I have heard an M1SE in my room. It was compared as a DAC versus my Esoteric K-03X/Cybershaft Limited 2 OP17 clock combination. Using the USB connection.
In that mode it brought out more dynamics in the upper mid range and higher frequencies. Snare drums were more alive and realistic. It also moved us to the front rows of the orchestra from 20 rows back.
When it was used as the PreAmp, bypassing my McIntosh C1100 and with a network connection replacing the USB input, it brought the room together. Same impressions as initially but with an ease that blended the sound together. It sounded glorious and more ‘live’.
Glorious enough for me to purchase an M3 while I sell off much of my old system and then move to an M21.
The M1SE used in that demo did not have the latest MDx network card which is reported to be another step up in SQ.
Differences between Bricasti M1 and MC1 (according to Bricasti):
The M1 is made for the consumer, no rack mounting, remote, display, volume control, nice feet, networking, and a selection of many filters.
The MC1 is limited to the 2 best ones and is the best of the M1 made to rack mount, simple to use and the extras removed. It has the power supplies from the M12 so in that aspect one might consider it to have an edge over M1.
In that case, the MC1 sounds like a very good value. The only stop sign for me is the lack of remote but for those that don’t use or need a remote, i would definitely consider
