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Impressed with the Playmaker

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This post has 30 Replies | 1 Follower

moxxey
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moxxey Posted: Mon, May 13 2013 1:45 PM

Warning: a thread with positivity. Click away now if you are easily offended.

Bought a Playmaker MK1 over the weekend, as I wanted a device which supports FLAC. Wasn't expecting much of a difference between my old Airport Express and the Playmaker (connected to BL3s), but there's a huge noticeable difference in audio quality.

Sounds are more obvious, separated effectively. Some of the tracks I play frequently sound instantly better via the Playmaker - the DAC clearly makes a difference.

Not had a single dropout streaming audio to the Playmaker, either via iTunes or Airfoil.

Conclusion? Get yourself out now and buy yourself a MK1 Playmaker whilst it still supports FLAC. It's really worth the investment.

Millemissen
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Hi Moxxey,

Nice, we really need more threads with positivity Big Smile

I have my PM since the very first it came out - it has worked perfect ever since.

Wouldn't miss it, it has become a very essential part of my setup allowing me to do things I could also do before, but now in a much easier and better way. I am very pleased with the soundquality.

Greetings Millemissen


There is a tv - and there is a BV

Guy
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Guy replied on Mon, May 13 2013 2:26 PM

moxxey:

Bought a Playmaker MK1 over the weekend, as I wanted a device which supports FLAC.

So was is reduced in price because there is a new model out?  Do I need to buy one quickly??

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Mon, May 13 2013 3:30 PM

Guy:

So was is reduced in price because there is a new model out?  Do I need to buy one quickly??

No, it's not reduced in price. Most dealers still have MK1's in stock (but new stock will now be a MK2, without FLAC support).

olvisab
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olvisab replied on Mon, May 13 2013 3:46 PM

Hi,

 

I have bought one in France 2 weeks ago, and I confirm they still have playmaker mk1 in stock.I wonder really if this mk2 exists.

As you say Moxxey, very good results with the bl3.

I have just bought a bs5/bm5 too and the Dac is even better than the playmaker.Every old cd I stream sounds good.

 

4 beolab 5,  beolab 9, beolab 10, beolab 5000, beolab 8000 mk2, beolab 6002, beolab 3500, beovision 7 55 mk2,  2 beovision 11 46 mk4, beotime, beosound ouverture, beosound essence, beoplay A8, beomaster 900 RG de luxe and the collection continues...

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Mon, May 13 2013 4:09 PM

olvisab:

I have bought one in France 2 weeks ago, and I confirm they still have playmaker mk1 in stock.I wonder really if this mk2 exists.

It does exist - it's listed on the internal dealer system. Also, if you download the BeoSetup app, it states "Playmaker MKII".

The Playmaker MKII differs in that it can auto-update when new software is made available.

olvisab
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olvisab replied on Mon, May 13 2013 4:42 PM

thanks for this information.

Auto update or manual update, this is not a big improvement for me.

When I installed it , It took me 10 times more than the secondhand beosound 5 I just purchased.

For the bs5, I didn't use the beoconnect app as I use Linux pc only.

I don't know if this is because this unit was a secondhand unit, but it was really easy.

so enjoy your new toy :)

 

4 beolab 5,  beolab 9, beolab 10, beolab 5000, beolab 8000 mk2, beolab 6002, beolab 3500, beovision 7 55 mk2,  2 beovision 11 46 mk4, beotime, beosound ouverture, beosound essence, beoplay A8, beomaster 900 RG de luxe and the collection continues...

rob08
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rob08 replied on Mon, May 13 2013 5:10 PM
I like it too, but really miss a built in wall mount
BeoHut
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BeoHut replied on Mon, May 13 2013 5:17 PM
+1.

Still enjoying my PM every day without any issues. A very good DAC inside and easy operation.

In combination with the Creation 5 app (also usable with the BM/BS5 combo) is this a perfect couple. But other apps like Airfoil or Plugplayer and Beoplayer (full version) are worth to use.

