Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Converts digital signals into an analog waveform exceptionally well
- It is able to play all file types with the same finesse and sonic quality, allowing one to fully explore file types without reservation
- Presents a large and detailed soundstage with width, depth, and acoustic height
- It has a neutral and well-controlled low end with tight and impactful bass
- The FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) can be easily upgraded when new algorithms are available
Product Considerations
- The MPD-8 Dream DAC requires at least 500 hours of playback before evaluation, with noticeable improvements beyond that mark
- OSX users will be limited to DSD128 using DoP with the MPD-8
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Holo Audio May KTE DAC: The Playback Designs MPD8 is another level of DAC
- Vs Playback Designs MPD-5 DAC: The Dream DAC is all about separation between analog and digital
Takeaway: The Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC offers impressive sound quality and can draw listeners into the music for hours without fatigue. It is considered a reference-level DAC.
All
Dream DAC MPD-8
reviews
Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Playback Designs emphasizes a comprehensive digital source approach to digital audio, offering a range of components designed to work seamlessly together for optimal performance and interoperability.
- The company's products, particularly the Merlot DAC, leverage custom, state-of-the-art algorithms implemented via FPGA, allowing for continuous improvement through user-installable firmware updates rather than relying on off-the-shelf solutions.
- Playback Designs' founder Andreas Koch's extensive background in DSD development, including his involvement with the Sonoma workstation and SACD standardization, informs the design and capabilities of their products, particularly in DSD playback.
- They developed the PLink interface which is a proprietary high-quality optical link for transporting the digital signal between Playback Designs components while maintaining galvanic isolation.
Select products
MERLOT DAC
- Positioning: An entry-level digital converter and headphone amplifier aimed at accessible high-fidelity sound.
- Description: Offers support for up to 384kHz PCM and 11.2MHz DSD in a straightforward design ideal for small room setups and tighter budgets. Compared to the more complex Edelweiss and Dream series, it provides solid digital-to-analog conversion with versatile connectivity but without added preamp functionality.
MPD-6
- Positioning: A high-resolution digital-to-analog converter with integrated volume control in the Edelweiss series.
- Description: Features fully differential discrete DAC architecture with low jitter performance. Compared to the entry-level Merlot DAC, it offers refined analog stages and greater technical sophistication while still coming in below the more advanced Dream series products.
8-Series DAC
- Positioning: A focused digital-to-analog converter from the Dream series built for dedicated audiophiles.
- Description: Uses double differential discrete DAC technology with ultra high end analog stages and multiple regulated power supplies. In comparison with the DAC/Preamp, it emphasizes pure conversion without the added control features, positioning it as a streamlined solution within the Dream lineup.
8-Series DACAI
- Positioning: A versatile digital converter and preamplifier in the Dream series designed for expanded functionality.
- Description: Builds on the same double differential DAC approach by adding integrated analog volume control and multiple input options. When compared with the standalone DAC unit, it offers more comprehensive control while remaining less focused on raw power than the flagship amplifier.
8-Series Amplifier (SPA-8)
- Positioning: A flagship stereo power amplifier in the Dream series with dedicated processing for each channel.
- Description: Uses an ultra-low-noise differential linear-phase input along with advanced thermal TRAK technology and discrete Class-A stages to deliver robust, distortion-free power, making it ideal for large rooms and high-budget systems targeting expansive soundstages. Compared to the converter units, its design centers on high-current amplification and low distortion, offering superior performance for dynamic and demanding setups.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We do not use any standard DAC chip solution from the open market, but rather developed our own proprietary conversion algorithms and programmed them into general FPGA processors that are field upgradeable. In other words, every improvement or change in algorithms can be downloaded from our website and loaded into our products, all by the end user. More details are here.
For one of the most critical components in any DAC we, again, are not using any standard technology, but rather developed a very unique and proprietary algorithm that takes into account the very sensitive properties of our human hearing system and they way it perceives clock jitter. More details here.
