDs, I assessed the performance of playing DSD via I2S to the M21 DAC. The presentation is so markedly different from the combo’s regular Red Book CD playback that it is immediately apparent without direct A-B testing.<\/p>\n

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When the M21 DAC’s DSD conversion mode is set to DSD, it engages Bricasti’s proprietary pure 1-bit conversion. When playing SACDs in this mode, the combo produces extraordinarily lush, ultra-delicate, and effortlessly fluid sound. The M19 and M21 already possess these sonic attributes when playing regular Red Book CDs, but with pure DSD, any residual sense of measure, “square-ness”, and dryness (typically referred to as a “digital” signature) is truly and utterly gone. On the flipside, the DSD sound is considerably less solid and impactful in the lower registers than when playing regular Red Book CDs and using Ladder DAC conversion, making it less propulsive and more laid-back in its overall presentation. Nevertheless, the sound remains very neutral and, importantly, upbeat and intricately detailed.<\/p>\n

With the M21 DAC’s DSD conversion mode set to PCM, DSD is first converted to PCM and then to analog by a separate Ladder DAC converter. In this mode, the bass becomes considerably more solid and impactful, with a more chiseled character, closer to how Red Book CDs sound in that regard, while still retaining the benefits of high resolution. For those focused on bass and solidity, this may be the preferred setting. However, after being engulfed by the effortlessly free-flowing sound of pure native DSD, the sound feels comparatively drier and more sober, and it can be argued that PCM conversion of DSD leaves behind a sizable portion of the SACD magic. Nevertheless, I am always a strong advocate of options that allow listeners to tailor the sound to their personal preferences, and the M19 and M21 offer complete control.<\/p>\n

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Compared with other transports<\/h3>\n

For the remaining part of this review, I will assess the M19 standalone, connected to the CH Precision C1.2 DAC via AES\/EBU.<\/p>\n

Without the M21 DAC, the M19 still makes a strong case for itself. Uniquely, it sounds both focused and controlled, as well as smooth and relaxed. It is unhurried and beguilingly liquid, yet not warm, thick, or diffuse. Its unforced delicacy and flow remind me of the best Philips Swing-Arm-equipped classic CD players, but with vastly greater neutrality and precision.<\/p>\n

Since I still have a couple of fully-refurbished classic players, I decided to compare the Bricasti directly to <\/span>a fully recapped Proceed PCD2 (CDM1 MkII mechanism) and two of my favorite classic Philips CD players. The CD614 uses a CDM4 mechanism, while the more modern CD931 uses a CDM9 mechanism. These players are all over 35 years old, and s<\/span>uch a comparison would not make much sense if I were to use original non-serviced samples. However, these samples have recently been modified to serve solely as transport and were fully recapped, while several core components were upgraded.\u00a0<\/span>This review is not the place to delve into the details of hobby projects, but suffice it to say, the players <\/span>have performed very favorably compared to several higher-end players. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, with the Bricasti, it was simpl<\/span>y no contest. The <\/span>M19 is not only more neutral and technically superior to all three classic players, <\/span>but<\/span> it also feels even more organic and is much more engaging musically, making it the <\/span>most convincingly\u00a0<\/span>realistic<\/span> player overall<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Although the Aqua is shown with StillPoints SS footers, I ultimately assessed the differences between the two players using their integral footers.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

As fun as it is to let the classic players spin some discs again, when assessing a high-end transport like the M19, it makes far more sense to compare it to another high-end transport. The\u00a0Aqua La Diva M2<\/a> is a much more appropriate candidate. As it turns out, these two transports sound a lot more alike than I had anticipated. Using both players on their own footers, with the same cables and on the same HRS EXR stands, and playing the same CDs, the differences are small but noticeable.<\/p>\n

The Aqua sounds slightly earthier and more robust, while the Bricasti is slightly more fluid, rounder, and more delicate. In other words, compared to the Aqua, the Bricasti is a little smoother, and vice versa: the Aqua is a little more direct. Ultimately, both are excellent players, with subtle differences.<\/p>\n

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Compared to Music Servers<\/h3>\n

The biggest selling point of the M19 might be that it easily outperforms most music servers in its price range, particularly in fluidity, liquidity, and flow. These are aspects that are typically hard for music servers to get right. The Bricasti M19 delivers not only a very refined and emotionally engaging sound but also excels in specific parameters compared with most Roon-running servers, such as the Grimm MU1. This is because Roon software, unlike UPnP, adds complexity that, depending on the release, affects the perceived agility, immediacy, and transient behavior. The M19 is more agile, delicate, fluid, and refined. However, the Grimm has a more solid, authoritative bass than the M19, which sounds comparatively a bit lighter and leaner.<\/p>\n

The Antipodes Oladra server delivers a smoother and more organic sound than the Grimm, and when used with MinimServer and an MPD player, it eschews the typical Roon characteristics while retaining its musicality. With USB, the Oladra is more robust in the bass than either CD transport, technically excellent overall, and very pleasant. In terms of organic feel, it almost keeps pace with CD replay on the M19, although the Bricasti is ultimately even lusher, more liquid, and freer.<\/p>\n

When the Oladra is connected through its isolated, reclocked AES\/EBU output, it ups the game and presents a more formidable challenge to the M19. The server sounds even more natural and fluid this way than via USB, while maintaining a robust, well-articulated bass. However, the M19 still holds two advantages: it remains lusher and more refined.<\/p>\n

Aside from these differences, the Oladra and the M19 share many sonic attributes.<\/span> Ultimately, it <\/span>comes down to personal preference, and perhaps convenience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>However,<\/span><\/span><\/span> it’s worth noting that this server costs <\/span>nearly<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a030,000 Euros,\u00a0<\/span>while the M19 is priced at 12,900 Euros, <\/span><\/span><\/span>making it a\u00a0<\/span>ver<\/span><\/span><\/span>y<\/span>\u00a0good deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Whether on its own or combined with the M21 DAC, and with any of its digital outputs, the M19 offers effortless liquidity, natural flow, refinement, and an utter lack of digital or electronic signature. When used as a Red Book CD transport, the sound is very neutral, neither cool nor warm, but very natural, and gently relaxed.<\/p>\n

When connected via I2S to the Bricasti M21 DAC, and DSD conversion mode set to DSD, the M19 engages the proprietary pure 1-bit conversion. When playing SACDs in this mode, the combo produces extraordinarily lush, ultra-delicate, and effortlessly fluid sound. Any residual sense of measure, “square-ness”, and dryness (typically referred to as a “digital” signature) that can still linger with Red Book CDs or SACDs converted via PCM to analog is truly and utterly gone.<\/p>\n

The<\/span>\u00a0M19 is a sleek,\u00a0<\/span>minimalist<\/span> player that offers whisper-quiet performance and a natural,<\/span>\u00a0refined <\/span>sound, whether playing CDs or SACDs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>However, it loses a few points for lacking<\/span>\u00a0a Rew\/Fwd Search function.<\/span><\/p>\n

Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

Distributor for the Netherlands: Ohm Audio<\/a>
\nManufacturer: Bricasti.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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