Enjoy your setup but the most important is the good soundquality of your (new) toys. Just listen with your eyes closed on the couch!
BeoHut
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BeoHut replied on Mon, May 13 2013 5:20 PM
rob08:

I like it too, but really miss a built in wall mount

Have a look at the STB-website. A wallmount is available for the Playmaker. Have a look here: http://www.stbbrackets.co.uk/?page=proddetail&catID=79&ProdID=1200
Christophe
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You can order a wall bracket from STB, but indeed, I don't know why B&O simply didn't fit 2 holes at the back of the white plastic part, like they did on my old RL35 speakers! I bought one of the first PM while in Australia, and connected to my BeoVox Pentas with a Rotel IcePower amp, it really rocks. I had a DAC Magic before, and I would say that the only audible difference is in the channel separation (slightly less on the PM), but all the details are there, and to me this is the cheapest way to use BeoLabs with Airplay AND remote control from your Beo4. If you have a Masterlink setup and with Airplay, you can get perfect sound sync with your Masterlink network , that's how I use my PM. I am no fan of its design, but painting it in another color is on my to-do list..I'm sure it will already look better after that!
Hardwriter
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Useful post, Moxxey. I'll  likely get a PM when I upgrade to active speakers in kitchen (currently drive pasives via Beocenter and an AE 3). Can you say which generation AE you had been using? And does anyone know if there's any significant performance differnce between gen 1, 2 and 3 DACs?

StUrrock
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StUrrock replied on Mon, May 13 2013 8:17 PM
moxxey:

Warning : a thread with positivity. Click away now if you are easily offended.

Bought a Playmaker MK1 over the weekend, as I wanted a device which supports FLAC. Wasn't expecting much of a difference between my old Airport Express and the Playmaker (connected to BL3s), but there's a huge noticeable difference in audio quality.

Sounds are more obvious, separated effectively. Some of the tracks I play frequently sound instantly better via the Playmaker - the DAC clearly makes a difference.

Not had a single dropout streaming audio to the Playmaker, either via iTunes or Airfoil.

Conclusion? Get yourself out now and buy yourself a MK1 Playmaker whilst it still supports FLAC. It's really worth the investment.

Moxxey feeling as if 13th May 2013 will forever be known as positive Monday :)

Just finished an install with 6 Playmakers and 1 x A9, customer loves the ease of use and sound quality.

At the customer's request all the PMs are at the rack end and connect to a third party control system/audio matrix. He can control and listen to a selection of other audio sources through the AAUX connection via an iPad app and have party mode of all these souces in perfect synch.

Lovin these PMs hope MKII is just as good:)
Millemissen
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"Lovin these PMs hope MKII is just as good:)"

The PM MK2 is better - if you don't need DLNA/FLAC Crying

Grrr! Millemissen

There is a tv - and there is a BV

Millemissen
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Hi StUrrock,

"l the PMs are at the rack end and connect to a third party control system/audio matrix. He can control and listen to a selection of other audio sources through the AAUX connection via an iPad app and have party mode of all these souces in perfect synch."

What does: "are at rack end" mean, please?

Greetings Millemissen

There is a tv - and there is a BV

StUrrock
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StUrrock replied on Mon, May 13 2013 10:30 PM
Millemissen:

What does: "are at rack end" mean, please?

In the Rack with the HDMI matrix, control system processor, audio matix, network switch etc

Where all our cat7s terminate!
PLom
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PLom replied on Tue, May 14 2013 12:59 AM

I can second Moxxey's findings, a huge improvement over the Airport Express in sound quality. The looks and finish however, is not up to the old B&O standard. But certainly a useful device, thanks also to Millemissen for clarifying various way to use the PM.

Cheers,   -Peter

Playdrv4me
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Yeah it's too bad it looks like a pool drain cover, but probably not a huge issue if it's somewhat out of the way anyhow.

Ehlerz
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Ehlerz replied on Tue, May 14 2013 10:03 AM

StUrrock:

 ...and have party mode of all these souces in perfect synch.

Hmm, i thought this was only possible from Itunes on a computer?

Can you please elaborate on how the partymode works otherwise, say from Iphone or Ipad? Am i able to stream simultaniously to more than one PM?

 

TIA

 

/Ehlz

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, May 14 2013 10:06 AM

Ehlerz:

Am i able to stream simultaniously to more than one PM?

Through Airplay? Yes, of course. The PM's just show up as an Airplay device. You can easily stream to multiple Airplay devices, PM's or not, at the same time.

elephant
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elephant replied on Tue, May 14 2013 11:06 AM

moxxey:

Ehlerz:

Am i able to stream simultaniously to more than one PM?