When we were part of the DSD creation team at Sony we were tasked with a very challenging project: the definition of a high speed digital communication protocol that would support any PCM and DSD format (i.e. sample rate). This link should be able to transmit any audio data from any source to a DAC. The solution I came up with is based on a high speed fiber optic data link as it is used in super high speed data links where secure data recovery at the receiver is crucial. While the speed of transmitting audio data is well and way below the capability of such fiber optic links I still chose this physical link because of its superb data and clock integrity / stability. In addition the fiber optic media provides a galvanic separation between digital source and core DAC circuitry. This alone already results in an audible improvement. All our products support this link and we call it PLINK. We use it to connect external transports, servers or USB interfaces to our DACs.
What's your approach to customer support?
We see customer support as an opportunity to show to the customer who we are and how much we care. Usually, I answer all inquiries and customer support requests personally, within 24 hours and with as much technical info as possible. While some of our dealers possess good technical know-how and are able to interact with customers on that level directly, other distributors do not provide any technical support. Either way we encourage customers to contact us directly for any help.
I often get feedback from customers that this kind of direct and expert support ultimately convinced them to buy our products. So obviously the way we do it is not standard in our industry.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
There are many excellent recordings that can demonstrate the behavior of our of DACs, but it is mostly a function of the listener's taste in music. For instance, people who do not like classical music do not hear its finesses when played on our equipment etc. For my own personal taste I often use any DSD re-mastered track of Pink Floyd or Roger Waters. This is also because most of these tracks were mastered using my designs and with that they show off specifically the "analog-like" behavior during transients of our DACs and the resulting 3-dimensionality of the sound stage.
What other products pair best with yours?
As a digital "pure-bread" listener I do not use analog sources myself and only our own electronic designs (including amplification) for playback paired with a variety of different loudspeakers from mid-size to professional near-field monitors. The latter are usually more revealing and neutral than most consumer or audiophile speakers, but are only suitable in small studio environments. Over the years I have been working closely with brands such as Hafler (professional speakers), Evolution Acoustics, Stenheim and many speaker manufacturers.
Used
Playback Designs
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Delivers outstanding clarity and detail throughout the music
- The Ring DAC tech, combined with other high-end components, produces musicality throughout the music
- Delivers expressive dynamics and taut, powerful bass
- Offers a wide soundstage and excellent sonic authority
- Superior presentation of texture, overtones, and bass
Product Considerations
- The streaming module does not impress as much as the DAC section
- Has a bewildering array of filters and sonic tuning options, which may be overwhelming for some users
- Lacks Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI ports
- Does not have an integrated amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Rossini Apex is better than the pre-Apex dCS Vivaldi
Takeaway:
The dCS Rossini APEX DAC is an exceptional, high-end system for audiophiles seeking to experience the soul of a performance. It provides a transformative journey into the heart of music, which could make it worth buying.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Powerful and graceful too, the Rossini renders music with the utmost precision and care, delivering a fluid and natural sound without the slightest hint of harshness or glare. From the softest strings to the sharpest brass, and the quietest intake of breath, it unearths each aspect of a recording to reveal a performance that feels layered, lifelike and whole.
