{"id":40158,"date":"2025-04-11T09:23:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T07:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=40158"},"modified":"2025-05-26T19:51:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T17:51:48","slug":"playback-designs-mpt-8-dream-transport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/digital-reviews\/network-player-reviews\/playback-designs-mpt-8-dream-transport\/","title":{"rendered":"Playback Designs MPT-8 Dream Transport"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review organized by Marc Loubeau \/ Prestige Audio Diffusion<\/a>
\nReview sample provided by Prestige Audio Diffusion<\/a>
\nRetail prices including VAT:
\nMPT-8: 23.990 euro
\nMPT-8 with Stream-X2 option: 27.580 euro (as reviewed)<\/h4>\n

The MPT-8 Dream Transport was initially delivered as part of a combo for the MPD-8 Dream DAC<\/a> review. During that review, I found that the MPT-8 offered such extensive functionality and achieved such excellent results that it warranted a dedicated review. In this review, I will assess all of the MPT-8’s functionality using three different servers and multiple DACs, including the MPD-8.<\/p>\n

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MPT-8 Description<\/h3>\n

The MPT-8 is designed to be a one-stop source solution. It contains a CD \/ SACD Transport based on a high-quality mechanism developed by D&M specifically for audiophile applications. The MPT-8 can output native mode DSD via the fiber optical PLINK connection.<\/p>\n

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The MPT-8 is also designed as an ideal platform for the Stream-X2 option, making it a Universal Transport. In addition, it provides extensive connectivity for many external sources.<\/p>\n

As standard, the MPT-8 can interface with a wide range of digital sources via Coaxial and Optical Toslink S\/PDIF, AES\/EBU, USB, and PLINK. The optional Stream-X2 option is connected via RJ45 and also offers a USB input to connect USB flash disks or HDD\/SSD storage devices. The output signal is available via AES\/EBU and PLINK.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> for iPad and Bubble UPnP for Android.<\/p>\n

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The MPT-8 is powered by the same high-quality linear power supply used in the MPD-8 DAC and incorporates extensive buffering, re-clocking, filtering, and cleaning of all digital sources to prevent any inter-modulation effects from reaching the DAC. As the last step, the digital data is encoded in its native format and output via AES\/EBU or PLINK to be decoded to analog by the DAC.<\/p>\n

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More about PLINK<\/h3>\n

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\/125\u00b5m.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cClassic\u201d 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 \u201cSonoma\u201d reminiscent of its Sonoma workstation origin.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Review Context<\/h3>\n

The MPT-8 Dream Transport is a natural partner for the MPD-8 Dream DAC, which was reviewed separately. I will be using the MPD-8 again in this review, but will focus on the MPT-8, and will use it with other DACs as well.<\/p>\n

The MPT-8 was listened to in the main system<\/a> that consists of the CH Precision C1.2<\/a> DAC, CH Precision L1<\/a> preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5<\/a> power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. Digital sources include the Antipodes K50<\/a>, Grimm MU1<\/a> and Taiko Audio Extreme music servers, the Aqua Diva M2<\/a> CD transport, and the Aqua LinQ<\/a> network interface.<\/p>\n

All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, balanced and unbalanced, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For support, I use Artesania Exoteryc<\/a> racks and Aire<\/a> floor platforms with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a>, and HRS EXR<\/a> Stands and Floor Platforms.<\/p>\n

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Setting the Stage<\/h3>\n

When first reviewing the MPT-8 as part of the MPD-8 Dream DAC<\/a> review, I discovered that all my available sources worked exceptionally well when connected directly to this excellent DAC. All three servers’ characteristics were fully retained and presented with fantastic purity and clarity, while the DAC always got to the musical core of the performance. In summary, the MPD-8 performed so exceptionally well that it earned a Magnificent Masterpiece award.<\/p>\n

Next: Listening<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Listening – Disc Transport<\/h3>\n

Although all three servers sounded great with the MPD-8, the big surprise came when I played a range of Red Book (44\/16) CDs with the MPT-8’s internal disc transport via AES\/EBU to the MPD-8.<\/p>\n

The MPT-8’s disc transport has a delivery that deviates from that of the three servers. It has a tight, crisp, sure-footed, direct, and controlled, yet hugely punchy, upbeat, expressive, and energetic nature.<\/p>\n

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To some ears, perhaps the MPT-8’s disc transport might be felt to be a little on the matter-of-fact side, but to my ears, it is straightforward in being truthful to the source. Although it does not inject the sound with additional lushness or romance in the way that a classic CDM-1 or CDM-4-based CD transport would, its timbral density and tonal saturation keep it far from being cool or clinical.<\/p>\n

To my ears, the MPT-8’s optical transport produced the best sound so far, outperforming the servers in terms of tension, jump factor, liveliness, and expression. Notably, the transport’s sonic prowess is evident not just with its stablemate but with any DAC.<\/p>\n

