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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?
oldears

Showing 2 responses by oldears

oldears OP
386 posts
 
Mryan, Thanks for your response. Did you compare the HiFace directly to the Legato through the Theta Gen Va?
I read the info on the Legato and they are not clear on their "very well designed" clock. The hiFace uses a crystal, very precise and cheap. If the Legato sounds better then the power supply might be very important. In which case, the power supply mods for the hiFace and also the new model might be interesting. I am using a normal 75 ohm spec bnc cable and have changed the input jack on the Theta to bnc many years ago. I personally think the bnc spec cables are key , and thay those using rca jacks for digital trahsmissions are wasting a lot of money. MUSE only uses bnc jacks for their products.
oldears OP
386 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification. I wan't trying so much to compare the hiFace to the Legato as to determine the relative importance of the power supply and the jitter reduction using a crystal oscillator ( which I remember from ham radio in 1960).
I find the strengths of the hiFace/Theta Gen Va to be the reduction in glare that you cite as a weakness, so I guess I should attempt to find a Legato or upgrade power to the hiFace.
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