M5 Network Player

The Bricasti Design M5 network player is a cutting-edge hifi device designed to seamlessly integrate your digital music library with your high-fidelity audio system. At its core, the M5 is a powerful network interface and media renderer that establishes a robust connection to your music server or network-attached storage (NAS) device via a local area network (LAN). Equipped with comprehensive support for popular network protocols, including DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), the M5 excels in delivering pristine, lossless audio streams from your digital music collection to your digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This flexibility allows you to position your music server or NAS in a convenient location, without compromising the audio quality or introducing any audible degradation. With its impressive technical specifications, seamless integration with network-based music libraries, and flexible connectivity options, the Bricasti M5 network player represents a powerful solution for modern audiophiles seeking to elevate their digital music listening experience to new heights. The M5 offers a range of high-end connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with various audio components. It features both SPDIF and AES digital outputs, supporting sample rates up to an impressive 192kHz for pulse-code modulation (PCM) audio formats. Additionally, the M5 accommodates Direct Stream Digital (DSD) formats, including DSD64 and DSD128, through its USB port, catering to audiophiles who demand the utmost fidelity from their music playback systems. The M5 connects to your LAN via Ethernet with SPDIF, and AES outputs supporting sample rates up to 192k PCM, DSD 64, and DSD 128 over USB. While the Bricasti M5 network player boasts robust wired connectivity through its Ethernet port, it also provides the option for wireless connectivity. However, it's important to note that a regionally approved Wi-Fi adapter, sold separately, is required to enable wireless functionality. This modular approach allows users to tailor their setup according to their specific needs and preferences. With its impressive technical specifications, seamless integration with network-based music libraries, and flexible connectivity options, the Bricasti M5 network player represents a powerful solution for modern audiophiles seeking to elevate their digital music listening experience to new heights. Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bricasti M5 Network Player with our Silver Dragon Network Cable. High speed, low latency, and low jitter-perfect bit rate communication between these audio components can be maximized by using solid-core silver conductors. The Silver Dragon Ethernet cable utilizes 8 solid core 99.999% pure silver 26AWG Teflon insulated conductors. Cable shielding is required to improve the cable's performance in high electromagnetic environments. The braided design of the cable's conductors along with the 100% braided shield protects and wards off outside interference from its surroundings. The cable is terminated with the best available RJ45 connector made, the Telegartner MFP8 T568B RJ-45 connector. They are precision-made ultra-high bandwidth shielded connectors. Play from anywhere The M5 operates over a wired Ethernet connection, allowing audio playback across your data network. Traditionally, audio listeners have had to keep computer servers and storage drives in the listening area, leading to cable clutter and extra power supplies. The M5 Network Player offers the freedom to place your server devices anywhere on your network, away from your main audio system, creating a cleaner and more organized listening environment. Purity of sound The M5 is a dedicated DLNA and Roon Ready audio media renderer, streamer, and endpoint. It receives raw data over your network from a NAS or server and then converts it into a real-time audio stream delivered to its SPDIF, AES, or USB outputs. This stream is then sent to a D/A converter, such as our M1SE, for optimal performance. Unlike many computer servers that serve dual roles as archival systems and players, the M5 focuses solely on audio rendering. By placing the rendering process within the M5 and close to the D/A converter, it ensures a pure, noise-free listening experience that is truly exceptional. A class unto itself The M5 boasts a robust build, featuring a chassis milled from solid aluminum with elegantly rounded corners. Inside, it houses the Bricasti media player, powered by the same linear power supply found in the M1 digital-to-analog converter, ensuring superb low-noise performance even under demanding conditions. Elevating the network player experience, the M5 comes complete with no need for additional add-ons. Build Quality The M5 is robustly constructed from milled and CNC-machined aluminum sections. Unlike typical products with bent metal chassis and top covers, every part of the M5—from the front and rear panels to the sides, bottom, and top plates—begins as a solid block of aluminum. These blocks are precision machined to exact tolerances for a perfect fit. Each part is then anodized, with text and markings laser-etched for a clean, enduring look. Sound The M5 is designed to deliver state-of-the-art playback and transfer of digital audio data from your network-attached drive or any network location where the audio is stored. In this setup, the M5 "renders" or streams the audio in real-time, then sends it to passive digital outputs, such as AES