Playback Designs MPS-5 SACD/CD Player
Hi All,
I was wondering if there are any AA members who own or have demo'ed the Playback Designs MPS-5 SACD/CD player. I currently have the Ayre QB-9 USB DAC, and was originally going to upgrade to the Ayre DX-5 Universal A/V Engine. However, after giving much thought to this, I decided that I'ed prefer to separate my audio & video gear, and go with an OPPO BDP-95, and then consider to replace my Ayre QB-9 with a more "heavy-weight" DAC and/or CD/SACD player. My shortlist so is as follows:
I've heard the above gear in various setups, but not had a chance to play any of these in my current system which comprises the Wilson Sasha W/P speakers, Ayre KX-R preamp, Dan D'Agostino Momentum monoblock amps (coming soon), PurePower 3000 AC regenerator, and Transparent Ref. XL (MM2) cabling. That being said, given the features (DAC/Esoteric transport/multiple digital inputs), pedigree (Andreas Koch), and pricing (USD 17,000) of the MPS-5, Playback Designs currently is at the top of my shortlist for now. As soon as I take delivery & break in my Momentums I will be trying to get the dealer here to arrange a home demo for me. Would really appreciate your views/opinions. Many thanks! Philip |
Hello Philip,
I had the demo of its little brother, Cd only in Paris, the MP3. I loved it. Incredible analog sounding, side by side with a high end TT. This is a very very serious player and the only one who maybe could put my MDA1000 out of my system but I would have to demo it next to the MDA. Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado |
Philip, Keith (aka Amfibius) owns the PB Designs SACD-player.
He's very happy with it. It's also on my list of enquiry. |
Hi Phil, as bart says - I own one of these players. I am not so sure how it would fit in with your system tonally. I have never heard your particular combo, but I have heard each individual component. Going through your list of equipment I would suspect that your setup sounds detailed, fast, but might be a little thin.
The MPS-5 is an extremely detailed and fast player, and can dig out prodigous amounts of information from the disc. That said, it can be a little dry and lean sounding. I had to tune it a little by swapping valves on my pre and power amp after I put it in my system. My system was previously tuned for my Cary CD-306, which was a warm and rich sounding player. With the MPS-5, it sounded lean and I had to make the sound fatter. As with all these things, if you make a change in equipment you may have to play around a bit to get the sound you like. Don't get me wrong - I love my CD player. I just question whether it would be a good choice for you tonally. The only way is to try it and see. |
I recently had the chance to listen to the MPD-5 DAC and it sounded very good. I would like to try the SACD/Cd player as an alternative to MCD-1100 but not sure if the daler will be getting one in. The other unit I might consider is the new Esoteric P-02/D-02 combo but I think that might me a bit more than I would like to shell out.
Jim |
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I listened to the MPD3 with the DartZeel CTH850 integrated, the biggest Verity Audio speakers and the biggest Kuzma TT and the Playback Designs sounded everything but lean. Voluptuous and anlog sound and also extremely detailed. |
Hi
I have a MPS-5 and it is excellelent. I run it into a BAT VK52se pre and ATC active aniversary 50s. I used a dcs puccini in my system and the playback is better. I also had the opportunity to extensively audition a dcs 3 box Paganini in a pretty high end system. The MPS sounds better imo, more base definition and less digital quality to the sound. I have not found it particulaely lean. It has excellent image, depth and focus with a generous sound stage. I am a big vinyl fan (kuzma XL4 and ARC ref2 phono) the MPS playing CD pushes the vinyl close. SACD is even better but have not been able compare with similar vinyl. Large scale orchestra and solo instruments are as good as I have heard. I have not been able to improve on the internal disc player by using an external source such as a lap top into the DAC. Probably need to experiment further in this area. |
Anyone else considering the Playback Designs MPS-5 SACD/CD player or stand alone DAC? Seems like a very nice unit.
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These have been hot items at my dealer. He has one breaking in now and I hope to bring it homev soon if he does not sell it.
Jim |
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