Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC - Review

[Joe P]

https://darko.audio/2018/07/playback...am-dac-review/

[mauidan]

Wonder how it compares to the MSB Select.

[Mike]

If it’s what we heard at Axpona, it’s not in the same area code.


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[mauidan]

If it’s what we heard at Axpona, it’s not in the same area code.


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Did you hear them both in the same system?

BTW, at $84.5K vs $22K, I would hope the Select might be better. ;-)

[Alpinist]

I agree with Mike that the MPD-8 Dream DAC is not in the same league sonically as the Select II DAC. Having said that, I think it is a terrific sounding DAC at its price point. Playback Designs was never on my radar but I was having lunch with Lyn Stanley at Axpona and she invited me up to the Playback Designs room to listen to some of her recordings. I was truly impressed with what I heard, a very organic, natural and musical presentation. Not overly colored, very fine. In my top three with MSB and Esoteric.

Best,
Ken

[mauidan]

I agree with Mike that the MPD-8 Dream DAC is not in the same league sonically as the Select II DAC. Having said that, I think it is a terrific sounding DAC at its price point. Playback Designs was never on my radar but I was having lunch with Lyn Stanley at Axpona and she invited me up to the Playback Designs room to listen to some of her recordings. I was truly impressed with what I heard, a very organic, natural and musical presentation. Not overly colored, very fine. In my top three with MSB and Esoteric.

Best,
Ken

Same question I asked Mike, have you heard them both in the same system?

[Alpinist]

Same question I asked Mike, have you heard them both in the same system?

No Dan, I haven’t. Both systems used YG Acoustics speakers but MSB used a higher model I believe. No preamp in either system and different amps.

Ken

[Perfect Sense]

The Playback Designs MPD-8 is rather in line with the Premiere DAC from MSB pricewise, which is second from the bottom (or third from the top if you so like) in their hierarchy. The MSB Select DAC is 3-4 times more.

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

[Kingrex]

Good point Perfect, why does everyone jump to how does it compare to a Select II. That is ridiculous. It I am reading a review, I want to know about components in a price range. Additionally it is designed more like. DCS with Field Programmable DAC. That is more a component to compare it too.

[Phantom_Audio]

I should be takinging delivery soon on the MPD-8. Currently have the MPS-8.

Having been a Fan of MSB and DCS which both are usually hyper detailed in comparison i find Playback design Dac more musical in the presentation, Transparency is not lacking but its not overly portrayed either it some how bakes the whole musically enjoyable where by your attention is shifted from Audiophile terminology of nick picking certain character to just enjoying the music.

DACs are actually personal taste as each does impart a sound of their own and many people have different perspective view on the terminology describing Natural and Organic.

To my self it comes down to which DAC plays music in a way you attention is shifted from Electronics, to the just pure joy of listening as a whole and Playback Design pulls this off very well. Especially when your spending 2-3 hours listening in your audio room, fatigue free playback is utmost importance.

[Kingrex]

I should be takinging delivery soon on the MPD-8. Currently have the MPS-8.

Having been a Fan of MSB and DCS which both are usually hyper detailed in comparison i find Playback design Dac more musical in the presentation, Transparency is not lacking but its not overly portrayed either it some how bakes the whole musically enjoyable where by your attention is shifted from Audiophile terminology of nick picking certain character to just enjoying the music.

DACs are actually personal taste as each does impart a sound of their own and many people have different perspective view on Natural and Organic. I think to my self it comes down to which DAC plays music in a way you attention is shifted from Electronics to the just pure joy of listening as a whole and Playback Design pulls this off very well.

+1. I agree. Congratulations on the new DAC.

[Perfect Sense]

Good point Perfect, why does everyone jump to how does it compare to a Select II. That is ridiculous. It I am reading a review, I want to know about components in a price range. Additionally it is designed more like. DCS with Field Programmable DAC. That is more a component to compare it too.

I should be takinging delivery soon on the MPD-8. Currently have the MPS-8.

Having been a Fan of MSB and DCS which both are usually hyper detailed in comparison i find Playback design Dac more musical in the presentation, Transparency is not lacking but its not overly portrayed either it some how bakes the whole musically enjoyable where by your attention is shifted from Audiophile terminology of nick picking certain character to just enjoying the music.

DACs are actually personal taste as each does impart a sound of their own and many people have different perspective view on the terminology describing Natural and Organic.

To my self it comes down to which DAC plays music in a way you attention is shifted from Electronics, to the just pure joy of listening as a whole and Playback Design pulls this off very well. Especially when your spending 2-3 hours listening in your audio room, fatigue free playback is utmost importance.

Well stated. This is what it's all about.

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se