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Jeff Rowland Aeris and Playback Designs MPD-3

Just curious if anyone has heard both of these and their impressions of the difference. I am interested in picking up a standalone DAC and seriously considering between these two.

Heard the Aeris DAC recently and was impressed. Very warm and holographic sound, and would not have initially guessed it was a USB feed from from a Macbook.

I have never heard the MPD-3, but I have previously borrowed the flagship MPS-5 and quite enjoyed that as well.

Anyone heard both able to offer any thoughts?
insomniac928

Showing 2 responses by insomniac928

insomniac928 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks, definitely I would audition the MPD-3 before buying.

The problem is out here the chances of being able to demo these two on the same system are pretty low... hence throwing the question out there.

On a slightly different note, does this mean the Aeris would not be able to process a signal from an SACD transport? Or it would compress sample rate.
insomniac928 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the info Ghasley, much appreciated. I strongly agree with your views on the prospects of downloadable music. I personally have a couple SACDs, not a huge collection by any means, but enough for it to give it some consideration.

On that note, have you heard the new Meitner DAC? I heard the flagship EMM player at a dealer in the past and frankly preferred the PD MPS-5, although my experience with them was on different systems. But the DAC looks like a competitor in the MPD-3 segment.

I do appreciate PD gear as impressive pieces of tech. DSD processing does look like a nice bit of future proofing. The Aeris is in the running, however, because I do use a Rowland amp at present.

Thanks again.
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