Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC
PLINK and USB X4 Interface
The MPD-8 can interface directly with a wide range of digital sources, including Coaxial and Optical Toslink S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and USB. The DAC also offers two fiber optical PLINK inputs. An MPS-X can be added to separate the USB source from the DAC, add streaming functionality, and provide a PLINK output. Alternatively, the more cost-effective and compact USB X4 Interface adds a PLINK output to any USB source to take optimal advantage of the MPD-8’s PLINK inputs.
More about PLINK
PLINK is a variation on ST glass optical, specially adapted by Playback Designs to carry the delicate music signal from component to component whilst supporting all sample rates for PCM and DSD natively. PLINK is an optical format but uses an entirely different interface than Toslink. Instead of relying on an LED source, PLINK uses a high-quality, low-jitter, Laser ST fiber optic interface. This interface is normally used for very high bandwidth communication links where receivers require an extremely low-jitter signal for reliable decoding. The music signal travels over PLINK using a much lower bandwidth protocol than the specified limit of the media, further increasing robustness against jitter and allowing for extremely long cable lengths (up to 300m). Cables for PLINK are specified for multimode, 62.5/125µm.
The first version of the PLINK interface was launched more than 15 years ago and supported DSD up to 5.6MHz. This version is called “Classic” and is implemented in the Playback Designs 5-series products and IPS-3 (unless they have been upgraded). As technology never sits still, the DSD sample rate has been expanded to 11.2MHz several years ago. Accordingly, Playback Designs also expanded the PLINK format and called it “Sonoma” reminiscent of its Sonoma workstation origin.
It’s worth noting that PLINK is compatible with NAGRA LINK, meaning that the MPS-X Network Transport is compatible with NAGRA DACs with a NAGRA Link input. And the same logic applies to the MPT-8 Transport. This is worth noting as there are currently no CD/SACD Transports in the NAGRA catalog.
MPT-8 Brief Description
The MPT-8 is primarily a CD / SACD Transport (with native mode DSD via PLINK). However, it is also designed as an ideal platform for the Stream-X2 option, making it a Universal Transport.
The Stream-X2 option enables a wide range of Playback Designs components to include very high-quality streaming over an RJ45 network connection for local library- and cloud services, such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, vTuner, NAS, and Roon. Any DLNA/UPnP-compatible app will work with the Stream-X2 option, but the best ones are JPLAY for iPad and Bubble UPnP for Android.
The Stream-X2 option is also available for the Dream Series MPS-8 CD/SACD player/DAC, as well as the Edelweiss series MPD-6 DAC and MPS-6 CD/SACD player/DAC.
BTW, the Edelweiss series MPS-X Network Transport / Streamer is the standalone version of Stream-X2 board inside an Edelweiss series chassis ; plus PLINK interface.
Contrary to the MPD-8’s single-clock system, the MPT-8 is designed to allow multiple clock generators. It incorporates extensive buffering, re-clocking, filtering, and cleaning of all digital sources to prevent inter-modulation effects from reaching the DAC. As the last step, the digital data is encoded in its native format onto a fiber optical carrier (PLINK) to be decoded to analog by the MPD-8 DAC.
As the MPT-8 transport is a natural partner for the MPD-8 DAC, it makes perfect sense to review the two components together. However, the MPD-8 is also said to work formidably with any other digital source. Thus, I will assess it using various sources, including another CD transport, three different servers, and a network endpoint.
Next: Review Context and Listening
Hi Christiaan,
thanks for a great review. You mentioned on page 2:
“This is worth noting as there are currently no CD/SACD or Streamer Transports in the NAGRA catalog.”
What about the NAGRA streamer?
Thanks for spotting that, Matt. I have now updated that to mention only CD/SACD transports.
Hi Christiaan,
how does the Stream-X2 compare to Oladra for streaming from streaming services like Qobuz or Tidal?
Thanks
That’s something for a potential follow-up review of the MPT-8. But in short: Qobuz sounds superb with Stream-X2. As much as I like the Oladra, Stream-X2 with the MPT-8 sounds faster-paced, more communicative and more direct, while retaining fluidity and flow. To my ears, it is the best streaming source yet.
