Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC
Review Context
The MPD-8 and MPT-8 were listened to in the main system that consists of the CH Precision C1.2 DAC, CH Precision L1 preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5 power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. Digital sources include the Antipodes K50, Grimm MU1 and Taiko Audio Extreme music servers, the Aqua Diva M2 CD transport, and the Aqua LinQ network interface.
All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808, balanced and unbalanced, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808.
The core components are placed on Artesania Exoteryc racks with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms. The servers, as well as most review components, are placed on HRS EXR Audio Stands. When making one-on-one comparisons, I use the concerned components on the same racks.
Listening
The MPD-8 and MPT-8 I received are well-used demo units that did not require prolonged running in. Nevertheless, newly positioned components disconnected from the power often need a few hours or even days to get fully on song. Therefore, I usually allow components some time to acclimatize, often in a temporary location, on top of another audio component (which actually works very well with the super sturdy C1.2 DAC, by the way), or as in this case, with the MPT-8 stacked disrespectfully on top of the MPD-8, each powered with a Belden 19364 cable.
I can rarely resist listening to new components right away, even if they are positioned and connected arguably insufficiently carefully. The urge was extra strong with the Playback Designs units, and I am glad I succumbed because this “first impression” listening session would turn out to be very special right from the start.
With the MPD-8 and MPT-8, it was crystal clear from the very start that these components were absolutely magnificent. The combo instantly ticked the boxes for the main technical aspects such as resolution, transparency, linearity, and neutrality, scoring many points already during those first impressions. Moreover, the combo also nailed the specific technical aspects I personally find very important, such as control, tightness, articulation, transient attack, and overall expression. Without these, my enthusiasm is usually tempered again, but not this time. While disdainfully taking care of literally all the technical aspects and raking in points left and right, the combo also allowed the music to pour effortlessly into my soul with a level of liquidity, fluidity, and flow, typically only attained at the cost of some of the aforementioned technical aspects.
Seriously, the MPD-8 and MPT-8 performed so musically engaging yet perfect in every conceivable technical parameter that I soon stopped taking notes and enjoyed the music. Only 10 minutes in, it felt like the verdict was already in, and I could have ended the practical side of the review right there and then.
“Yup,” I admitted to myself, this is a digital front end I could switch to and not look back.
Of course, there were still heaps of aspects to investigate and discover, such as discovering how the MPD-8 DAC performs using a range of servers and streamers, assessing the influence of PLINK, and, of course, using the DAC’s high-resolution analog volume control so that my analog preamp can be bypassed. The MPD-8 can be connected directly to the power amp.
With the units having been switched on for a week and each given their own position on top of an HRS EXR top shelf, it was time to start assessing these beasts with the diligence they deserve.
Using the MPD-8 with various servers
While using sources other than the MPT-8, it became clear that the MPD-8 DAC is hugely transparent to the source. It is an open window in the best sense of the phrase. This means it contributes very little of its own character and simply allows the source to showcase its particular strengths and perform at its best.
This is yet another strong asset and something that is not at all common. True, I have heard more DACs that are very neutral or very musical, but it is not very often that I find components that possess both in equal measure and without one undermining the other.
With the Antipodes Oladra running MinimServer and connected via USB, the sound is spacious, smooth, liquid, and tonally well-saturated. The DAC relays all the Oladra’s qualities just as I know them, but it is even more engaging than it usually is with the C1.2 DAC. The MPD-8 may behave like an “open window”, but in the land of transparent components, there are still gradations, and the MPD-8 is most definitely more open and detailed than many others. However, it is also hugely delicate and fluid, making for a technically excellent yet profoundly moving and deliciously delicate presentation.
Switching from USB to AES/EBU, as always with this server, the sound becomes even smoother and more liquid, while remaining upbeat, musical, and engaging. However, this time, the difference is very subtle. In fact, I have not heard a more negligible difference between the Oladra’s two outputs before! Ultimately, USB remains slightly tighter and articulate, while AES/EBU remains a little more organic. But, honestly, the difference is very far from obvious, which is excellent, as this allows using whichever interface is preferred or more convenient.
With the Taiko Audio Extreme music server running Roon and connected via USB, the sound is again immediately recognizable as I know it to perform with the CH C1.2 DAC: similarly organic and tonally saturated as the Oladra, but even more full-bodied, robust, tonally dense, and timbrally realistic.
With the Grimm Audio MU1 using Roon, the MPD-8 sounds beautifully clean, neutral, and linear. The sound remains fluid, although, coming from the Oladra and the Extreme, it is comparatively considerably leaner, as well as soberer and less richly saturated. This is, again, precisely how I know the server to perform, and I appreciate it for its transparency, either with my usual C1.2 DAC, or the MPD-8.
