I would recomend the 2 piece route, Transport and DAC.
Theta made an execelent transport in the Data Basic II. It comes up for sale on audiogon ocasionally for $550-$600.
That leaves the DAC I have the Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista there are 2 on the gon right now. 1 lists for $1200 the other for $1500. If you go this route make sure the original owner has a set of spare tubes as the tubes will only last for about 10 years if you leave your DAC on 24/7 like I do.
There are 2 benchmark DAC's listed on the gon right now in the $800.00 range which would make an execelent compliment for the theta which would put you at approx $1400.00.
Then you need a digital cable lot of debate here but I do agree that it should be a 1.5 meter cable to help reduce jitter.
Good Luck in your search.
Michael
Theta made an execelent transport in the Data Basic II. It comes up for sale on audiogon ocasionally for $550-$600.
That leaves the DAC I have the Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista there are 2 on the gon right now. 1 lists for $1200 the other for $1500. If you go this route make sure the original owner has a set of spare tubes as the tubes will only last for about 10 years if you leave your DAC on 24/7 like I do.
There are 2 benchmark DAC's listed on the gon right now in the $800.00 range which would make an execelent compliment for the theta which would put you at approx $1400.00.
Then you need a digital cable lot of debate here but I do agree that it should be a 1.5 meter cable to help reduce jitter.
Good Luck in your search.
Michael