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Anyone heard the new Theta Gen VIII ?

I'm looking for the "ultimate" Redbook CD playback.

I am intent on NOT using a pre-amp, so please limit comparisions to other DACs with "variable out".

Has anyone heard the Gen VIII? How does it compare to other DACs in this price range?

I once owned a Theta Miles CDP and thought it was one of the best sounding all-in-ones out there (currently own the A.A. Capitole 24/192)

Thanks to any & all!
denf
7 responses Add your response
cellorover
417 posts
 
I know the Theta very well and compared it to 3 other players. The Muse Ten with an attenuator module was the better of all three. It was more musical and had better mid-bass and overall soundstage. The Muse offered specificity and dynamics that I have yet to hear with any other player.
worldcat
160 posts
 
What about it?
perose
40 posts
 
What about the Esoteric P70/D70?

http://www.stereophile.com/thefifthelement/886/index2.html
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,678 posts
 
With all the qualifications that attend the statement, it is the best I've heard so far.
http://www.stereophile.com/digitalsourcereviews/204theta/index.html
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
Meitner and dCS are both top choices. I would add to the list Muse Model Ten transport and Model 192 DAC with DB25 connection. Substantially less money than either Meitner or dCS and will hold their own against them both!
mark7767
57 posts
 
If you are looking for "ultimate "in redbook as well as SACD plyaback then there is only one company that can deliver--dCS--the Verdi SACD transport, Purcell upsampler with DSD, Elgar plus. Absolutely the best! IMO anyway. I wish I could afford them though, as it will set you back 30 grand.
mejames
986 posts
 
try Meitner DCC2 or Great Northern Sound modified Wadia 270 se transport and Wadia 27ix converter clocklinked together
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