Playback Designs

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.

No, you can't run the MPS-5 direct.