Mark Levinson 36 dac or Theta Gen V Best?

So,what kind of DAC should I be looking at?

Based entirely on readings, of used ones on Audiogon now $1-$2k, two Altmann Attractions optioned with Jisco jitter reduction, or perhaps an Audio Note 2.1. Check out the Positive Feedback review on Altmann vs. AN. For Altmann you will need a fast 12V battery like Optima Yellow or Red Top. If cost no object perhaps Empirical Audio.

I've owned both. I was a theta fan for many years, but when I tried the Levinson No.36, it was a game changer. That good.

I have owned ML No.36 + ML Transport. I have also owned
Theta Va DAc + Theta Transport. I have tried various Transports with either, both never sounded as good as with
their respected Transports. I have found that Pioneer
DV-58AV as a nice rounded Universal that can do a decent
High Rez. DVD-Audio, a decent 2 Channel SACD, a decent
Redbook CD, a decent CD Digital Out to an external DAC,
even a decent Analog out on High Rez. DVD-Audio Multi-Channel, even decent 2-channel Downmix of the same. Picked a display model up dirt cheap for $100.00!

The No. 36 and No. 36S only decode up to 20 Bit resolution. You cannot run 24 bit streams into the unit. It will not lock onto the signal. You need to consider a used No. 360 or 360S in order to decode 24 Bit/96Hz music files, which a great majority of the hi-res downloads are. These DAC's are old and I'm not sure the No. 360 will lock onto 24 bit signals that sample beyond 96 Hz such as 176K and 192K