I own one and still like it. Go for the mk. IIIa version, the last iteration made. Transport quality will still make a big difference (I use one of Theta's own). Employ the balanced XLR data connection if you can. $400 is a good price for these IMO (clean condition IIIa version - others can be less). The front panel source selection switch and lock indicator LED are commonly touchy (can seem to have a mind of their own) in this model. Try this Theta if you like the sound clean, extended, and impactful, with a big soundstage and solid 3-D images, but not if you prefer some obscuring warming-over of poor CD's. The DSPro Basic IIIa will not sweeten the top end or romanticize the mids, and the overall balance is a little cool and dry, but never flat, dull, or overly mechanical. (Ultimate transient precision, image focus, and treble clarity can be improved with a good jitter-box like the Monarchy DIP, and even more with a balanced-AC PLC and a decent PC, I have found.)
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