New or Old DAC

I am currently using a Cambridge Dacmagic. I can honestly say, after owning numerous high quality DAC's, this one is much better in ALL respects. Previous DAC's owned: Levinson 36, Classe DAC-1, Electrocompaniet, EAC DSP-7000 and Parasound DAC-2000.
As per the previous replies, I would look for a newer designed unit. I highly recommend the Dacmagic.

i personally think older theta dacs do rival and outperform many of the current dacs. they are not your typical dac animal and unless you have had one, it is hard to understand that. if you already know you like that sound, go for it...or save up for a gen viii2! i am in a similar circumstance and am pretty sure i will be getting a cb3 next (moving from casanova) but likely preowned with older dacs.

08-31-09: Macdadtexas
I can't see any reason why an older model would have a "superior" analog section? I can't imagine that any older DAC could hold a candle to current models.

The reason behind this philosophy is depreciation. Digital gear depreciates rapidly, like computers. So you are not comparing a $1K current model to a 5 year old $1K model, you are comparing a $1K current model to a $4K 5 year old model, which will sell used today for about $1K.

A $4K DAC will have better materials, expecially in the analog output stage than a $1K DAC. This was true 10 years ago, 5 years ago and today. Some feel that the latest digital chips make all the difference, (such as yourself). Some feel that the newer chips are just buzz-kill for the computer generation, and that the analog output stage is the most important part of a DAC (such as myself).

Remember, no one puts tubes, fancy caps or resistors in the digital to analog convertor, these premium parts go in the analog output stage.

Using automobiles as an analogy, it's like choosing whether to buy a new Kia with a powerful V12 engine in it, or a older used Porsche with a V8 in it......same price for either. Each will have it's proponants.

Cheers,
John

Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately, buying used, one will only hear the product after you bought it. I guess that's one of the reasons I have stayed with the older Theta stuff...I know it. I have read different opinions comparing old to new. And staying within that $1K area, I continually read that the old ie. (Theta Pro Gen Va) still outperforms some of the newer $1K stuff like the Bel Canto. I read one thread that stated the Bel Canto was not even in the "Same League" as the Pro Gen Va. I would be very disappointed if I spent my $1K on a newer DAC and did not like it. I'm one who always (against better judgment) bought the used Porsche over the newer Honda, expensive to keep running, but man, what a ride!

I spoke with Jerry Ozment, designer of Audio Logic DACs and other highly regarded DAC about 4 to 5 years ago. At the time, he felt it was unlikely that there would be any significant improvements in digital processing that would improve upon what was available then for Redbook. Now I have no idea if it is true or not, but I suspect he knows a thing or two about DACs and that was his take. He thought that improvements would be had on the analog output side of things. I know that newer is newer, and the market needs it, but it is possible that digital processing might have gotten as good as it was going to get a few years back, at least with the Redbook standard. Now, higher rez formats in the future, that is a different story altogether, where I do excpect we will see improvements on that front. Waiting for the day we can download most anything in super hi rez, and be done with silver discs, of any kind.