With the C1.2 DAC, I tend to want to maximize its strong areas, such as tightness, control, and articulation, to which the MU1 caters well, but with the MPD-8, I find that I want to focus more on the emotional impact. Between the available servers, I felt the performance was more deeply moving and emotionally seductive with the Extreme and the Oladra.
Using the MPD-8 with the MPT-8
Playing a range of Red Book (44/16) CDs with the MPT-8, connected via AES/EBU, produces a tight, crisp, and controlled yet expressive delivery markedly different from the Extreme and Oladra. It’s not like the Grimm MU1, either, and more like somewhere in between. It has a hugely punchy, sure-footed, earthy, upbeat, direct, and energetic delivery. To some ears, perhaps the MPT-8’s disc transport might be felt to be a little on the matter-of-fact side, but I do not share that sentiment and counter that it is straightforward in being truthful to the source. Although it does not inject the sound with additional lushness or romance in the way that a classic CDM-1 or CDM-4-based CD transport would, its timbral density and tonal saturation keep it far from being clinical. I liked it a lot and felt that the MPT-8 playing CDs produced the best sound with the MPD-8 so far, outperforming the servers in terms of tension, jump factor, liveliness, and expression.
The combo has an essential trick up their collective sleeves: PLINK! Connected via the standard optical fiber cable, the sound is gentler, smoother, and more fluid. Now, the combo even provided the strongest qualities that can typically be obtained by using classic Swing-Arm or belt-driven CD transports.
The MPT-8 is also an SACD player, and I found that it plays these discs beautifully, illustrating precisely what is expected from the format compared to Red Book CD (PCM), which is higher resolution, increased delicacy and fluidity, and an altogether more continuous feel. In my experience, DSD playback is usually a little more light-footed than PCM, and the MPT-8 behaves similarly. However, it is definitely one of the most robust and incisive-sounding transports I heard. With the MPT-8 connected via AES, it sounds slightly fuller in the bass and perhaps slightly earthier, albeit arguably carrying more of a PCM nature. In other words, it becomes less DSD-esque. Via PLINK, the sound is more light-footed but just as nimble, as well as airier and more fluid. In other words, PLINK tends to enhance the DSD-typical qualities.
Naturally, when a CD transport enters the arena, I must compare it to the Aqua La Diva M2. The Diva M2 has a huge heart and is my favorite player at the price point. Its main fortes include fluidity, delicacy, refinement, air, and flow. Sure enough, connected via a Mogami 3080 Neglex AES/EBU cable, it feels right at home with the Playback Designs components, providing a smooth, lush, and deliciously delicate sound. However, by now, the MPT-8’s transport has spoilt me with its vitality and expression. In comparison, the Aqua is a little rounder than strictly neutral and lacks a measure of control and impact in the low and mid-bass. Otherwise, though, the Aqua keeps up remarkably well, providing very similar measures of resolution, transparency, and, importantly, musicality. While I respect what the Diva M2 achieves at its comparatively modest price point, this is also a reminder of what more is possible at still higher tiers. The MPT-8 may cost more than three times as much, but it beautifully emphasizes the level of performance that Playback Designs have achieved with these components.
Streaming
The MPD-8’s USB input produces excellent results, as detailed further above, with performance that is close to the MPT-8 playing the physical CD. However, Roon always brings its own character, which is audible with a DAC as transparent as the MPD-8.
This is where the MPT-8 and the PLINK connection come in. When streaming with Roon to the MPT-8 and relaying this to the MPD-8 via AES/EBU, there is an unmistakable improvement in spontaneity, agility, and expression. When switching to PLINK, there is another jump in fluidity, delicacy, and overall naturalness. Playing this way, the Roon servers sound even purer and more expressive than connected directly to the MPD-8 via USB. Speaking of which, the MPT-8 also has a USB input. This input produces an even crisper and more expressive rendition than the MPD-8 DAC’s USB input, which is more similar to Roon streaming and physical CD playback.
There is a lot more to write about the MPT-8’s possibilities, but I will save that for a potential separate review. This review is already getting lengthy, and I should move on to the remaining MPD-8 tests. In any case, the MPT-8 clearly does not just provide additional functionality, but it also actively works to improve the signal. Or, more accurately, it actively works to prevent harmful noise from polluting the signal.
Next: DAC comparisons, Analog Volume Control, and Conclusion
Hi Christiaan,
thanks for a great review. You mentioned on page 2:
“This is worth noting as there are currently no CD/SACD or Streamer Transports in the NAGRA catalog.”
What about the NAGRA streamer?
Thanks for spotting that, Matt. I have now updated that to mention only CD/SACD transports.
Hi Christiaan,
how does the Stream-X2 compare to Oladra for streaming from streaming services like Qobuz or Tidal?