or SPDIF. This approach removes the host server computer from the audio playback process, eliminating common issues like noise from PC power supplies, switch-mode voltage regulators, and power over USB. The result is quieter backgrounds, clearer transients, and the elimination of noise and power contamination, thanks to the M5's fully linear power supply. Even USB playback from the M5 surpasses typical PC performance, as all power running through the USB is supplied by a linear source, free from high-frequency noise generated by switch-mode regulators. About Bricasti Design Bricasti Design is a premier manufacturer in the professional audio industry, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-performance products. With a legacy rooted in the design of the legendary Lexicon reverb units, Bricasti Design has continued to innovate, setting new standards in both analog and digital audio solutions. At the heart of Bricasti's product lineup is the acclaimed Bricasti M7 digital reverb, a staple in recording studios worldwide. Known for its unparalleled sound quality and versatile presets, the Bricasti Design M7 (model 7) delivers lush, natural reverb that enhances any audio production. The M7's front panel features intuitive controls and a sleek design, ensuring ease of use for professionals. In addition to unique reverb units and plugins, Bricasti Design offers a range of top-tier audio products, including amplifiers (amps), preamps, DACs, and DSP modules. Their analog and digital amplifiers are engineered to provide precise and powerful sound reproduction, making them ideal for both studio and live applications. The company's preamps and compressors are designed with the same attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the audio signal chain is optimized for high-resolution performance. Bricasti's M-series digital to analog converters, such as the Bricasti M1, are celebrated for their exceptional clocking and pristine audio quality, making them a favorite among audiophiles and recording engineers alike. These DACs offer high-end algorithms and comprehensive connectivity options, including AES, XLR, SPDIF, and MIDI, ensuring seamless integration with any digital audio workstation (DAW) setup. Handcrafted to perfection in the USA, Bricasti's products are built with robust outboard modules and reliable power supplies, guaranteeing durability and long-term performance. The company also offers remote control capabilities for many of its devices, allowing for convenient operation in complex studio environments. For live sound and touring, Bricasti's range of pedals, mics, and other pro audio gear provide the reliability and quality that professionals demand. Each product is backed by a solid warranty, reflecting Bricasti's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Bricasti Design continues to push the boundaries of professional audio, offering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of today's recording studios, sound engineers, and musicians. Whether you're looking for the perfect stereo reverb processor, a high-fidelity DAC, mainframe, or robust analog amplification, Bricasti Design delivers exceptional performance and unmatched quality. What's in the Box? Bricasti M5 Network Player Power Cable Network Cable User Manual FAQ What is the primary function of the Bricasti M5 Network Player? The M5 Network Player is designed to provide state-of-the-art playback and transfer of digital audio data from network-attached storage or any location on your network. It streams audio in real time and sends it to passive digital outputs like AES or SPDIF, ensuring high-quality sound without the noise typically associated with computer-based audio playback. How does the M5 improve sound quality compared to using a computer as a server? The M5 eliminates common issues found in computer-based audio playback, such as noise from PC power supplies, switch-mode voltage regulators, and power over USB. It features a fully linear power supply, providing quieter backgrounds, clearer transients, and overall better sound quality. What digital outputs are available on the M5? The M5 offers several digital outputs, including AES/EBU, SPDIF, and USB. This allows for flexible connectivity options to various digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Is the M5 compatible with DLNA and Roon? Yes, the M5 is both DLNA and Roon Ready. This means it can seamlessly integrate into your existing audio network setup and be easily controlled via Roon for a superior user experience. What kind of power supply does the M5 use? The M5 utilizes a fully linear power supply, similar to the one used in the Bricasti M1 digital-to-analog converter. This design choice ensures low noise performance and better overall sound quality compared to typical switch-mode power supplies found in many computers. Can the M5 be used with any DAC? Yes, the M5 can be used with any DAC that accepts AES/EBU, SPDIF, or USB inputs. Its high-quality outputs ensure that it can deliver excellent audio performance with a wide range of DACs. How do I connect the M5 to my network? The M5 connects to your network via a wired Ethernet connection. Simply plug an Ethernet cable from your network switch or router into the Ethernet port on the M5. What kind of chassis does the M5 have? The M5 features a robust chassis milled from solid aluminum with rounded corners. Each section of the chassis is precision machined for exact fit and finish, providing both durability and a premium aesthetic.