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Playback Designs MPD-3 DAC - Consignment
Condition: Used. Very good, small chips on front panel only (See photos)
Includes: Remote, Power Cable (No Box)
SN: 36183
Includes 7 day warranty
Overview
Playback Designs' MPD-3 DAC is the same construction internally as the popular MPS-3 CD Player, but without a disc transport.
Designed by Andreas Koch, a discrete digital circuit performs the D/A conversion using an FPGA with an original algorithm.
The MPD-3 achieves it's "analogue sound" by converting all incoming PCM signals, including USB signals, to a 5.8/6.1MHz DSD format before outputting them as analog signals.
An apodizing upsampling filter for 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates helps compensate for some of the ringing effects caused by brickwall filters in the Analog to Digital Converters used during recording.
AES/EBU for PCM up to 24 / 192kHz
S/PDIF for PCM up to 24 / 192kHz
USB for PCM up to 24 / 384kHz
USB for DSD up to 6.1MHz
Specification
Digital input terminals AES/EBU (XLR) x 1 (Supports Stereo PCM up to 192kHz/24bit)
SPDIF (RCA) x 1 (Supports Stereo PCM up to 192kHz/24bit)
PC (USB) x 1 (Supports PCM up to 384kHz/24bit, DSD up to 6.1MHz)
*Driver installation is required on your computer to use the USB input.
Supported OS: Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X v10.6.6 or later
Output terminal (analog): Balanced (XLR) x 1 (Pin 2 Hot) 4.6Vrms 1kHz Maximum Level
Unbalanced (RCA) x 1 2.3Vrms 1kHz Maximum Level
Power consumption 100W (max)
Dimensions (mm): 435(W) × 405(D) × 95(H)
Weight: 10.0kg
Function: Phase switching: 0°/-180°
Mute/Dim function
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️ Seven day warranty on Consignment*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
At A$6,300, this sits a bit above the sensible used floor for an MPD-3, but not so high that it feels out of line for a clean example with the cable included. Against a comparable modern DAC at this money, the real question is whether you want a known high-end design with serious pedigree; as a value buy, it reads more fair-to-strong than cheap, especially if condition and provenance are solid.
The MPD-3 is well regarded for its natural, spacious presentation and excellent conversion with both PCM and DSD, so it still has real appeal for a listener who wants a refined, non-fatiguing DAC. The included power cable is a small plus, and if it’s been well cared for, this is the kind of older flagship that can deliver a lot of sound for the spend. I’d want confidence on service history and input functionality, but the listing itself is buyable rather than suspicious.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Playback Designs emerged in 2008, founded by Andreas Koch, a pioneering digital audio engineer with roots tracing back to the early days of the format. Beginning his career at Studer ReVox in Switzerland in 1982, where he built the world's first fully asynchronous digital sample rate converter, Koch later honed his expertise at Dolby Labs, Studer Editech in California—creating the enduring Dyaxis hard disc recorder—and EMM Labs, developing revolutionary sample rate conversion algorithms, discrete D/A converters, and clock management architectures. Blending Swiss-German engineering precision with American entrepreneurial drive, the California-based brand launched with an integrated SACD/CD player incorporating 25 years of Koch's innovations.
The company specializes in high-performance digital playback systems, focusing on DACs, network players, and integrated processors like the MPD-6, MPS-X, MPD-8, and series such as Edelweiss and Dream. eschewing off-the-shelf D/A chips, Playback Designs employs custom Xilinx FPGA-based designs programmed with Koch's proprietary code for jitter-free, ultra-high-resolution conversion. Their expandable architectures unite digital signal processing with meticulously crafted analog output stages, often designed in collaboration with engineers like Bert Vogt or Bert Gerlach, prioritizing sonic purity over conventional components.
Positioned firmly in the high-end audiophile market, Playback Designs commands respect among discerning listeners for delivering reference-level transparency and musicality in digital sources. Known for from-the-ground-up innovations that outperform mass-market rivals, the brand appeals to buyers seeking no-compromise performance in a niche boutique realm, where proprietary algorithms and modular platforms ensure future-proof excellence.
See all Playback Designs listings on RADAR.
