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Theta Pro Basic II DAC......still a contender?

Hey all,
I am wondering if this peice is still worth employing in my system or if a newer 1 box player may be better. Due to a disability money is really thin but I have a Sherwood Newcastle CD980 wich is new in box but is circa 98-99, it came DOA but Sherwood will repair free. I currently use a
AMC CD6 as a transport, with the Theta and a Monarchy DIP running with Mod Squad Wonderlink and Cardas Hexlink wires.
Do any of you have an opinion on if the Sherwood may be better? The Sherwood is 20 bit dual mono DAC while the Theta is 18 bit.
I know neither of these will turn many heads but at this point it is the best I can do, I know my ears would tell me but as the Sherwood is DOA any info or opinions would be great......thanks always Chad
chadnliz

Showing 1 response by elberoth2

elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
IMO Theta Basic II is still an excelent sounding dac for the (used) price. It eats most of the current budget players for breakfast. It is very highly sensitive to jitter though, so a good transport or a reclocking device is a must. I have tried both Theta TLC and Genesis Digital Lens, and the latter is vastly superior. It works magic on all Theta I have tried - Basic II, Basic III/IIIa, Prime II and Gen V/Va.

Do not be worried abot the bits thing - the Audio Note DAC 5 Sig, arguably the worlds best, is also 18 bit.
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