See Mike Lavigne's Review of Playback Designs' MPS-5 for a comparison of a new one-box to Emm. David Robinson also has a review in the works. There's further discussion of the MPS-5 over at the Audioasylum.
Dave
Dave
See Mike Lavigne's Review of Playback Designs' MPS-5 for a comparison of a new one-box to Emm. David Robinson also has a review in the works. There's further discussion of the MPS-5 over at the Audioasylum. Dave |
06-20-08: Arbuckle said: "I am not sure about this new Playback Designs player. Seems as if one review (which may or may not be planted) is sturring the pot. What I do know is that it could easily be the ugliest player out there. So if you listen with the lights off and shut your eyes it may be ok." There's actually three reviews by Mike Lavigne, Ted Smith and David Robinson(his preliminary, but positive). Mike has no ownership interest in the maker and disclosed his long term relationship. Anyway, there's no reason those three would say it was good if not. Comparisons are to Emm's best. The pictures don't do it justice, it looks much better in person, not ugly at all. The dirth of reviews is due to the very recent release. For someone considering purchase right now, then they may not want to consider it; however, most people making purchases of this dollar amount can generally wait a few months if this seems like something they'd like. I'll be adding a review in a couple of weeks, but my comparison will be to vinyl and lesser digital components. Still, it may have some value to some. Dave |
Bar81, your lack of faith is understandable. I wavered myself and got on the phone with Jonathan, Andreas, Mike Lavigne and others. Given my appetite for risk, it was worth it, but I'd suspect that most would not find that risk acceptable. Frankly, besides the comforting discussions with the principals, the words of Mike, Ted Smith and David Robinson are what really set me in motion. I think most prospective owners will want to wait until another CES has gone by, some reviews show up in print and a few more dealers sign up. The risk profile will drop over time. Dave |
06-25-08: Bar81 said: "I think for 10K, there should be something in writing besides what's out there." Well, there will be printed writing. Playback Designs is only into the second month of a new product launch. Reviewers actually have in hand production models, rather than pre-production prototypes. If you wait for the print reviews, then you'll be looking at $15,000, not 10k. Print, verbal, digital, they're only words. Changing the format of the words doesn't change their value. As always, you need to consider the source and place your reliance accordingly. Anyone actually considering a purchase should consider the validity of the reviews of Mike Lavigne, Ted Smith and David Robinson. They're on record in writing, maybe only digital, but that's my point, putting it on paper doesn't change it's value. A serious prospective buyer must also consider that waiting for other reviewers and, in partcular, waiting on a printed review will cost $5000, because the price will certainly have increase by then. This is a classic risk vs. reward analysis. Your point is well taken, but we're in a digital age and information is available quicker than it used to be. You either take advantage of that or you don't. Dave |
I don't get your point Bar81. The ball is not hidden. Is not the VOSP line one of the very best??? Is selection of a particular model going to change your decsision as to whether to give it a listen or not? What if TEAC built a custom part, based on the VOSP, to fit their chassis or include something not in the stock line?? If Emm used Phillips and PD used Esoteric, would that fact alone make one totally unacceptable and the other a top candidate? Dave |
There will be a Playback Designs web site, they've just focused on production of the product first. They're building production capacity right now and meeting current demand. Getting ahead with marketing is an easy mistake to make. The current strategy is apparently working for them and will be enhanced as production develops, reviews come into place and they're ready to face the market's full force. Dave |
Chadeffect said: "you mention redbook playback. The Emm lab and DCS give you the choice of playing either SACD or redbook disks. The bonus i guess being they upsample rebook to dsd." The Playback Designs MPS-5 also upsamples to DSD. My redbook library took a GIANT leap forward when I added this piece. It sounds wonderful with redbook. Now I need to dig around to find a disc that I've got both in CD and SACD to see how they compare. The CD reproduction is so incredible that I don't find my self switching over to SACD or vinyl now. It really organic, detailed and rich. Dave |