[Ooztuncer]

Hi there,
I did a small research on Theta Dac's but I found out that it is really hard to learn their differences.

I am mainly interested in the 1986-1995 era. And as far as I know, here is their line-up:

DS pre > 1988

DS pro > 1989, essentially the same thing as the DS Pre, minus volume control.

DS pre generation II and pro generation II > 1990

Cobalt > 1992

DS generation III > 1993

DS pro generation V > 1994

First of all do you think did I miss any other model?

And more importantly, how do they sound - are they inferior than current production DAC's due to their old technology?

Any ideas on going prices on them and which one do you recommend?

Thanks!!

 

[frozenice]

I like the sound of them, I tried a couple of them in my system a decade ago or so - the pre and the pro. They had a big full relaxed sound. I haven't heard any of the new DAC's so I can't compare them. I think audiogon.com and click on DAC is a good place to start looking for prices.
I am looking to upgrade my dac maybe in the next year or so - the Gen V is definitely on my list.
My system is a Theta Data Basic, CAL dac, Classe Integrated and Hales Bookshelf speakers.

 

[Jon L]

Theta Gen Va is a great sounding DAC, and it'll appeal to those who value great detail resolution, extreme dynamics, transparency, and soundstaging. If you prefer a extra-rounded, softer, extra-warm sound, there are other choices, but in its day, I preferred the Va over the competition from Levinson, Audio Research, etc.

 

[rincewind]

I heard a Gen VIII for a decent listening session and it was very impressive. I'll never pay what that guy did though.

 

[Ooztuncer]

Thank you guys for the responses (even tough it was limited I believe they are nice products). I have found some more information on them (from audiogon, duh):

DSPro > 88
DSPro Basic >90
DSPro Gen II > 90
DSPro Basic II >91
DSPro Prime > 91
Cobalt > 92
DSPro Gen III > 92
DSPro Prime II > 93
DSPro Basic III >94
DSPro Gen V > 94
DSPro Progeny > 94
Chroma > 96
DSPro Basic IIIa > 96
DSPro Gen > 96
DSPro Gen Va > 96
DSPro Prime IIa > 96
DSPro Progeny A > 96
Fidelis > 96
Chroma 396 > 00
DSPro Gen VIII > 04
Gen VIII > 04

21 products!!

OK, let me rephrase my question little bit. Let's say I have a budget of up to $1,000 for a dac. Which one would you recommend in the above list (or something else)?

There are tons of dacs around and I really don't have any chance to audition them - thanks again...

 

[spacemanspliff]

If I had $1000 I would get this

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....onv&1180480396

 

[Ooztuncer]

actually that caught my eye too, however I am not sure about using a tube dac... Another competitor might be the electrocompaniet I believe...

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ooztuncer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Another competitor might be the electrocompaniet I believe...

If I had $1000ish to spend on a DAC I'm not sure I'd even bother looking at anything else. Simply put listening to that DAC w/ a highly modified EAR+ HD amp (Voodoochile's old rig) was one of the most memorable listening experiences I've had.

 

[Ooztuncer]

^^ hehe I also remember that rig - simply mind blowing system. I am trying to narrow the choices but,as usual, the more I read the more I get confused.

My latest perhaps-this-is-the-correct-one candidate is the cec da53...

 

[javry]

if you can swing it, I'd go for the GenV or Gen Va

 

[Ooztuncer]

well, i decided to go with a good source first - spent half of my budget on a denon 3910, which means that I am transferred to Best-DAC-up to $400 thread, lol

 

[Ooztuncer]

sorry to bump this thread but I did't want to create a new one.

I am wondering if anybody asked Theta to do some modifications, let's say converting a dspro basic to a gen Va (parts and circuitry)? I already sent an e-mail to them but if you already did something like that please post the mods + the cost of it - thanks...

 

[Ooztuncer]

Well, in case if someone else wonders (for future reference) here is the reply from Theta:


Dear Mr. Oztuncer,

The basic is a completely different model from the Generation series models you are enquiring about. I'm sorry. One model cannot be turned into the other model.

Sincerely,

Bruce Williams,
Theta Tech Support Team

 

[Thelonious Monk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I had $1000ish to spend on a DAC I'm not sure I'd even bother looking at anything else. Simply put listening to that DAC w/ a highly modified EAR+ HD amp (Voodoochile's old rig) was one of the most memorable listening experiences I've had.

right now the monarchy m24 is the only tubed component i'm eyeing; need to get my hands on one and give it a listen. maybe it sounds so good because its analog section is actually cared for as opposed to other dacs?