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Bel Canto DAC3 vs Theta Gen Viii

The transport is Bel Canto CD2, so the easiest guess might be using the same company's DAC3 which seems to be very well regarded. I am even thinking of the Underwood-modified DAC3 for further improvement.

Then the Theta Gen Viii which shows up on the audiogon once in a while. Yes, it's more expensive but it can also eliminate the preamp. And I am happy to reduce the number of equipments.

The Underwood site claims their modifed DAC3 can compete with $10,000-range DACs, and the Theta is really a $10,000 product...:)

Anyone heard both? How do they compare? I'll welcome other suggestions too. I'm interested in the overall sound quality but my priority is in the decent reproduction of big orchestral music.

Thank you.
jhyang

Showing 1 response by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Before going with the modded Bel Canto Dac 3, why not try the unmodded one first and decide from there?

If it doesn't work move up to the Theta.

As with the Theta ..no preamp needed using the Bel unless you use analog front end.

You may find the Bel all you'll ever need. I'm listening to Classical as I type this. The Bel does a fantastic job rendering the instruments and voices realistically. Nothing rolled off or warmed up. The better the recording the better the music.

It has an ebb and flow that allows the music to climb and and fall as it should.

Good luck with your hunt
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