Theta Basic or Pioneer PD 65? Which One is Best?

this is the exact, and i mean exact question i asked my dealer 3 weeks ago. well not exact because i was referencing the theta data basic ii versus the pioneer you mention. he said the theta will blow it away because of the jitter clock and the _____ board (can't remeber the name he gave). he said that the technology in the pioneer is significantly older and the newer dacs would sound terrible. so i went with the theta and it's been great. the basic has the pro-mechanism in it, not the cheap plastic mechanism of the pearl or jade. yes you'll have problems fixing if it goes but the chances are far less because the mechanism is clearly superior. and when it does go they'll be newer cheaper technology to take its place anyways.

The Theta transports sound best when used with theta dac's. Please read the reviews of the Basic IIIa and Progen Va.

I also own a Theta Pearl and for almost a year enjoyed it mated to a Bel Canto DAC 1.1, but now that I just purchased a Kora Hermes, the Bel Canto is taking a break. Both DACs work very well with the Pearl. If you have any reservations about the Theta transports and the mechanisms they use, drop Ed Deitemeier of Theta Digital an e-mail. When I was considering a Theta he helped clear up a lot of questions for me.