I to owned a Miles for a time and found it (running direct, straight-to-amp) one of THE BEST sounding digital front ends around. Just make sure you get the "full balanced" version(if applicable), sounds MUCH better than the single- ended-out only version. If Theta maintains the under $3k price for the new version, I have to believe it is/will still be, one of the best in that range. Other CD players auditioned: Resolution CD50 (also very good, not necessarily better than the Miles, IMO) B.A.T. VK-D5 (better, as it should be for the money, but surprisingly the Miles was superior in the bass (?!) Levinson no. 39 my current "reference". Good luck John! Like anything else, try to audition in YOUR system, if possible!
Theta Miles CD player
I was under the impression that the original Miles was discontinued because of a lack of the Pioneer transport mechanism. I emailed Theta twice and they say the Miles 2 will ship in a few months with Pioneer transport mechanism and new jitter reduction technology. Does anyone have any insight into the new Miles? I am looking for a new CD player to match with my Krell 300i, Dunlavy SC-III's and MIT cables. I have had the Levinson 39 (out of my price range) and the Theta Miles in my system both which I really liked. The balanced Miles is at the top of my price range? Are there any other recommendations for cd players that I should look into. I like a laid back warm sound with good dynamics. Thanks