Product Strengths
- Exhibits a design philosophy that marries functional elegance with robust construction
- Employs dCS proprietary Ring DAC technology for exceptional accuracy in digital-to-analog conversion
- Has impressive streaming capabilities, supporting services like TIDAL, Spotify, and Qobuz, and is compatible with Roon, Airplay, and UPnP streaming
- Produces a powerful, impressive, and taut sound with more low-frequency impact
- Demonstrates exceptional capability in reproducing both macro and micro dynamics
Product Considerations
- The dCS Rossini is optimized as a 'Network Player' and sounds best when used that way, not necessarily with other Aurender products
- The Mosaic app sometimes had limited information viewable on the track
- The volume buttons on the remote are clunky and insensitive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Rossini has a wider and deeper soundstage than the Holo Audio May KTE DAC
- Rossini APEX Player produces a really powerful, impressive and taut sound, with more low-frequency impact than the Chord DAVE DAC and M-Scaler DAC combination
- The sound is quite a bit better using the Sonore SonicTransporter i5 than that coming via the Aurender N10 regardless of which digital output is used from the Aurender
Takeaway: The dCS Rossini is a well-engineered and handsome unit with vast digital format compatibility. It delivers unmatched transparency, expansive soundstage presentation, pristine midrange reproduction, and exquisite detail, so it is worth considering to fully unlock a music library.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Accepts input signals up to 96 kilohertz via USB or SPDIF input
- Comes with a multi-page USB installation guide
- Includes a JRiver license and guide for installation on Apple, Mac-based OS X environment, Windows XP, or Windows 7
- Sound is comparable to a Wandoff turntable
Product Considerations
- The review mentions using the USB functionality in the DAC primarily, so performance with SPDIF is not a focus
Takeaway: The MBL 1611F digital audio converter offers high-resolution audio playback and comes with helpful software and guides. It delivers excellent sound quality, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Represents a revolutionary change from previous versions, described as a 'homerun' improvement over the DA2 V2
- Newly engineered folded-cascode output stage, devoid of overall feedback, enhances bandwidth and delivers unparalleled stability
- Refined asynchronous clock minimizes jitter and maximizes stability
- Cutting-edge in-house switch-mode power supply (Meitner X-Power) with over 95% efficiency isolates power delivery between digital, analog, and streaming stages
- Updated custom FPGA boosts performance at higher sampling rates while preserving the proprietary Meitner Digital Audio Translation (MDAT2) scheme
- Supports Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and vTuner Internet Radio, offering streaming up to 2x DSD, and DXD
Product Considerations
- The price is $35,000 USD
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs EMM Labs DA-2: The DA2i is a major upgrade from the original, with updates that improved resolution and bass
- Vs Linn Organik: The Linn Organik bettered the DA2 (predecessor to the DA2i) in some ways, but not enough to warrant selling the DA2
- Vs Wadax digital stack: The EMM Labs DA2 (predecessor to the DA2i) had been surpassed by the Wadax, particularly with respect to the resolution of low-level detail, dynamics, focus, soundstage—and noise floor
Takeaway: The EMM Labs DA2i D/A converter has significantly advanced the state of digital audio, particularly in extracting the best from Redbook sound. It offers major improvements with a redesigned architecture and enhanced features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, with elegant design and attention to detail
- Silent drive operation, with no audible noise emission
- Superior SACD/CD playback, considered the finest by one reviewer
- High-quality upsampling of CDs, resulting in improved detail, soundstaging, and imaging, and converts the CD's PCM feed to Double DSD, then further processing using a proprietary algorithm
- A digitally-driven, analog volume control is included, which is useful to adjust the volume
Product Considerations
- The Stream-X module has limitations with PCM 192 and DSD64 formats, which are lower than the DAC's capabilities, therefore requires a user to stream from a computer or another streamer to access these capabilities
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Playback Designs MPS-5, the MPS-8 betters the MPS-5 significantly, for example by improving digital isolation through separated power supplies
Takeaway: The Dream/Playback Designs MPS-8 is a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted SACD/CD player and DAC that delivers exceptional sound quality, especially with physical media. It is a top-tier digital source for those seeking the best possible playback experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- dCS Bartók APEX offers more refined and coherent sound compared to previous versions
- The APEX Ring DAC reduces noise and increases linearity, resulting in greater dynamic range, detail, and vitality
- The dCS Mosaic app allows for comprehensive remote control, OTA updates, and efficient streaming options
- The headphone amplifier can drive a vast range of headphone models regardless of efficiency or impedance
- Implementation of the APEX Ring DAC delivers a more profound listening experience by reducing 3rd-order harmonic distortion
Product Considerations
- The dCS Bartók APEX is heavy and large
- The dCS Lina system performance could provide a dilemma for some potential buyers
