Playback Designs vs. Berkeley

Mr.Tinn-

Sorry I missed that he was asking about the $11K Playback Designs MPD-5 DAC, which still cost more than twice as much as a Metric Halo ULN-8/LIO-8.

The MPD-5 has no analog inputs and it's USB can only handle sample rates up to 48kHz. It's other digital inputs are formatted for stereo linear PCM data, so there goes the SACD bonus of the MPS-5.;-)

In addition to their analog and standard digital inputs, PCs & MACs can be connected to the Metric Halo ULN-8/LIO-8 via asyncronous 24/192 firewire. They're multi channel units which can provide digital crossovers and EQ for subs and surround systems.

Aloha.

Kana813: The Metric is a good pro-audio dac. It certainly does not compare to our products, nor is it meant to. You should really find a way to listen to it.

I will tell you that we have a DAC coming out which will be officially released at CES in January at half the price of our current converter. It will do beyond 5.6 mHz through USB. This feature will also be available to all of our existing customers with their current converters.

As far as analog inputs, we never felt a need for it, nor is there a demand from any of our customers for this feature.

You stated: "Unless you have a large DSD collection, I'd check those units out before spending $15K on the PD MPS-5." My statement was related to your referencing the MPS-5 which, of course, is an SACD/CD player and you absolutely benefit from it playing SACD which is a bonus.:) What I mean is, I do not think the majority of those that have purchased the MPS-5 bought it for SACD. They mostly listen to redbook and seem to love it. Also another correction, the MPD-5, indeed, can play multi-channel SACD through the PLink digital optical input.

You and I have gone down this road before and I sense a bit of sarcasm and hostility. I certainly hold no ill will toward you and would be happy to entertain further discussions off line.

Jtinn: "It will do beyond 5.6 mHz through USB. This feature will also be available to all of our existing customers with their current converters."

Hi,
Will this be a software or hardware upgrade for existing customers?

Also what are the features of the new converter and how would it compare to the MPD-5.

I ask as I have just ordered the MPD-5.

Thanks

Jtinn,
Will the new DAC have volume control?

Mr.Tinn

“The Metric is a good pro-audio dac. It certainly does not compare to our products, nor is it meant to. You should really find a way to listen to it.”

The Metric Halo ULN-8/LIO-8 are great DACs and can compare to best audiophile units.

I’m interested in hirez PCM playback from a PC or NAS without the use of a soundcard or converter, so there’s no reason for me to find a way to listen to the Playback Designs units.

I hold no ill will toward you. I understand that you’re a dealer/distributor promoting his products. I’m not interested in any of the products that you sell, so there’s no need for us to communicate off line.

Good luck with your new DAC.

Aloha,