Thanks
That’s something for a potential follow-up review of the MPT-8. But in short: Qobuz sounds superb with Stream-X2. As much as I like the Oladra, Stream-X2 with the MPT-8 sounds faster-paced, more communicative and more direct, while retaining fluidity and flow. To my ears, it is the best streaming source yet.
Thanks Christiaan, very interesting…
It might be fun to try both the Nagra streamer and the USB-X4 via PLink with the MPD-8. Both are less than 5k and get some good reports about their SQ.
Hi Christiaan,
Playback Designa’s presentation of the MPD-6 DAC says: ”The Edelweiss DAC borrows technology from our flagship Dream series in a more compact
package.” I know that a long time passed since your MPD-6 review, and I also know that comparisons from memory are not very reliable; but from the feelings that you may have had, are they two DACs with fairly comparable performance, or does the Dream DAC offer such important differences as to justify a not small price difference? I have half a mind to replace my Bricasti M1SE that I bought a few years ago (even after reading your review), and among the possible candidates there is Playback Designs, but what is the real ”deal” between the two?
Regards
Roberto
Hi Roberto, that is indeed a hard one to answer precisely without having them side by side. From memory, they have a similarly agile and neutral sound. However, I have a strong feeling that the Dream Series sounds more well-rooted, confident, and realistic. Perhaps most telling is that I loved the MPD-6 when I reviewed it, but I did not want to trade my CH C1.2 for it. With the MPD-8, it is a different story. In this case, I could happily trade. It is that good.
I have huge respect for Bricasti and I like their ultra-refined sound (similarly to how I perceived the Levinson 360S and 390S), but to my ears, their gear can be a little too polished and polite. Playback Designs manages to tick all the technical boxes just like the Bricasti does, while sounding more upbeat and realistic, as well as more organic.
fwiw i own both and am selling the edelweiss (no reason to keep when you have the dream).
dream is appreciably better in bass depth / articulation (while the midrange is the magic, the foundation of music is in the bass), dynamics and overall PRAT (read: that better power supply has its benefits).
dream has slightly better resolution BUT both products have the same “house sound” that permits LONG listening sessions without fatigue. i’ve never gotten tired listening to a PD dac. and i listen for hours on end. they both have a great even-handed way with the treble region where its extended but sweet.
Also, both products do quite well normalizing sources by way of the jitter rejection tech as Christiaan wrote of (makes lower quality sources very listenable).
is the dream better? of course.
is it worth your $ is a personal ? only you can answer.
Hi Ryan
I found MPD-8 much better than MPD-6, so the question of price is ok for my point of view, but I can say that I use my PLAYBACK with SR master fuse (top), PRANAWIRE Nirvana XLS Level III power cable, and the DAC sits on flagship HARMONIX TU-210 ZXM cones+ RF-999a+ bases (these Harmonix were stopped in 2024). This is to say that the original sound difference could become dramatic when MPD-8 is set up in a way to extract the very best of his immense potential. Not only the sound is more dynamic, more refined and precise, a much (much) better soundstage and placements, but more important, music sound as close as possible to a event played in from of me without any amplification as when I go to concert halls, intimate or quite huge.
Hi Roberto
I had Bricasti M1SE in the past, a very good DAC. I upgraded it to Weiss 502 4ch and then finally to PLAYBACK MPD-8. The difference of sound between the Bricasti and the Playback is so huge that they are not in the same league. Also the prices are not comparable. But if the goal is to get the very best sound, even for a cost no object audio system, MPD-8 or MPD-8Ai are the best I found, the closest to the real unamplified music live event.
Regards
Phil
Hi Phil,
thanks for your input. I’ll think about it. I also need to figure out if I could still get a decent improvement with the MPD-6, spending less money.
MPD-6 is also a very good DAC that sounds really like music. I listened to MPS-X + MPD-6 with PLINK, it was incredibly realistic.
Hi Christiaan! During your review of the MPD-6, you also had the stand-alone streamer MPS-X at your disposal. This time, with the Dream products, it concerned the Stream X2 module. My question: Did you notice (yes I know, MPS-X was quite a while ago, but maybe you remember 😉 a difference with the module compared to the stand-alone version? It’s exactly the same, but the MPS-X might profit from having its own power supply, which could be audible. What’s your take on this? Thanks in advance and best regards, Arnaud
That’s a question more fitted for the MPD-6 or MPS-X review… but in short: the MPS-X has the advantage of reclocking and PLINK.
