DAC choice: Playback Designs/Grimm?

[tdx44]

Hi all

as the title says I'm considering the following two brands for my next DAC purchase. Specifically, either the Grimm MU2 or the PDB MPD-6 (wish I could afford the MPD-8 but I can't).

Both DACs have pretty much universal praise, and unfortunately I wont be able to audition them before purchase so in the off chance that someone has listened to both I'd love some feedback.

Looking for a DAC that has big, full musical sound, doesn't have to be super warm but also not analytical. If either of them are better at handling sibilant highs in not so well recorded music, that'd be a huge plus.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

Do you have a source (streamer/CD/...) in place already?

/ Marcus

 

[tdx44]

Using a NUC at the moment. Might get a better one later but from what I’ve read both the Grimm and PBD are relatively immune to upstream changes.

Thanks

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

Using a NUC at the moment. Might get a better one later but from what I’ve read both the Grimm and PBD are relatively immune to upstream changes.

Thanks

The MU2 is an all-in-one (streamer/server/DAC/pre) which makes it somewhat different from the MPD-6 which is a pure DAC with volume control and an optional streaming module.

 

[tdx44]

If I go the MPD6 route I’ll def get the X stream option for that reason.

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

If I go the MPD6 route I’ll def get the X stream option for that reason.

Great, you should. The streaming part is crucial to get the best out of these DAC(s).

Don't you have access to any of the brands / products locally for support and auditioning? I can give you my view representing both brands, but a personal audition within the context of your own system and home is highly recommended on this level.

/ Marcus

 

[tdx44]

unfortunately I don’t but I’ll try to get one. So I’d love your opinion if you don’t mind!

Thanks

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

We've been carrying Playback Designs for quite a few years now, where the MPD-8 is our most requested and appreciated DAC outselling everything else on the higher level.

The MPD-6 is the smaller brother which comes rather close but lacks some in terms of refinement, drive and foundation. Within the context of a more mature and transparent system, the difference is obvious. Within a less resolving setting, the difference might be very minor. The MPD-6 appears to be more revealing while still being on the more organic side (i.e. not overly analytical) compared to the MU2.

The MU2 is very natural, fluid and analogue sounding. If you're planning to use all of the features that it offers it's a very strong contender in terms of price-performance. The overall build quality might not be as impressive as the MPD-6 though if that matters to you where the display is also somewhat of a compromise.

Both are very interesting options, but it all comes down to the synergy within your system combined with your personal preferences.

/ Marcus

 

[tdx44]

Thanks Marcus this is so helpful. One key area of concern for me is how each handles sibilant sounds (“S” and “T” sounds especially) on poorly mastered recordings. Some dacs highlight this frequency more than others and it’s something that I’m particularly sensitive to. Out of the two dacs do you have any preference in this area?

Thanks

 

[chuck]

One key area of concern for me is how each handles sibilant sounds (“S” and “T” sounds especially) on poorly mastered recordings.

Which recordings are you referring to? I only have the MPD-8 but have heard the MPD-6 a couple of times.

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

Thanks Marcus this is so helpful. One key area of concern for me is how each handles sibilant sounds (“S” and “T” sounds especially) on poorly mastered recordings. Some dacs highlight this frequency more than others and it’s something that I’m particularly sensitive to. Out of the two dacs do you have any preference in this area?

Thanks

This often comes down to the willingness to compromise. Do you want to get the most out of the great recordings or prefer a less revealing and more forgiving presentation?

It's also a matter of noise- and distorsion levels as well as acoustics which makes this a complex subject.

Which speakers and amplification will you be using?

/ Marcus

 

[tdx44]

Which recordings are you referring to? I only have the MPD-8 but have heard the MPD-6 a couple of times.

Basically most non remastered stuff from sat before 1990 newer well mastered albums sound great on most high end dacs but older ones can sound so harsh on dacs that are too strong in the highs. Not looking for a dac that makes everything too smooth just one that doesn’t accentuates those frequencies too much. Thanks

 

[tdx44]

This often comes down to the willingness to compromise. Do you want to get the most out of the great recordings or prefer a less revealing and more forgiving presentation?

It's also a matter of noise- and distorsion levels as well as acoustics which makes this a complex subject.

Which speakers and amplification will you be using?

/ Marcus

Thanks. For now I’m using a Woo Wa23 tube amp and a SAEQ Armageddon SS amp. Driving Spatial Audio X3s and for headphones a pair of Raal Imanis. So a very nice but also pretty revealing chain which makes me want to choose the dac carefully.

 

[chuck]

I'm not sure what you mean by sat stuff. Can you provide some recording titles?
I have some CDs from the 1980s, the early AAD transfers, they have a unique sound that the remasters don't. Is that what you mean?

 

[tdx44]

sorry that was a typo i meant from around before 1990. Couple of examples that come to mind are:
- If it makes you happy - Sherryl Crow
- you ought know - alanis morisette
- missing - everything but the girl

there's more but those are the ones i remember at the top of my head. They all sound good but on my system the sharp consonants are a little too sharp for my taste and ruin the enjoyment of the music.

thanks

 

[chuck]

Quote from Playback Designs website:

"Most digital playback systems produce high frequencies that tend to sound processed or harsh. It is commonly referred to as “digititis” or “digital hash”. It is an unnatural sound that can cause listener fatigue and irritation during long listening sessions."

It seems that is what you are describing. I had the Playback Designs Merlot before the MPD-8, the PD DACs do not have "digital hash.". I suggest you get the MPD-6.

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

Quote from Playback Designs website:

"Most digital playback systems produce high frequencies that tend to sound processed or harsh. It is commonly referred to as “digititis” or “digital hash”. It is an unnatural sound that can cause listener fatigue and irritation during long listening sessions."

It seems that is what you are describing. I had the Playback Designs Merlot before the MPD-8, the PD DACs do not have "digital hash.". I suggest you get the MPD-6.

They certainly do not

/ Marcus