- The headphone amp option is only available at point of purchase
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs original Bartók—the Bartók APEX upgrade sounds much more refined than previously
Takeaway: The Bartók APEX is a very high-quality music player that offers both simplicity and scalability, with the ability to be upgraded in the future. It is a worthwhile investment for an excellent sound experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines multiple functions (network player, DAC, phono stage, and preamplifier) into one chassis, offering versatility and reducing component clutter
- High-quality build with meticulous attention to detail and excellent casework, promising durability
- Offers a transparent and detailed sound, with impressive control and a captivating presentation of music
- Features an intuitive user interface with a vibrant color display and a well-designed remote control (BRM-1)
- Incorporates technologies like the MOON Damping Base (MDB) and M-RAY2 volume control to minimize noise and distortion
Product Considerations
- The collapsible packaging is difficult to manage for one person
- Software may need updates to improve device connectivity
- The speaker cable terminals on the partnering 861 power amp can be tight with larger spades
- High price may be a barrier for some potential buyers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 891's DAC/preamp section surpasses the performance of the MOON 780D v2/850P combination
- The instrumental separation through the 891/861 amps was a noticeable step above that of the MOON 791/761
- The 891 was significantly quieter than the Reference 6SE
- Instruments and vocals exhibited more body and dimension than with the T+A MP 3100 HV
- The streamer built into the MOON 891 preamp sounds more neutral and more insightful than the MOON 680D
Takeaway: The MOON 891 is a versatile and well-built audio component that combines streaming, DAC, preamplification, and phono stage capabilities into a single unit. It offers a high-quality listening experience and a range of features that make it a great option for audiophiles looking to simplify their setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, clear, harmonically rich, and musically engaging, ticking all the audiophile boxes
- Retrieves more low-level data, texture, and atmospherics and is smoother, less grainy, and more powerful sounding—hence more transparent and emotionally engaging—than the pre-Apex version
- A solid, heavily engineered unit, built with aerospace-grade machined aluminum panels and acoustic damping
- Can operate as a complete network-connected digital player, streaming from a music store or online sources, via its galvanically isolated RJ45 Ethernet port
Product Considerations
- Considered second from the bottom of the line DAC and can be considered expensive
- Physical appearance looks the same as the 2.0 version, which also looks the same as the original Bartok
- The preamplifier section, with its attenuator, plays more distinctly, with clearer and more prominent highs
- The depth of the soundstage is not particularly exceptional compared to the Rossini series and, above all, with the Vivaldi; the tested player shows everything close, rather than plunging the instruments into the space far behind the speakers
Takeaway: The dCS Bartok Apex delivers a harmonically saturated sound with plenty of color information, including depth. This product could be worth buying if you are looking for a DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and warm sound with a big and smooth body to the music, almost like listening to vinyl but even better
- Delivers a life-size scale to the instruments and vocals, providing a very realistic and immersive experience
- Details presented are life-size and realistic with beautiful timbre, emerging from top to bottom of the range
- Creates intensely black backgrounds and has a natural musical way of delivering the music
- Makes even lower quality streaming sound beautiful, improving even bad recordings
Product Considerations
- The retail price is very high, making it primarily accessible to the upper 1% of consumers
- Not about 'bite', 'crispness', or 'impact' in the traditional digital audio sense, so those seeking those qualities may prefer other DACs
- The Tube DAC has a beautiful preamp section, but it doesn't provide additional analog inputs
- It's crucial to pair it with a high-quality streamer to unleash its full potential; using a lower-end streamer could bottleneck its performance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Holo Audio May KTE: The Nagra Tube DAC sounds even more natural and removes digital traces present in the May KTE
- Vs Chord DAVE: The Nagra Tube DAC is more ethereal and holistic, while the Chord Dave is more detailed up top and excitable
- Vs Weiss 501 MKII: The Weiss MKII is excellent—but doesn't quite reach the heights of the Nagra
- Vs Nagra Classic DAC: The Tube DAC's sound stage became almost holographic and the sound even smoother, richer, cleaner—and clearer
- Vs EverSolo A10: The EverSolo is great with the Nagra when used as a streamer, it brings a beefy yet clear and beautiful spatial sound, but loses out to some excitement and depth to the HiFi ROSE
- Vs WiiM Ultra: The DAC was being a little bit choked as all of the magic was not audible, as it was with the HiFi ROSE
Takeaway: The Nagra Tube DAC is considered by many to be one of the best DACs available, providing a beautiful, lifelike, and engaging listening experience that is a special end-game product. It connects the listener emotionally with every song, making music sound as good as it can.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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