dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra

Andreas Koch up until several months ago, was a partner/designer and vice president of EMM Labs. Before that he was with Sony/Philips. I believe he was in charge of the Sony Sonoma DSD workstation project which uses EMM gear.
Two different times I've sent EMM products to Andreas for repair under warrenty. Since he lives in the U.S it saved me from going through customs.

Andreas is a very mild, modest and conservative person. You won't hear him brag or exaggerate about his product. Because I trust what Andreas tells me, I just bought a Playback Designs Player from Jonathan Tinn. And as for Jonathan, He's always treated me more than fair over several years of transactions with him. Customer service is first rate.

Yes, it's a new player. The "players" are not new and have a proven tract record. The reviews will be coming. Since it was just released, it will take a few months before you see it in print. If your skeptical wait for the reviews but for me, well, I just couldn't wait.

Frank

Then Jonathan Tinn must be regarded as a prime company dismantler in hi-end audio, LOL !

First VSR, now EMM Labs ...

Elberoth2,

Both Andreas and Kevin left EMM Labs and VSA respectively on their own volition they were not usurped by JT out of these companies. Moreover, they are both much happier now (i know first hand) doing what they love and using their great talent to develope their very own designs for our benefit. I have both of their products and couldn't be happier!:)

I have no reasons not to belive you. That was more of a joke. Should have put "j/k" at the end.

Is the Playback Design available or is there a long wait for it?

As of a few days ago the wait was only a few days.

Dave

anybody had a chance to compare the Playback Designs with the Berkeley Audio Alpha Dac on redbook?

It's a very old post, however, I would like to add my experiences for whoever wants to further updates

I have set up MPS-5, Nagra CDC, EMM CDSA and chord red reference mk2 in my own listening system.
Above sources have very different characteristics and I would like to conclude above listed sources are very equal and no actual superiority.
MPS-5 showed very detailed sonicity, trebles, and musicality. very good at classical music genre.
Nagra CDC is frequently undervalued probably due to its size, however, I think it has a very neutral and balanced sound. So, Nagra CDC is very easy to be matched with various systems. I personally like a long lasting Nagra record system and their know-how for Nagra cdc in my own system.
EMM CDSA has a very soft and emotional characteristic. The sound of it is very fine and enough as a source itself but built quality of mechanical perspective is rather questionable for my personal view.
Chord red reference mk2 is a very nice source for both sound and a mechanical view. I think this source is very versatile and suitable for most of the audiophiles.   

Happy listening!