Hi Christiaan,
my apologies, from recollection I thought you didn’t have the Stream X2 at the time, I actually thought this was the first time. So I should have asked (cause that’s what I’m curious about, and hopefully this is a better fit for this review):
“MPT-8 + StreamX2 vs. MPS-X stand-alone”. Because in that comparison, there is P-link to DAC in both cases, and it only comes down to separation / power supply shared or dedicated etc. It might be that with the MPS-X, there is a second PDFAS reclock, but of that I’m not sure and if so, if it matters. Anyway, maybe you have an opinion about the above. Thanks anyway for another detailed PD review. Best regards,
Arnaud
Hi Arnoud, indeed, This review concerned the Stream-X2, whereas the earlier review concerned the Stream-X. I extrapolated my impressions to provide some information for you. It is impossible for me to make a mental comparison between Stream-X and Stream-X2. However, in all my comparisons so far, the separate chassis (whether Stream-X or MPT-8) further increases the expression and realism. Just why that is, is a question for the good people at Playback Designs:-)
Bonjour Arnaud, Je suis du même avis que Christiaan, j’ai pu tester le MPS-X et le STREAM-X2, MPSX est meilleur avec l’intérêt évident du PLINK. Ceci dit pour les possesseur de MPT-8 ou de MPS-8, Stream X2 est un streamer redoutable surtout au prix proposé. C’est le serveur lorsque le Maestro Teodor Currentzis était venu écouter chez moi en fin 2023 !
Bonjour monsieur,
just because my name is spelled French, doesn’t mean I am 😉 But I get your point; you feel the stand-alone MPS-X to be the best option for streaming. Thanks for your input and all the best,
Arnaud
Sorry to think you were Francophone. MPS-X is better for sure because it is separate, has a more dedicated power supply. Also, if you want the very best, TAIKO EXTREME is the good way. I should say that when I used PLAYBACK Streamers, I upgraded the performance a lot using TAIKO Switch + Taiko power supply + Weiss PSU 102 as 230/12v transformer. The difference in resolution and naturalness is really impressive. I also use HARMONIX cones + bases under each of these “accessories”. I did that upgrade before receiving Theodor Currentzis 😁
MPD-8 + MPS-X fixed the harshness that I head from the RAAL Immanis. I was going to kick the Immanis to the curb and had wanted a PBD DAC for a long time. I thought why not give it a shot. No more harshness, was previously using Chord DAVE. I only listen with headphones and IEMs (PMG APX SE). I have no interest in speakers at this time. My Chain is: Shunyata Everest –> Macbook pro–> MPS-X –> PLINK into MPD-8 –> Feliks Envy 25th AE w/ TM300B & Melz 1578.
I cannot overstate the improvement that MPD-8 has had. Most the timeI listen to bandcamp streaming but I also listen to HD Audiophile recordings via Jriver & Macbook Pro. Not only does simple streaming from bandcamp sound absurdly good, those well reocrded audiophile albums, never heard anything so good and I have this in my house all day everyday as I work from home.
I also listen to Bandcamp especially contemporary or experimental music 🫣, and this is most of the time more complex to playback (no joke) that “conventional” music. I use Taiko Extreme with USB link to MPD-8. I have not yet tested if adding USB-X4 between Extreme and MPD-8 could be better. At Taiko, I know they prefer direct USB output as Extreme is so noise free that adding even a good upgrade could reduce the pure pristine sound coming from the Dutch marvel.
Hi PHP,
I think even with an Extreme it would makes sense to try USB-X4.
BTW, USB output isn’t the first choice by Taiko anymore. Their best output is now XDMI which they offered first with their Olympus server.
And XDMI is coming for Extreme as well. Also UPnP as an alternative to Roon.
Cheers
I sell my EXTREME and will order OLYMPUS. Thank you for your feedback.
These protocols are on the roadmap, you will be able to use all of these with the Olympus AND the Extreme:
1) UPNP
2) Tidal connect
3) Qobuz connect
4) Airplay
5) Chromecast
Thank you Matt
Hi Christiaan
a very interesting review of the PLAYBACK DREAM line. I adopted PLAYBACK dream since 2022 and each model is a pearl. I should say that MPD-8 since mid 2024 are upgraded in analog output stage and the sound difference with the former model is quite important. More natural, more dynamic and more open.
I appreciate your carefulness about stands because they are an integral part of the sound produced. HRS are really at the top. I designed and made a cost no object stand that upgrade all the component sound to a degree that most audiophiles could not believe. But it is expensive and very heavy.
Christiaan, in the discussions about the updated output stage (which your review sample did not have), it mentions how the new analog output stage better at high volumes….is that to say the updated output stage is related to the analog volume control, and is of no effect if listening to fixed output levels from the MPD-8?
do you know is there an upgrade path for owners of older units?
Hi Ryan, I asked in 2024 but there is no upgrade program for MPD-8 scheduled to my knowledge (feedback from a distributor). The issue is that this is not a « simple » card exchange. This improvement was the consequence that some components were not available from the suppliers so PB upgraded the components for even better ones.
Thanks P. –any ideas if the changes are solely related to analog volume control or does the changes impact fixed output too?
the upgrade is about the analog output fixed too as I only use fixed at 0db here (I much prefer using MPD-8 with my APURNA™ preamp).