Digital front end question


I've been out of High End audio for 9 years, and have just jumped back in. I need to know if digital front ends have changed that much in 9 years ... Can a Theta DS Pro Basic IIIa with a good transport compete with a Marantz 8001 ? And would I be insane to buy a $170 Oppo 980H and have Ric at EVS do $1100 worth of mods as my front end ? I already have a good transport, and can buy a used Theta Dac like mentioned above for $500 ...
timtim

Showing 4 responses by timtim

Thanks for the response guys. I remember the Theta sounding VERY good, but I'd be a fool to believe digital hasn't progressed over the years.
As far as the modded Oppo, I have no doubts about Ric's work, nor the great quality of the parts he uses. It's just the damn $170 Oppo player that scares me so badly. Sure ... It's a great video machine, but it's VERY light weight and cheap to be made in to a great CD Player in my opinion.
The Benchmark also intrigued me, but I've read quite a few opinions talking about it sounding somewhat overly analytical ... This is a killer for me. I don't like an overly warm and romantic sound, but I must have some level of musicality and flow.
I looked at the possibility of the Cambridge 840C, but have read where it ultimately lacks some drive and dynamics.
Maybe I should just open myself up to suggestions with this as my criteria : I'm ultimately looking for tight and controlled bass with dynamics and drive ( my system is fairly nuetral, but can lean to warm if not careful ). I also would like some airiness in the highs.
Used is fine, single box or separate DAC is fine, and my budget is around $1000.
Thanks again for your advice and opinions.
To Mrderrick : I'm using a Sony DVP-S7700 as my transport. A call to Theta's technical dept this past Friday, let me know they also hold the 7700 in high regard as a transport.
Can you reccomend a DAC that fits the criteria I listed above ?
Thanks Pete. Would you mind directing me to a place I can purchase the Lexicon for $1000 ? I searched Google, and found $3500 most places.
Thanks
Thanks Mrderrick .... Good to know you have first hand experience with the same transport I'm using. I'm now looking hard at the Lexicon RT-20 that Pete reccomended. It has nothing but glowing reviews on the web every where I look.
I'm open to literally anything, but would prefer a single box solution if possible.