I agree that old Theta Digital DACs are still awesome when fed a low jitter source. I am using an iMac optical output, Wireworld Supernova, Assemblage D2D-1, three Twisted Pear Design S/PDIF transceivers in series (jitter filters) into a Theta Pro Basic IIIA DAC. BNC digital cables are from WyWires and Stereolab. I modified the Pro Basic by upgrading to the CS8414 input receiver and added a BNC input using the PartsConnexion Ohm-Aha mini silver 75 ohm cable. I am using Amarra HiFi software and use the Apple Remote app on my iPad to control iTunes. The sound quality through the Theta is much better than my Schiit Audio Bifrost Uber DAC. I also have a Theta transport, Pearl, that I no longer use. My Apogee Centaur speakers never sounded so good!
M2Tech hiFace192 + Theta Gen Va synergy?
I just want to comment that I am really enjoying listening to the M2Tech hiFace USB/spdif adapter into a very old Theta Gen Va D/A. I have been in this hobby a long time, and I am amazed at how good this sounds.
I would hypothesize that the asyncynchronus data transfer and a resulting reduction of jitter has enabled the now old Theta Gen Va to really shine. The depth, precision of image and "air" around images is amazing, and the sound is truly relaxing with no loss of detail. I know there is a lot of talk about the new Ayre anti-alaising D/A algorithm. I'm not sure how it differs from the algorithm created by Theta years ago. I am sure that it would be difficult to beat the analog output stage of the Theta.
I would encourage relistening to some of these older D/A processors with a now low jitter feed before spending big $ on some of the new stuff.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
I would hypothesize that the asyncynchronus data transfer and a resulting reduction of jitter has enabled the now old Theta Gen Va to really shine. The depth, precision of image and "air" around images is amazing, and the sound is truly relaxing with no loss of detail. I know there is a lot of talk about the new Ayre anti-alaising D/A algorithm. I'm not sure how it differs from the algorithm created by Theta years ago. I am sure that it would be difficult to beat the analog output stage of the Theta.
I would encourage relistening to some of these older D/A processors with a now low jitter feed before spending big $ on some of the new stuff.
Has anyone had a similar experience?