Playback Designs DACS

[Whazzzup]

Well first tongue out drool . But USA pitty, tariff's make aspirational buying even more aspirational. Some day USA goods might be more affordable, I doubt it. Doesn’t seem to be the goal anymore. Time to unsubscribe I guess.

 

[Rhodey]

https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/re...dac-reviews/playback-designs-mpd-8-dream-dac/

That was a nice review. I’m a bit biased tho, but still a good read. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Ike1985]

Well first tongue out drool . But USA pitty, tariff's make aspirational buying even more aspirational. Some day USA goods might be more affordable, I doubt it. Doesn’t seem to be the goal anymore. Time to unsubscribe I guess.

If you really want one get one, find a way, find a used one in your country or in EU wherever you are.

 

[jawicedman]

So I’m a new mpd8 owner, decided last minute to move from wave dream signature. This was a blind buy; so hopefully a safe one as well!

 

[Spawn300Z]

Welcome to the Club. Let us know your thoughts between the two, once your MPD-8 is burned in.

 

[jawicedman]

I was going to get the wavedream, but decided to go the way of the mpd8 instead. Should be here on Wednesday, pairing up w a AIC primarily for headphone use.

Update; unreal unreal

 

[F208Frank]

Nice rig. Congrats.

 

[jawicedman]

If I’m reading things correctly, it seems there is no benefit in using any up sampling (eg HQplayer) signal to the MPD8, because it does its own internal up sampling and conversion to DSDx2 correct?
And is the usb x4 really making a difference?

 

[Rhodey]

If I’m reading things correctly, it seems there is no benefit in using any up sampling (eg HQplayer) signal to the MPD8, because it does its own internal up sampling and conversion to DSDx2 correct?
And is the usable really making a difference?

I don’t and it sounds amazing

But yes let it do it’s thing.

 

[jawicedman]

How about the USB x4, seems like the MPD8 already has the 'cleaning' capability for the incoming signal, does this additional layer make a noticeable difference?

 

[Rhodey]

How about the USB x4, seems like the MPD8 already has the 'cleaning' capability for the incoming signal, does this additional layer make a noticeable difference?

Yeah, from everything I hear. I believe @F208Frank has one. It’s on my list eventually. Seems the usb and plink is the best option with the MPD8, though I’m sure others have had success with other options.

 

[cyd2025]

i have a question or three for those of you who've heard or owned both the mpd-6 and 8 models.
what are the differences in terms of:
a) soundstage presentation
b) imaging, separation and dynamics
c) smoothness of the leading edges

and anything else that you consider important differences in the sound.

thanks in advance

 

[jawicedman]

So, I had a holo red sitting around forever. I hooked it up to my maybe to be sold May. Using same source chain Mac studio, and it as a DDC USB to I2S, instantly darker background. So yea, now I realize how much 'noise' was in the chain....I ordered the usb x4. Here's to hoping it parallels the red at the very least.

 

[theveterans]

So, I had a holo red sitting around forever. I hooked it up to my maybe to be sold May. Using same source chain Mac studio, and it as a DDC USB to I2S, instantly darker background. So yea, now I realize how much 'noise' was in the chain....I ordered the usb x4. Here's to hoping it parallels the red at the very least.

Even better is to make the Red a pure NAA streamer or Diretta Target to USB output to the USB X4 module. Also, for a good measure, throw in a Network Acoustics Tempus switch and 2x Network Acoustics Muon Pro streaming system before the Red: 1 NA Muon pro streaming system connecting your router to the Tempus switch and another NA Muon Pro streaming system after Tempus to Holo Audio Red. Let your jaws drop on how crazy good this setup sounds before the USB X4 module going to MPD-8 DAC

 

[Ravel]

I was going to get the wavedream, but decided to go the way of the mpd8 instead. Should be here on Wednesday, pairing up w a AIC primarily for headphone use.

Update; unreal unreal

How do find the 465 vs the AIC 10, when paired with this end game DAC?

Thanks.