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When combining the MPT-8 with the MPD-8 DAC, the combo has an additional trick up their collective sleeves: PLINK! Connected via the standard optical fiber cable, the sound is gentler, smoother, and more fluid. With this connection, the MPT-8 + MPD-8 combo now provides some of the most desirable qualities of the aforementioned classic Swing-Arm or belt-driven CD transports.<\/p>\n

The MPT-8 is also an SACD player. I found that it plays these discs very much in line with its Red Book performance, illustrating precisely what is expected from the format, which is higher resolution, increased delicacy and fluidity, and an altogether more continuous feel. In my experience thus far, DSD playback can often be little more light-footed than PCM, and the MPT-8 behaves similarly. However, it is one of the most robust and incisive-sounding SACD players I have heard.<\/p>\n

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With the MPT-8 connected via AES\/EBU instead of PLINK, it sounds a little fuller in the bass and, therefore, slightly earthier, although it now carries more of a PCM signature. In other words, it becomes less DSD-esque. Conversely, via PLINK, the sound is more light-footed but just as nimble, airier, and more fluid. In other words, PLINK enhances the DSD-typical qualities.<\/p>\n

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\n

When a CD transport enters the arena, I must compare it to my reference at its price point: the Aqua La Diva M2<\/a>. The Diva M2 has a huge heart and is my favorite player under 10.000 Euros. Its main fortes include fluidity, delicacy, refinement, air, and flow. Connected via a Mogami 3080 Neglex AES\/EBU cable, the La Diva M2 sounds seductively smooth, lush, and deliciously delicate. However, there is no denying the MPT-8’s transport has spoilt me with its vitality and expression. In comparison, the Aqua is a little rounder than strictly neutral and lacks a measure of control and impact in the low and mid-bass. Otherwise, though, the Aqua keeps up remarkably well, providing similar measures of resolution, transparency, and, importantly, musicality.<\/p>\n

While I greatly admire what the La Diva M2 achieves at its comparatively modest price point, this is also a reminder of what is possible in still higher tiers. The MPT-8 may cost more than three times as much, but it beautifully underlines the performance level that Playback Designs achieved with this product.<\/p>\n

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Listening – Streaming<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, the MPD-8 DAC’s USB and AES\/EBU inputs produce excellent results with all three servers, with performance that can come close to the MPT-8 Dream Transport playing the physical CD. However, Roon still always brings its own character to the mix. This is audible with all servers, streamers, and DACs I heard; the MPD-8 is no exception.<\/p>\n

This is where the MPT-8 Dream Transport and the PLINK connection come in!<\/p>\n

When streaming with Roon to the MPT-8 connected to the MPD-8 via AES\/EBU, there is an unmistakable improvement in spontaneity, agility, and expression compared to a direct connection to the DAC. These are precisely the areas where Roon is typically lacking compared to UPnP. When switching to PLINK between the MPT-8 and MPD-8, there is another jump in fluidity, delicacy, and naturalness. Playing this way, the three servers still maintain their individual character, and the Roon signature may still not be 100% gone, but every server sounded significantly and meaningfully purer and more expressive than when connected directly to the MPD-8 via USB. Speaking of which, the MPT-8’s USB input also consistently produces an even crisper and more expressive rendition than the MPD-8 DAC’s USB input, again bringing the sound quality more in line with Roon streaming and physical CD playback.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

To rule out any external influences, I switched the Oladra from Roon to UPnP\/MPD to compare its AES\/EBU connection to the server streaming directly to the MPT-8. Entirely in line with earlier comparisons as part of the MPD-8 DAC review, the Oladra sounds slightly different using its AES\/EBU outputs. Still, the overall feel is very similar, with both methods providing the server’s signature smooth yet transparent delivery. With the MPT-8, however, the two connection methods sound more similar than when the server is used directly with a DAC. Ultimately, the AES\/EBU connection is a little rounder and riper, while the network stream sounds slightly tighter and crisper. Both renditions are technically superb and emotionally charged, although the Oladra with AES\/EBU remains perhaps just a little more seductive, whereas the streaming connection offers a little more precision and control. Ultimately, with an interface that is this good, I would argue that it becomes a matter of taste or perhaps merely of convenience. Whatever format or connection method you choose, the MPT-8 always delivers sonic bliss. Or at least, this is the case with the Oladra. Would it be the same with the relatively much more modest Grimm MU1?<\/p>\n

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Next: more comparisons and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

I originally purchased the MU1 for its amazingly pure-sounding AES\/EBU output. However, I found that while successive firmware updates had increased its resolution and refinement, they had also made it more sensitive to (or revealing of) the typical Roon downsides, which vary with every Roon update. As a result, I started experimenting with using the MU1 purely as a server, streaming to other endpoints.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The first candidate, of course, was the CH C1.2 DAC, which had me 100% convinced of its superlative performance via AES\/EBU and streaming via UPnP. However, as with most DACs, the Roon Ready input was always less convincing. When using the Grimm server to stream to the CH DAC directly, the sound remains fluid and natural, with increased purity and delicacy compared to using the Grimm’s AES\/EBU or S\/PDIF output. However, it still<\/span> lacks stature, conviction, and expression, essentially the typical Roon downsides, and this eventually led to the addition of the Aqua LinQ Network Interface. <\/span><\/p>\n

