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Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 

10-25-15: Dgarretson
Georgelofi, do you recall if the Theta Gen Va is an R2R? I can't find a spec, but there are some on the forums who believe so. I have one in storage that I haven't listened to in years. If it's an R2R then I'll dust it off for comparison to K-01X.


THETA DS PRO GENERATION V
2 or 4 x PCM63P-K + 3 x Motorola 56001

Yes it is Dave, but it's old school, and may sound very good, could even give the K-01X a run.

But what it needs is implementation of current thoughts on the I/V (current to voltage stage) to be done on it.
As back then they just used text book stuff. With todays hiend I/V stages, if you put one into it, you'll be blown away for RedBook replay, and will sell the K-01X if you don't do DSD.

Cheers George
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Guido & TBG - give us a quick summary on each of your impressions of the High Fidelity please. It's such a different product from all the others. But SO expensive!
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
George & Al, Thanks. I'll revisit the Theta.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 

Dave the PCM63 is very similar to the PCM1704k I use, for a good zero feedback I/V stage to implement into your Theta ferret through this lengthy thread (attached) I started on the AD844 used in zero feeback mode for I/V duties.
For your R2R 20bit PCM63 dac's you have in it, they are spec'd at 2mA @ 1.5kohm and would need a three stack of AD844, and use it's own output buffer that's built in also three stack, then you will have magic with RedBook replay.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/227677-using-ad844-i-v.html

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 


Sorry the output impedance is not 1.5kohm but 607ohm. Same same.

Cheers George
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