Playback Designs 3 Series / USB-X Press Release

jtinn

Industry Expert
Apr 20, 2010
503
70
483

PRESS RELEASE

July 11, 2011 – Portland, Oregon

Playback Designs Introduces Super High Resolution Computer Listening!
Audio enthusiasts who yearn for higher resolution music playback through a computer, look no further. Playback Designs, LLC., introduces three exciting new products, which break new ground in digital playback by playing Super High Resolution (SHR) music files at rates of up to 24/384 kHz PCM and 6.1 MHz DSD over USB.

3 Series Products
The Playback Designs Music Playback Digital to Analog Converter 3, also known as MPD-3, and Music Playback System 3, also known as MPS-3, are products that are totally unique in today's market place. The MPS-3 is really two products in one single box: a world class CD transport combined with a discrete dual differential DAC. The MPD-3 is identical to the MPS-3 except it has no transport mechanism. Both products can receive a variety of external digital sources, including computer based music servers - not only a unique and powerful combination, but also versatile in applications. Another unique feature of the 3 Series products is their ability to playback SHR files of up to 24/384kHz PCM and 6.1MHz DSD through USB from either a PC or MAC. This is 32 times the resolution of players able to playback 192kHz high resolution files.

Through the use of Playback Designs’ newest apodizing upsampling filter for 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates, PCM never sounded better or more analog like. Apodizing filters are special upsampling filters that compensate for some of the ringing effects caused by brickwall filters in the Analog to Digital Converters (A/D) used during recording. Depending on the recordings, apodizing filters can provide audible improvements. This is not a new technology and is used mostly to improve reception signals from the edge of dish antennas (satellite). Since brickwalls in A/D converters are akin to edges on dish antennas the same principle holds for digital audio and similar filters can be used in DACs with noticeable improvements.

With more and more enthusiasts taking advantage of computer based music, the 3 Series products might be the perfect solution!

USB-X
The USB Extender Box (USB-X) is an external device that gives the Playback Designs 5 Series products the ability to playback Super High Resolution (SHR) files of up to 24/384kHz PCM and 6.1MHz DSD through USB from either a PC or MAC. Playback Designs’ USB-X technology is deliberately built into a separate chassis to properly isolate the asynchronous clock from the analog circuitry. The USB-X is now included with the purchase of either of the 5 Series products. The Playback Designs 5 Series products remain the ultimate digital playback device.

The Playback Designs 5 Series will challenge what you have come to expect as the limitations of digital playback!

For more information or to hear one these new ground breaking products, contact Playback Designs or visit them at the California Audio Show, July 15 – 17, 2011 in Room 316 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burlingame, California.

Playback Designs
(503) 221-0465
4160 SW Greenleaf Drive
Portland, OR 97221
info@playbackdesigns.com

http://playbackdesigns.com
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
4,698
2,790
Portugal
From the 3 Series Press Release:
> Through the use of Playback Designs’ newest apodizing upsampling filter for 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates, PCM never sounded better or more analog like

I am confused. Is the series 3 be a better sounding DAC than the series 5?
 

jtinn

Industry Expert
Apr 20, 2010
503
70
483
From the 3 Series Press Release:
> Through the use of Playback Designs’ newest apodizing upsampling filter for 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates, PCM never sounded better or more analog like

I am confused. Is the series 3 be a better sounding DAC than the series 5?

The 5 Series remains the top of the line. The 3 Series is more affordable but utilizes quite a bit of the same technology.
 

jtinn

Industry Expert
Apr 20, 2010
503
70
483
The series 3 comes with the USB extender and all new MPS-5 come with the USB-X. For those already owning the MPS-5 the USB-X will be able to be purchased separately


You were pretty close Steve.

The 3 Series has the USB functionality built in while we went outboard with what we call the USB-X for the 5 Series. The USB-X technology is deliberately built into a separate chassis to further isolate the asynchronous clock from the analog circuitry. All 5 Series products are now shipping with the USB-X and there has been a price increase to cover it. As Steve mentioned, the USB-X is available to existing owners as a separate purchase.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
7,006
512
1,740
Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
USB stands for Use Something Better... Real men don't use USB!
 

MylesBAstor

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2010
11,236
81
1,725
New York City

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
4,698
2,790
Portugal

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing