Playback mpd3

Hi Chasely

No offense taken.

However it does come as a surprise to me direct connecting the DAC produces as much noise as it does. Every other DAC I have ever owned did not produce this level of noise - and I have owned a lot. And this is the only DAC that produced anywhere near this level of noise to the point where direct connecting and using the volume control in the computer was a degradation. Some DAC's sound better direct connected - others sound better with a pre-amp but this is the only DAC that sounded better with a pre-amp because of noise.

I am glad the OP got a reply. I was just chatting to a friend who owns an MPD5 yesterday and like me he had a lot of problems getting even a reply from Playback Designs - but did point out he finally managed to get a response by trying a different email.

Thanks
Bill

Bhobba,
I am a bit shocked to learn of this. But not entirely surprised because I read the legal proceedings between Jonathan Tinn and EMM on the Internet. The matter was decided in favor of EMM. You can Google the court documents if wish to read them. Let's put it this way -- I was not impressed by what I read about Jonathan Tinn.

Before I purchased my AMR DP-777 I was thinking seriously about the Playback Designs MPD-3. I'm glad I didn't make the move in that direction. I have had nothing but the very best relations with the folks at AMR. I can recommend their DP-77 very highly -- as well as their stellar service.

Sabai, I do not know Mr. Tinn nor do I have any affiliation other than as a customer of Playback Designs. I am aware of the lawsuit between Tinn and EMM from a number of years ago. For you to bring that up in this thread is patently unfair and has no relevance whatsoever in attempting to answer the original posters noise query. But since you brought it up, it is important to note that the matter was NOT resolved in EMM's favor. Each party to the lawsuit was granted relief....in other words, a functional tie.

Apparently, Tinn was distributing EMM in the US and was doing so on a handshake agreement. Koch left EMM to start Playback Designs and Tinn would be joining forces with Koch in the future. Evidently, EMM got mad and refused to pay Tinn, past, present or future. Some motions were granted in Tinn's favor, some in EMM's favor. If you hadn't recommended and AMR player (unsolicited I might add) I would think you to be an EMM fanboi!

Anyway back to the topic at hand, I do not believe that one can make a judgement on the noise/or lack thereof of a component given the above data in this thread. The MPD3 is a line level component NOT intended to be connected amp direct. To use the volume from your computer is the least effective qualitative means for volume control. Other dacs that have been metioned had on board volume controls. Did you test their noise level with their on board volumes set to maximum? Are you sure impedences were matched?

Not slamming anyone here but again, too many variables to make a judgement. Regards.

Add another disappointed PD customer. Used to own the MPS5 and transport was noisy as hell.

To their credit, they did inspect it by an engineer in Germany (twice with no resolution), but for me the MPS5 was a failed design: the outer casing is way too thin and flaky for it to manage the heavy and noisy Esoteric transport. Unless you put it away in an airtight closet or 20m away from your listening position, it will drive anyone nuts.

Had a K01 and noisy transport was much better isolated and i couldnt complain.

AMR service is stellar and their machines are one of the best build in the business. Sound is also impressive, though no DSD support for the moment.

Hi Guys

Although we are moving away from the original post I feel I must point out the post I made was repeated in essence on another forum and it sent events in train such that I have had correspondence with both Jonathan and the Australian distributor.

I am now aware there were factors involved in my experience that fully explain it and I am now a fully satisfied customer. I would indeed buy another PD product now. No need to divulge what they were but what happened was reasonable in light of that information.

Thanks
Bill