The MPT-8, however, provides a fresh perspective. <\/span>To be fair, the MU1’s digital output section is special in that it offers excellent resolution and transparency while remaining fluid and refined, avoiding sounding stereotypically digital. Come to think of it, it has some resemblance to classic Meridian CD players such as the 507 and 808. In any case, the<\/span> MPT-8 retains all of the MU1’s “non-digital” qualities while further increasing the naturalness with improved purity, texture, deepened saturation, and an altogether more organic flow. Additionally, and this is what truly sets it apart for me, the MPT-8 sounds much more concrete, dynamic, and confident, successfully offsetting the undesired Roon signature.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As a relatively affordable but brilliant and almost endlessly expandable network interface, the Aqua LinQ has consistently provided the best streaming performance in my system. It reigned supreme until I reviewed the Playback Designs MPS-X<\/a>, which performs even better in certain key aspects. For instance, the MPS-X sounds lusher and more liquid and refined. However, these benefits come at the expense of a reduction in incisiveness, solidity, and articulation. As such, I felt both interfaces offer a valid perspective.<\/p>\n

The LinQ sounds best using UPnP or Squeezelite. Fortunately, Roon is compatible with Squeezelite. To that end, the software emulates a Squeeze server and can then stream directly to a Squeezebox or Squeeze-compatible product. Note that only one Squeeze server may be active at any time, so any hardware or software Squeeze servers must be switched off, or Roon will not work.<\/p>\n

Using native Squeeze or Roon with Squeezelite to the Aqua LinQ sounds really great, and I’ve waxed lyrical about this in the LinQ Squeeze Module<\/a> review. Alas, as much as I like the LinQ, the MPT-8 is in another league. It sounds significantly cleaner and purer and, at the same time, more natural. Whereas I usually need the LinQ for Roon to become acceptable, the MPT-8 achieves its superior rendition using native Roon RAAT!<\/p>\n

What’s more, the MPT-8 achieves all the accolades so deserved by the MPS-X (using Stream-X2) and “simply” adds the aforementioned advances to them, resulting in the best Roon performance I have achieved in this system so far.<\/p>\n

Regular readers know that I love the Roon interface and its extensive functionality, but ultimately prefer the clean and direct sound of UPnP. So, as the final experiment, let’s see how the MPT-8 performs compared with the Aqua LinQ using this protocol. With the Oladra in UPnP\/MPD mode, controlled with the excellent JPLAY iOS app, the LinQ provides a familiar sound that is convincingly robust, tight, and concrete. However, it is also darker, rougher, and considerably less refined than the MPT-8 has achieved using Roon and Squeezelite.<\/p>\n

Oh, boy, that pretty much set the stage already. Indeed, when streaming to the MPT-8 using UPnP, it further emphasizes its supremacy, effectively dethroning the LinQ as the best streaming endpoint. The MPT-8 outperforms it with massively increased airiness, spaciousness, and fluidity. Simultaneously and amazingly, the MPT-8 significantly increases resolution while remaining liquid and ultra-refined. To be clear, Roon still sounds slightly fuller and more relaxed, while UPnP sounds somewhat cleaner and more incisive. But at this level, I would argue that the format no longer matters much, as the MPT-8 is superior whether streaming from Roon or UPnP.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Do not assume the MPT-8 Dream Transport merely provides a beautiful enclosure for the Stream-X2 option with additional functionality and connectivity. While it certainly does these things, the MPT-8 dramatically<\/em> enhances the performance of any source while also throwing in a superb CD transport.<\/p>\n

The Dream Transport does not take its moniker lightly. By a massive margin, it is both the best Streaming Endpoint and CD Transport I have heard.<\/p>\n

To fully do it justice, it receives the HFA Magnificent Masterpiece award.<\/p>\n

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Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

Try out Roon for yourself<\/h3>\n

Get Roon 1 month for free<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Manufacturer: Playback Designs<\/a><\/p>\n

PRESTIGE AUDIO DIFFUSION
\nDistributor for France & Monaco \/ Belgium \/ Switzerland<\/p>\n

Contact : Marc Loubeau
\nTel\u00a0: +33(0)6 49 89 68 88
\nEmail: contact@prestigeaudio-diffusion.fr<\/a>
\nWebsite: www.prestigeaudio-diffusion.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

More About Playback Designs<\/h3>\n

Interview with Andreas Koch about the future of CD and SACD (feverSound.com)<\/a><\/p>\n

DSD Seminar by Andreas Koch (blogspot.com)<\/a><\/p>\n

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