I have used the Hi-Face and now a Audiophileo2. My position is that there are several quality older DACs that remain competitive as a DAC however lack implementation for USB. Many have better power supplies and analog output stages than newer USB DACs and can be purchased at lower price. External USB converters solve this issue and are often better than onboard ones. Also allow for an upgrade path.
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?