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M2Tech hiFace192 + Theta Gen Va synergy?

I just want to comment that I am really enjoying listening to the M2Tech hiFace USB/spdif adapter into a very old Theta Gen Va D/A. I have been in this hobby a long time, and I am amazed at how good this sounds.
I would hypothesize that the asyncynchronus data transfer and a resulting reduction of jitter has enabled the now old Theta Gen Va to really shine. The depth, precision of image and "air" around images is amazing, and the sound is truly relaxing with no loss of detail. I know there is a lot of talk about the new Ayre anti-alaising D/A algorithm. I'm not sure how it differs from the algorithm created by Theta years ago. I am sure that it would be difficult to beat the analog output stage of the Theta.
I would encourage relistening to some of these older D/A processors with a now low jitter feed before spending big $ on some of the new stuff.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
oldears
oldears OP
386 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification. I wan't trying so much to compare the hiFace to the Legato as to determine the relative importance of the power supply and the jitter reduction using a crystal oscillator ( which I remember from ham radio in 1960).
I find the strengths of the hiFace/Theta Gen Va to be the reduction in glare that you cite as a weakness, so I guess I should attempt to find a Legato or upgrade power to the hiFace.
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mryan
24 posts
 
I would (and did) get the Legato -- twice. I have two systems (the other is a Casablanca II Xtreme) and I use Legatos with both. My experience getting decent computer sound was the same with both -- I didn't like what I heard until I got a high-quality asynch USB/SPDIF converter.
pettyofficer
462 posts
 
Novice at PC Music Storage/ Downloading. I am currently having a Computer designed from bottom up. This Computer will be utilizing USB 3.0, as well as USB 2.0. Heard that they were compatable anyways. Trying to plan ahead for a USB to SPDIF,AES/EBU Converter to hook up to my favorite DAC. Any Converters out there that can utilize the benefits of USB 3.0? Any Converters out there, including the ones mentioned here, with a built in USB 3.0 Reciever? Any sonic benefits to utilizing USB 3.0? Any experiences with High Resolution, HD, Multi-Channel, across USB 3.0?
bjack70jr
65 posts
 
I agree that old Theta Digital DACs are still awesome when fed a low jitter source. I am using an iMac optical output, Wireworld Supernova, Assemblage D2D-1, three Twisted Pear Design S/PDIF transceivers in series (jitter filters) into a Theta Pro Basic IIIA DAC. BNC digital cables are from WyWires and Stereolab. I modified the Pro Basic by upgrading to the CS8414 input receiver and added a BNC input using the PartsConnexion Ohm-Aha mini silver 75 ohm cable. I am using Amarra HiFi software and use the Apple Remote app on my iPad to control iTunes. The sound quality through the Theta is much better than my Schiit Audio Bifrost Uber DAC. I also have a Theta transport, Pearl, that I no longer use. My Apogee Centaur speakers never sounded so good!
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I have used the Hi-Face and now a Audiophileo2. My position is that there are several quality older DACs that remain competitive as a DAC however lack implementation for USB. Many have better power supplies and analog output stages than newer USB DACs and can be purchased at lower price. External USB converters solve this issue and are often better than onboard ones. Also allow for an upgrade path.
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