Through Airplay? Yes, of course. The PM's just show up as an Airplay device. You can easily stream to multiple Airplay devices, PM's or not, at the same time.

from iTunes to more than one

from Airfoil to more than one

from an iDevice using Airplay to only one (I think)

from an iDevice using DLNA to more than one - I don't know

from an aDevice using DLNA to more than one - I don't know

BeoNut since '75

StUrrock
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StUrrock replied on Tue, May 14 2013 2:29 PM
Ehlerz:

Hmm, i thought this was only possible from Itunes on a computer?

Can you please elaborate on how the partymode works otherwise, say from Iphone or Ipad? Am i able to stream simultaniously to more than one PM?

TIA

/Ehlz

Sorry I was talking in my case about input in the AAUX analogue in socket from a third part system.

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, May 14 2013 3:11 PM

I'm listening to the Depeche Mode Delta Machine album (a very well produced record) and it's like a different experience using the Playmaker (compared to the Airport Express). Unbelievable.

I'm astonished by the clarity of the audio.

Ƨcɑɽɑɱɑnɡɑ
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elephant:
from iTunes to more than one

Is there a matrix somewhere that can explain all of the possible scenarios -not just with the PM, but with all of this new-fangled stuff?

Sources, controls, outputs, etc...

If not, this would be EXCELLENT for a FAQ here on site!

I often can't see past my pipe far enough to figure it all out!

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BeoBoy68
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BeoBoy68 replied on Tue, May 14 2013 3:26 PM
PM is ugly ! Why Beo don't change the look for new version 2 ! I like aluminium. Pfff
kokomo
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kokomo replied on Tue, May 14 2013 3:48 PM

Shame though for company renowned for design that's it so unattractive, ugly even. It's not worthy IMO of the B&O brand on its looks alone.

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, May 14 2013 4:00 PM

BeoBoy68:
PM is ugly ! Why Beo don't change the look for new version 2 ! I like aluminium. Pfff

Hey, you don't have to have it on display. There's no rulebook that says everything needs to be out in the open.

One advantage of the Playmaker is you can hide it relatively easily. We have ours wired by ethernet and in a drawer, with the BL3s on display. You don't need to touch an Airport Express, so why the Playmaker?

olvisab
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olvisab replied on Tue, May 14 2013 4:41 PM

Moxxey, sorry, I think you are wrong.

I am sure that some makes love to their Airport Express :)

4 beolab 5,  beolab 9, beolab 10, beolab 5000, beolab 8000 mk2, beolab 6002, beolab 3500, beovision 7 55 mk2,  2 beovision 11 46 mk4, beotime, beosound ouverture, beosound essence, beoplay A8, beomaster 900 RG de luxe and the collection continues...

BeoBoy68
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BeoBoy68 replied on Tue, May 14 2013 5:07 PM
Moxxey why B&O put a sensitive front functional wheel ? Not sure to be hidden. Ok you can hide your PM but if it will have an aluminium wheel like the beocenter 2, it will be gorgeous. Actually I am disappointed by this product. Beo is a brand which claim design all time, isn't it ?
moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, May 14 2013 5:07 PM

olvisab:

I am sure that some makes love to their Airport Express :)

I'm not sure what you mean there, but my keywords were "don't have to..". I mean, you don't have to have it on public display. You can hide it, put in a drawer etc etc. You can't be wrong through choice.

It's called choice. A functioning wheel doesn't mean you have to use it. That's why you have a remote. Remember that a Playmaker is designed as a through device which you control from your computer, from your iOS/Android device or remote. It's not designed to replace the Encore. I've never gone near an Airport Express, for example, apart from setting it up.

StUrrock
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StUrrock replied on Tue, May 14 2013 9:29 PM
moxxey:

Hey, you don't have to have it on display. There's no rulebook that says everything needs to be out in the open.

One advantage of the Playmaker is you can hide it relatively easily. We have ours wired by ethernet and in a drawer, with the BL3s on display. You don't need to touch an Airport Express, so why the Playmaker?

Moxxey that is so true.

B&O need to realise that a hidden (maybe rack mounted solution) with minimal elegant wiring is part of the beauty.

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