Playback Designs MPD-3

The Berkeley has a whole new thing going on as of this month (not just the asynch usb, but a new unit which is more tailored to accept info from the asynch usb and lower noise through the connection) which is supposed to be pretty incredible - people are saying it is resetting what DACs can do.

However, Berkeley doesn't do the whole DSD thing, which Meitner and PBD do. And Meitner has been at the level of the new Berkeley for many years :), people making the above comments just haven't heard them because of cost.

So people know, PBD is from people who left, or at least who had strong affiliations with EmmLabs, so a lot of the core technology is the same, but now both have their own spin on what is going on.

Excellent units, all of them, the new Meitner, and the PBD MPD-3. For now only the MPD-3 does DSD (.dff file playback) but the Meitner is supposed to add that in a while via firmware.

I hate to mention it, but in terms of DSD, Mytek is shaking things up a bit, ridiculous prices for something that might sound 98, 99 or 100% as good as the Meitner or PBD units, I'll let you guys decide. But crazy-low prices at around 1600 on what 4 years ago could only be purchased at around 12,000 or more.

Ghasley, did you sell your MPD-3? What did you replace it with, and why? Curious to hear your current thoughts - thanks!

So what did Ghasley sell the MPD3 to upgrade to? MPD5? :)

I use a Playback Designs MPD3, I finally posted my main system for those keeping score at home.

Have any mpd3 owners heard the hissing and background 60hz type oscillation noise coming from your unit when no music is being played through the xlr connections? I have heard this in 2 separate players now , one I had in my home the other at my local dealer who had the other unit hooked up to AR pre amp amp and 180000 Wilson speakers, both units did this and the dealer was shocked when I pointed this out. Would like to know if anyone else hears this when you turn your volume control up a bit without music playing. Thanks