Thanks Christiaan, very interesting…
It might be fun to try both the Nagra streamer and the USB-X4 via PLink with the MPD-8. Both are less than 5k and get some good reports about their SQ.
Hi Christiaan,
Playback Designa’s presentation of the MPD-6 DAC says: ”The Edelweiss DAC borrows technology from our flagship Dream series in a more compact
package.” I know that a long time passed since your MPD-6 review, and I also know that comparisons from memory are not very reliable; but from the feelings that you may have had, are they two DACs with fairly comparable performance, or does the Dream DAC offer such important differences as to justify a not small price difference? I have half a mind to replace my Bricasti M1SE that I bought a few years ago (even after reading your review), and among the possible candidates there is Playback Designs, but what is the real ”deal” between the two?
Regards
Roberto
Hi Roberto, that is indeed a hard one to answer precisely without having them side by side. From memory, they have a similarly agile and neutral sound. However, I have a strong feeling that the Dream Series sounds more well-rooted, confident, and realistic. Perhaps most telling is that I loved the MPD-6 when I reviewed it, but I did not want to trade my CH C1.2 for it. With the MPD-8, it is a different story. In this case, I could happily trade. It is that good.
I have huge respect for Bricasti and I like their ultra-refined sound (similarly to how I perceived the Levinson 360S and 390S), but to my ears, their gear can be a little too polished and polite. Playback Designs manages to tick all the technical boxes just like the Bricasti does, while sounding more upbeat and realistic, as well as more organic.
fwiw i own both and am selling the edelweiss (no reason to keep when you have the dream).
dream is appreciably better in bass depth / articulation (while the midrange is the magic, the foundation of music is in the bass), dynamics and overall PRAT (read: that better power supply has its benefits).
dream has slightly better resolution BUT both products have the same “house sound” that permits LONG listening sessions without fatigue. i’ve never gotten tired listening to a PD dac. and i listen for hours on end. they both have a great even-handed way with the treble region where its extended but sweet.
Also, both products do quite well normalizing sources by way of the jitter rejection tech as Christiaan wrote of (makes lower quality sources very listenable).
is the dream better? of course.
is it worth your $ is a personal ? only you can answer.
Hi Ryan
I found MPD-8 much better than MPD-6, so the question of price is ok for my point of view, but I can say that I use my PLAYBACK with SR master fuse (top), PRANAWIRE Nirvana XLS Level III power cable, and the DAC sits on flagship HARMONIX TU-210 ZXM cones+ RF-999a+ bases (these Harmonix were stopped in 2024). This is to say that the original sound difference could become dramatic when MPD-8 is set up in a way to extract the very best of his immense potential. Not only the sound is more dynamic, more refined and precise, a much (much) better soundstage and placements, but more important, music sound as close as possible to a event played in from of me without any amplification as when I go to concert halls, intimate or quite huge.
Hi Roberto
I had Bricasti M1SE in the past, a very good DAC. I upgraded it to Weiss 502 4ch and then finally to PLAYBACK MPD-8. The difference of sound between the Bricasti and the Playback is so huge that they are not in the same league. Also the prices are not comparable. But if the goal is to get the very best sound, even for a cost no object audio system, MPD-8 or MPD-8Ai are the best I found, the closest to the real unamplified music live event.
Regards
Phil
Hi Phil,
thanks for your input. I’ll think about it. I also need to figure out if I could still get a decent improvement with the MPD-6, spending less money.
MPD-6 is also a very good DAC that sounds really like music. I listened to MPS-X + MPD-6 with PLINK, it was incredibly realistic.
Hi Christiaan! During your review of the MPD-6, you also had the stand-alone streamer MPS-X at your disposal. This time, with the Dream products, it concerned the Stream X2 module. My question: Did you notice (yes I know, MPS-X was quite a while ago, but maybe you remember
a difference with the module compared to the stand-alone version? It’s exactly the same, but the MPS-X might profit from having its own power supply, which could be audible. What’s your take on this? Thanks in advance and best regards, Arnaud
That’s a question more fitted for the MPD-6 or MPS-X review… but in short: the MPS-X has the advantage of reclocking and PLINK.
