Help me tune my Theta Gen Va DAC

"To make the long story short, I sold the Theta before I got the caps (they were backordered)."

What did you replace it with?

To make the long story short, I sold the Theta before I got the caps (they were backordered).

"Why? If Theta had a 16v caps in there the working voltage was probably no more than 8 volts, and BG makes a STD470/16,FK470/16 and a N470/16."

Sorry, I made a mistake here - I was quoting from memory. I replaced the 47uF/16V caps with 47uF/50V BG N caps, not the 470uf/16V ones. BG doesn't make N 47uF/16V and the N 47uF/50V is the closest match.

"I in some cases I even exceed them, since original voltage was not available (470uF/50V instead of 470uF/16V for example)."

Why? If Theta had a 16v caps in there the working voltage was probably no more than 8 volts, and BG makes a STD470/16,FK470/16 and a N470/16.

Yes did. I have even found that I could use some lower voltage caps (6,7V instead of 16V) since the voltage was in the 3,7V-5V range, which would be about 4x cheaper, but decided to follow the original voltage values. In fact I in some cases I even exceed them, since original voltage was not available (470uF/50V instead of 470uF/16V for example).

"I ordered 500$ worth of Black Gate caps for my Theta DAC. I'm gonna use Black gate Standard for the analog supply, and Black gate N for digital."

Did you measure the working voltages for the caps you're replacing? Otherwise how did you select the optimum BGs to use? Are you installing any "super E" combos? Also, you should look into upgrading the pulse transformers on the digital inputs.

I ordered 500$ worth of Black Gate caps for my Theta DAC. I'm gonna use Black gate Standard for the analog supply, and Black gate N for digital.

Hope the change in sound quality will be as dramatic (and for the better !) as some ppl reported with other equipment.

Stay tunned !

Unfortunately, there are no mods available for this DAC from Theta and it out of warranty anyway.

I'm also sceptical about the effects of so called "tuning" and buying such a DAC from someone else ... but recaping is IMO another story. You just can't go wrong with that. The DAC is 8 years old, and some of caps had probably already dryed out a bit.

It is more like changing tires or shocks in a car - it must be performed at some point along the way and can only increase the value of the car.

I agree with Byfo. Talk to your closest Theta dealer, find out if there are any factory upgrades available. Theta does not like privateer mods to their gear...
(Warranty or factory service will probably be gone).

My advise would be to leave the Gen Va stock. Inevitably, down the road, you will want to upgrade to something else, and, at that point will have problems selling the unit because you've F....d with it. From my experience, no mod's except for those performed by the factory or by reputable modders are viewed favorably by propective buyers. On the other hand............. GO FOR IT.