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Which DAC? Levinson, Theta, Sonic Frontiers

I'm considering upgrading from my Theta IIIa Dac, and wonder what the sonic characteristics are of 3 highly respected Dac's: The SFD-2 Mk. II, ML No. 36, and the Theta Gen. Va.

My system is: SFT-1 & ML 37 transports, SFL-2 preamp, DNA-225, & Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs.

I've looked at many reviews of these pieces, & although all reviewers liked them all, there were criticisms:

SFD-2: Bass a bit bloomy, not as tight & defined, but warmed up the sound. Upper mids prominent, with female voices displaying sibilance. Some treble grain, not as open as ML. A forward sound.

ML 36: Bass tight & defined, but not up to Theta's. More detailed & open & airy highs. Slightly laid back perspective. Vocals not as exciting. Big soundstage with great delineation of individual instruments, but not palpable like the SFD-2.

Theta Gen. Va: Best bass of all. Soundstage & imaging quite good, but ML 36 still better. Not quite as airy & open at the top, less well defined space around and between instruments.

What is your experience?????
kevziek
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I also agree with the Levinson DACS, and personally use the 360S. Good Luck.
glide3
402 posts
 
It's not on your list but look into an audiologic 2400...very good dac.
soix
9,662 posts
 
Try the EVS Millennium DAC II for 30 days, and if you don't like any part of it just ship it back. I've got the Millennium DAC 1 and it doesn't emphasize any part of the audio spectrum--it just takes everything it's given and presents it as honestly and accurately as possible with no editorializing, embellishment, or highlighting. Bass is extremely tight, mids are clear and full, and highs display all the air and detail without glare or brightness. Soundstaging and imaging are absolutely unbelievable--complete see-through clarity and palpability in a voluminous and realistic 3D stage. And it's parts are on par with the best in the industry with a price tag of only $1050. Go to the website(www.tweakaudio.com) and/or give Ric Schultz a call and you'll see why his DACs have gained so much recognition/enthusiasm. Put it in your system and you won't want to take it out. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Best of luck.

Tim
phild
603 posts
 
I agree with the above regarding the Millenium DAC 2 trial. For $1050, what have you got to lose?? It is a great DAC, and mine keeps getting better and better as I improve my transport. That's a good sign. You may end up preferring one of your three original choices, but perhaps not. Why spend the extra money if there's no improvement?

Ric said that he finally has enough employees and they are almost caught up on production. He claims that anyone ordering now will receive it in 10-14 days.

Phil
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
Here is another opinion for you. The Classe Dac 1 is available on Audiogon for less than $1500. I thought that it was the by far the best value when it was new at $4000 three years ago. Excellent dynamics, not bright, strong bass response, and realistic presentation are adjectives that I would use to describe the unit. Just a thought.
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