Hi Christiaan,
my apologies, from recollection I thought you didn’t have the Stream X2 at the time, I actually thought this was the first time. So I should have asked (cause that’s what I’m curious about, and hopefully this is a better fit for this review):
“MPT-8 + StreamX2 vs. MPS-X stand-alone”. Because in that comparison, there is P-link to DAC in both cases, and it only comes down to separation / power supply shared or dedicated etc. It might be that with the MPS-X, there is a second PDFAS reclock, but of that I’m not sure and if so, if it matters. Anyway, maybe you have an opinion about the above. Thanks anyway for another detailed PD review. Best regards,
Arnaud
Hi Arnoud, indeed, This review concerned the Stream-X2, whereas the earlier review concerned the Stream-X. I extrapolated my impressions to provide some information for you. It is impossible for me to make a mental comparison between Stream-X and Stream-X2. However, in all my comparisons so far, the separate chassis (whether Stream-X or MPT-8) further increases the expression and realism. Just why that is, is a question for the good people at Playback Designs:-)
Bonjour Arnaud, Je suis du même avis que Christiaan, j’ai pu tester le MPS-X et le STREAM-X2, MPSX est meilleur avec l’intérêt évident du PLINK. Ceci dit pour les possesseur de MPT-8 ou de MPS-8, Stream X2 est un streamer redoutable surtout au prix proposé. C’est le serveur lorsque le Maestro Teodor Currentzis était venu écouter chez moi en fin 2023 !
Bonjour monsieur,
But I get your point; you feel the stand-alone MPS-X to be the best option for streaming. Thanks for your input and all the best,
just because my name is spelled French, doesn’t mean I am
Arnaud
Sorry to think you were Francophone. MPS-X is better for sure because it is separate, has a more dedicated power supply. Also, if you want the very best, TAIKO EXTREME is the good way. I should say that when I used PLAYBACK Streamers, I upgraded the performance a lot using TAIKO Switch + Taiko power supply + Weiss PSU 102 as 230/12v transformer. The difference in resolution and naturalness is really impressive. I also use HARMONIX cones + bases under each of these “accessories”. I did that upgrade before receiving Theodor Currentzis
MPD-8 + MPS-X fixed the harshness that I head from the RAAL Immanis. I was going to kick the Immanis to the curb and had wanted a PBD DAC for a long time. I thought why not give it a shot. No more harshness, was previously using Chord DAVE. I only listen with headphones and IEMs (PMG APX SE). I have no interest in speakers at this time. My Chain is: Shunyata Everest –> Macbook pro–> MPS-X –> PLINK into MPD-8 –> Feliks Envy 25th AE w/ TM300B & Melz 1578.
I cannot overstate the improvement that MPD-8 has had. Most the timeI listen to bandcamp streaming but I also listen to HD Audiophile recordings via Jriver & Macbook Pro. Not only does simple streaming from bandcamp sound absurdly good, those well reocrded audiophile albums, never heard anything so good and I have this in my house all day everyday as I work from home.
I also listen to Bandcamp especially contemporary or experimental music
, and this is most of the time more complex to playback (no joke) that “conventional” music. I use Taiko Extreme with USB link to MPD-8. I have not yet tested if adding USB-X4 between Extreme and MPD-8 could be better. At Taiko, I know they prefer direct USB output as Extreme is so noise free that adding even a good upgrade could reduce the pure pristine sound coming from the Dutch marvel.
Hi PHP,
I think even with an Extreme it would makes sense to try USB-X4.
BTW, USB output isn’t the first choice by Taiko anymore. Their best output is now XDMI which they offered first with their Olympus server.
And XDMI is coming for Extreme as well. Also UPnP as an alternative to Roon.
Cheers
I sell my EXTREME and will order OLYMPUS. Thank you for your feedback.
