playback mps-5 v dcs puccini

Hi, I've owned the DCS Puccini as well as the Scarlatti 3 box combo and IMO in my system, the MPS-5 clearly wins my vote. The MPS-5 may not dig as deep as the Scarlatti in terms of detail but it is so musical without sounding dull or uninvolving. The Puccini IMO is too clinical/ thin sounding lacking scale, resolution and depth of the MPS-5 and the Scarlatti. I sold my Scarllati set and bought the MPS-5.

Hope this helps.

I've heard the Puccini side by side with an EMM Labs XDS1.

I ended up picking the XDS1. Easier to make out different instruments/layers/vocals (in this respect it is similar to the MPS5 from memory) and noticeably lower noise floor (vs the Puccini) on the XDS1

I haven't had the chance to compare the XDS1 side by side with the MPS5 yet but from memory, they are more similar than they are dissimilar. The XDS1 seems to have a lower noise floor, the MPS5 has more decay/resonance in the mid bass which I kinda like.

The MPS5 also comes with the USB-X box now which allows you to send DSD audio over USB. That's pretty cool. The XDS1 has no such provision. dCS says they'll upgrade their USB devices to support this if there's industry acceptance but no commit on deliverables.

When I get the chance to put the XDS1 next to the MPS5, I'll post again.

Doggiehowser,

I also owned the XDS-1 before the MPS-5. The XDS-1 have a slightly better mid band with vocals but loosing out to the MPS-5 slightly with a darker back ground, detail, 3D, resolution and dynamics IMO. The XDS-1 do have a deeper soundstage like listening from the 15th row whereas the MPS-5 brings you slightly closer 10th row. Saying that, the MPS-5 have a MUCH wider 3D soundsatge.

They both are great players and synergy with the rest of your system will play a big row in choosing which to go for. The MPS-5 ultimately is a cheaper machine which is a big plus.

Cheers

I'll need to run in the XDS1 first :) The MPS5 I had on loan was fully run in and yes, I was damn impressed with it when I heard it in my system.

Unfortunately, I am not in the same country as my system at the moment.

A real bummer.

Can't wait to get the chance to hear the 2 side by side.