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.
All
Edelweiss Player MPS-6
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Special designed high end SACD/CD transport
- USB I/O: PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz
- Inputs: USB, AES, Coax, TosLink, PLink I/O
- Outputs: Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs
- Volume Control: Digitally driven, analog volume control
- DAC: Fully differential discrete DAC
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
- 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
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
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
What competes at this price?
Compatible with all digital audio formats
Supports hi-res streaming from Roon, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, AirPlay & more
Features our renowned dCS Ring DAC TM and Digital Processing Platform
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Startling clarity
- An extraordinarily clear view of the 'reality' of the recording
- Subtlety is exposed, which made listening a fuller, more complex experience
- Sound quality is unmatched in terms of technology, design, build and finish
- A very fluid, massive and somewhat dynamic soundstage
Product Considerations
- The dCS Mosaic app is starting to feel clunky
- Basic display
- Some holes when it comes to features
- Audiophile sound is mostly faint clouds hovering between boxes
- It is wished the streamer had Wi-Fi compatibility, but dCS sees this as compromising on sound quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Terminator Plus—it replaced the Denafrips Terminator Plus
- Vs Chord Dave DAC—the Chord Dave gets very close in sound to the Lina, but the Dave leans a bit leaner and sharper where the dCS Lina is fuller, thicker, smoother with more density
- Vs Weiss 501—the dCS is a smooth sounding DAC indeed, but it is not one of those that sound overly smooth, the Weiss 501 sounds closest to an in-studio experience, where we get the master tape kind of sound
- Vs HiFi ROSE 150b—the ROSE feels and looks to be built to a similar level (at least the outside), and is gorgeous as well, it's not nearly as refined or together in the DAC department when comparing it to upper echelon products
- Vs dCS Bartok Apex—compared to the Bartók Apex, the Lina's sound (without the Master Clock) had a slightly different textural quality, not coarser or finer grained but as though performers were viewed under a different quality of light, the Lina's light felt slightly more brilliant than remembered with the Apex and maybe 3o cooler
Takeaway: The Lina DAC is a small but very technologically advanced DAC and delivers music with a bonafide life-force behind it. This DAC brings a larger soundstage and bigger sound to the room and is well worth the cost if you have a system that can stand toe to toe with it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The MU2 is an all-in-one device combining a Roon core/endpoint, DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier
- Major DAC provides exceptional digital music reproduction, described as 'the best... by an obvious and distinct margin' and more 'lifelike'
- Offers a very quiet background and deep, wide, layered soundstage with stunning holographic reality
- The analog preamplifier section is high quality, described as Class A throughout, with ultra-low harmonic distortion
- Excels in revealing copious amounts of detail throughout the frequency range and making a deep emotional connection
Product Considerations
- Roon is required to operate the MU2 (although Grimm is reportedly working on another option)
- There is no wireless connectivity, requiring an Ethernet connection
- Some reviewers found the MU2 to be 'polite' or 'calm', which may not suit all preferences
- Parts are allegedly not worth the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs AURALiC ARIES G1.1 + Totaldac d1-triunity/Mola Mola Tambaqui—MU2 provides more fully fleshed out sound
- vs Grimm MU1—the MU2's integral implementation and direct internal connection give it an advantage, sounding more expansive and expressive
- vs Aqua Formula xHD DAC—the MU2 is calmer and more composed, while the Aqua is upfront and explicit
Takeaway: The Grimm MU2 is a versatile, all-in-one music player that delivers exceptional sound quality for digital music, and it simplifies your system by combining a streamer, DAC, and preamp. It is designed to bring you closer to your music with its impressive detail and engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an engaging and emotionally charged performance with rhythmic drive and articulate rendering of dynamic shifts
- Excellent build quality
- Streaming platform is stable and capable of dealing with all file types with ease
- Offers state-of-the-art sound quality with everything from online streaming services and Internet radio all the way through to hi-res music stored on your home network
- The output stage is Naim's preferred balanced impedance type, but they prefer the DIN route for normal cable lengths
Product Considerations
- No USB (Type B) input
- The manuals are a little scant on detail
- The signal level out of the balanced XLR sockets (2.1V) is the same as the single-ended connections, rather than double, as it usually is
- Some found the new white logo lighting (instead of the traditional green) to be a negative
- There is not enough space under the sharp cooling fins for fingers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NSC 222: The NSS 333 justifies its price premium with even better sound quality
- Vs Naim ND 555/555 PS DR: The Naim NSS 333 delivers a significant chunk of the ND555/555 PS DR's performance at a fraction of the price
- Vs Moon 681: The NSS 333 delivers admirable precision and stability in the way it places instruments and sounds, though the Moon 681 produces more in terms of soundstage width
- Vs Naim NDX: The NSS 333 offers significantly more air and space in the recording, a greater sense of detail, and a notably natural and unforced delivery
- Vs NDX2: The new player sounds better and closes the gap with the flagship ND555 player, at least when the high-end machine is used in its basic single power supply configuration
Takeaway: The Naim NSS 333 is a musically satisfying music streamer with excellent build quality and the ability to convey emotion. It combines detailed, richer sound with a slick and user-friendly experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Known for analog-like qualities in dealing with transcoding zeros and ones
- Conveys low-level musical complexity and subtle spatial nuances that other DACs have difficulty with
- Produces voices that expand in three dimensions with a refreshing sense of presence, reminiscent of vinyl reproduction
- Returns energy to the music, instead of taking it away
- Reproduces details and anchor points with refreshing vividness, presenting the actuality with the least fragmentation of the sound image
Product Considerations
- A single-ended into a balanced pre configuration caused occasional static, making image difficult to discern during those moments
- Clarity could be improved on very complex choirs and instruments, and more separation would also be beneficial
- The attack on drums is slightly slow—perhaps medium paced—compared to some DACs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to CH Precision C1.2 DAC, the DAC III is more emotionally involving, while the CH Precision sounds markedly cooler, flatter, and more emotionally restrained
- Compared to aqua acoustic quality Formula xHD, the Formula xHD retrieves detail, bass precision, articulation, and transparency better, while the DAC III is airier, more fluid, and more refined
- Compared to Holo Audio May, the attack on drums is slightly slow—perhaps medium paced—and behind the Holo Audio May as well
Takeaway: The SW1X Audio Design DAC III Balanced has a musicality that makes it worth considering. It expresses music in a way that is closer to analog, with a natural transparency and higher degree of contrast.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Surprisingly technical, with resolution on par or better than anything else heard at its price point
- Conveys the time of music extremely well, notably with exceptional leading-edge portrayal and high resolution/micro dynamics
- Offers excellent timbre
- The internal streamer presented better clarity in the bass
Product Considerations
- With signals above PCM 24 bits and 192 kHz, the converter down-samples the signals
- DSD signal is converted internally to a PCM signal, since the R2R resistor ladder is a 24-bit circuit
- Treble compensation may be needed for optimal sound, or to lower excessive treble energy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer, the d1-unity offers greater clarity, voice, and impact, providing a more fully resolved picture
- Versus Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, the d1-unity offers more body, tone, and texture, whereas the Mola Mola emphasizes upper frequencies a bit more
- Matches the resolution and dynamic presentation of the Chord Dave
- The internal streamer is marginally better than the Sonore Optical Rendu
Takeaway: The d1-unity is a good option for those seeking an engaging and high-resolution digital source. It is especially suited for listeners who appreciate a physical and vibrant presentation of music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
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