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Theta Miles owners: Using preamp or direct?

Anyone using a Theta Miles cd player? If so, are you using a preamp, or direct via analog volume? I have about $550 max to spend on a power source and I'm trying to figure out if I can get the best sound using the Miles direct into an amp, or would it sound better using a preamp? If going the preamo route, I'm thinking of integrated amps. Anyone have any opinions on the Acurus DIA100? If amp direct, I have a AR Multi 2 I'm going to audition from a friend. Another member here recommended a Muse Model 100.
jsbach1685
gslone
274 posts
 
If you haven't got your power amp yet, make sure you get one on the warm and smooth side. I've owned Theta products from the late 90's (and still own one piece) In my experience they sound on the detailed and hard side and sometimes glaring, so I think you would need to soften it up any way you can, unless you like that type of hard sound.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"03-25-15: Gslone
If you haven't got your power amp yet, make sure you get one on the warm and smooth side. I've owned Theta products from the late 90's (and still own one piece) In my experience they sound on the detailed and hard side and sometimes glaring, so I think you would need to soften it up any way you can, unless you like that type of hard sound. "

The Miles never had that problem. If anything, its a little on the dull side.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Maybe it was his amp!

As going direct will show the tonal colour of it and the speakers, as there is no preamp in the way to colour the sound.
And yes I have found the Theta Miles very neutral, transparent and dynamic when going direct, as well implemented R2R ladder multibit always do.

Cheers George
sgordon1
452 posts
 
I go direct, with the Miles.

Better sound.
No cable/preamp colorations.
Lowest total cost.

For a real treat, place a thin cork layer
between the circuit boards inside the unit,
and isolate the Miles well, from vibrations.
It responds favorably to upgraded fuse, too.
gslone
274 posts
 
Zd542
My system revealed Theta products from the late 90's to be very neutral, detailed, dynamic, dry, hard, in your face, and at times glaring with badly recorded CD's. And they did this very impressively.
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