2. pc-audio
  3. 1271199981

Can use a Theta DS Pro Basic III as a DAC?

I own a Theta DS Pro Basic III digital processor and my Theta Data Basic II CD Transport finally bit the dust. I wish to salvage the Pro Basic Processor.

Can I use this in place of a modern day DAC to connect a computer music server, such as a Mac Mini, to my preamp? I also own an Audio Alchemy Pro 32 if that is any help.
kennythekey
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Okay, I got smart and called Theta. This can be done because the Mini Mac's digital audio output is optical and the needed SPDIF format. All I need is a Mini Toslink to Toslink cable.

Yeah!!!
6550c
393 posts
 
I tried this with a Theta Pro Prime DAC and it did work but sounded verrrrrryy verrrryy bad.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Yeah, I'm putting the Theta back to CD duty where it does sound good.
audiowoman
249 posts
 
We use the Theta Pro Progeny A as a DAC with a Squeezebox, this made a good difference. I would be interested to know what level I would have to hit to see a true upgrade to this? for Example: cambridge dac majic - would this make much of a difference or do i need to go higher up the audio food chain? Any suggestions folks?
oldears
386 posts
 
Based on the detailed review from Blindjim, I have bought a M2Tech hiFace with bnc and connected it to a Theta Gen Va BNC in. I would recomend to replace the rca in on your ProBasic with a BNC chassis jack.
The sound is very good, but difficult to say it is better than the AES/EBU direct feed from the Cary CD 303/200.
More to discover