Playback Designs

I haven't done the comparison to be 100% sure about the noise with the MPS5. However from what the designer writes its part of the design in that he has no output filter and both DAC's should be the same in that regard.

I want to emphasise if you use a pre-amp the volume reduction it does makes the noise quite acceptable - its nothing to worry about - its only direct connecting where it is an issue.

The other problem is amp dependant - if you have a very wideband amp then it can be an issue. You need to have a look at your amp specs. But again both DAC's would have exactly the same issue.

Thanks
Bill

I have the MPS-5 and I use it as a DAC along with the CD/SACD player. I hear no noise that you describe. I have it connected into my pre-amp and its a wonderful unit.... Highly recommended!

I have the MPS-5 and use it with my Sonoma and Sequoia systems. No noise that I hear and what they're telling you about filtering is incorrect. I have the FFT plots to prove it. The unit IS filtered, but it's a very gentle filter.

Yes indeed there is output filtering but is is very slow as confirmed by the designer. I still standby ny comments that it can cause problems, and I am not the only one to experience it:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1346323711&&&/Playback-mpd3

The noise is quite acceptable if you use a pre-amp - but not if you direct connect.

Thanks
Bill

I don't think the Playback was ever designed to run direct to power amps.