These protocols are on the roadmap, you will be able to use all of these with the Olympus AND the Extreme:
1) UPNP
2) Tidal connect
3) Qobuz connect
4) Airplay
5) Chromecast
Thank you Matt
Hi Christiaan
a very interesting review of the PLAYBACK DREAM line. I adopted PLAYBACK dream since 2022 and each model is a pearl. I should say that MPD-8 since mid 2024 are upgraded in analog output stage and the sound difference with the former model is quite important. More natural, more dynamic and more open.
I appreciate your carefulness about stands because they are an integral part of the sound produced. HRS are really at the top. I designed and made a cost no object stand that upgrade all the component sound to a degree that most audiophiles could not believe. But it is expensive and very heavy.
Christiaan, in the discussions about the updated output stage (which your review sample did not have), it mentions how the new analog output stage better at high volumes….is that to say the updated output stage is related to the analog volume control, and is of no effect if listening to fixed output levels from the MPD-8?
do you know is there an upgrade path for owners of older units?
Hi Ryan, I asked in 2024 but there is no upgrade program for MPD-8 scheduled to my knowledge (feedback from a distributor). The issue is that this is not a « simple » card exchange. This improvement was the consequence that some components were not available from the suppliers so PB upgraded the components for even better ones.
Thanks P. –any ideas if the changes are solely related to analog volume control or does the changes impact fixed output too?
the upgrade is about the analog output fixed too as I only use fixed at 0db here (I much prefer using MPD-8 with my APURNA™ preamp).
Hi Christiaan,
Thank you for a very thorough review on the PBD-MP8. I have the updated MP8 version and have enjoyed it very much. I have been using the PBD-MP8 to a pair of Constellation Monoblocks and have been on the fence getting a pre-amp. I noticed that you reviewed the CH-precision L1, the Soulution 725 pre amp. Both of these preamps are neck to neck in term of performance from what I read from your review. A third pre-amp option would be a Constellation Virgo iii (for brand synergy sake, not sure if it matters at this point). May I ask what are your thoughts on these pre-amps with the PBD-8 ? I really appreciate your feedbacks.
Alas, all my experience with Constellation is from demos at audio shows. As such, I do not yet have a firm grasp of their performance. The MPD-8 is one of the very few DACs that can be truly successfully used without a preamp for its transparent nature, and because it does not have the usual volume control drawbacks. However, in my opimion, built-in preamps, thus far, cannot fully replace a separate preamp on all audiophile parameters. The Vermeer Audio TWO DAC has a deliciously rich and liquid sound that makes it stand out on those parameters, but a CH L1, Spectral DMC 30SV, Aries Cerat Incito S, or Impera each provide aspects that I have so far not heard combined all at once, in a DAC. It depends on what you expect from a preamp, whether or not you will “need” a standalone unint.
See also my extensive Analog Preamplifiers in a Digital Streaming World article for more information and inspiration.
Hi Christiaan, first of all thank you for this truly excellent review as well as your coverage of the MPT-8 and MPS-X. You are probably my favourite hi-fi writer and I have really appreciated your comprehensive reviews/comparisons over the years.
How would you describe the voicing and character of the MPD-8 vs. Aries Cerat DACs like the Helene or Kassandra? I am trying to find the best fit for a solid-state Wilson system that needs some tonal density—perhaps a bit of warmth or sweetness—to balance out its neutrality and unforgiving nature.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Matthew! Of the Aries Cerat DACs, I only reviewed the Helene, and I liked it a lot. I’m sure you found my review on this site. The Playback Designs products are very neutral yet fluid, natural, and realistic, but they do not mimick tubes (nor would I want them to) and they do not add warmth if it is not in the recording. The Helene, of course, IS a tube amp, and it also sounds like it. It has the typical traits you expect from tubes, such as lushness, harmonic richness, and sweetness, combined with a very transparent overall character. If you are looking for a bit more warmth and sweetness, the Helene could be right for you. However, the MPD-8 ranks considerably higher on my audiophile scale.