The M3 features 2 digital audio conversion paths, 1 for PCM which utilizes a sigma-delta type as found in the M1, and one for DSD, a true one-bit modulator of our own design and unique to the industry. This DSD conversion is a true 1-bit analog converter followed by an analog post noise filter. As stated above there is no chip or part for the DSD per-say; it’s a very high-speed analog switch that will run up to 10Ghz with an analog filter, all the mutes, level changes, fade-outs, etc. done by the analog level control. You can say it is an analog discreet design. The result is a pure DSD playback unlike any other converter in the market. Both converters create a true differential analog waveform from the digital data stream, and as in the M1, the M3 also employs a discrete current to voltage conversion stage to create the true balanced signal. Clocking is implemented with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis) which takes clock induced jitter to immeasurable levels.
Oversampling is done via an ADI Sharc processor chip, and in this case, the ADI1955 will run 384k PCM digital conversions. The ADI 1955 is limited to a 192k PCM conversion. Bricasti also does their own I-V or current to voltage conversion. Think of the ADI1955 like a car engine. It does the bulk of the work but by adding a supercharger (the ADI Sharc) and then force air injection (I-V conversion) so now the engine runs more powerful and more efficient. Today’s Digital to Analog chips can do all the work but when utilized in the fashion Bricasti does this is where you get a Digital to Analog that excels in sound quality. It is separated from the rest of the pack.