2. digital
  3. 1092100920

Theta Compli FAQ

Hey Guys wondering if you could help me with some questions about the Theta Compli. I am really interested in this player, its got lots of features including SDI output to keep an all digital video signal. The question I have is about sound quality, in particular cd playback. I still listen to lots of cds and was wondering what i can expect from this player, i dont think a $4500 universal will match a $4500 cd player, so i was wondering what level of cd playback would this player match. I am also wondering about the quality of the dacs in this player, i know the David was an all digital transport, and that the only reason they probably put Dacs in the Compli is because of the lack of a universal digital output for high res audio. The player is also suppose to be with a Gen8 Dac. I dont have the money for that, but a DAC from MSB or Perpetual Tech could be purchased for the player. Any help you provide would be much useful.
Cheers
krock

Showing 1 response by hfriedman

hfriedman
3 posts
 
Well, I own both the Compli and Gen VIII and I think it is a killer unit. It replaced my Theta Data Basic II transport which was one of the best out there. The Compli is comparable in sound, a little less forward in the mids than the Data Basic II. The Compli is based on the $1200 Pioneer Elite unit. They focus most of the mods on the audio playback. As far as I am told the only thing they do with the video is isolate it a little more and tweak the power supply to reduce video noise. The video DACS are the ones that come with the Pioneer unit.

I plan on using my unit for SACD/DVD-A when Theta has the module available for my Gen VIII. If your primary focus is going to be CD and would look at the Ayre CX-7 and get an inexpensive DVD player. The CX-7 a killer unit at the price.

Otherwise, get the Compli and look at used Theta Gen Va dacs. I have seen a lot of them going selling in the low $1000s. I had a Gen Va amd it is a great unit.
More to discover