High output DAC?


Greetings from Spain

I wonder if anyone can tell me the output levels of some DACs:
I need a high output, balanced DAC.
My line stage has a weak gain even using balanced in/out (Audio Research Ref 3) and I'm dissapointed at having to increase the volume to get response from the preamp. (my phono preamp drives it better!)

I have now the Krell Stealth, but seems to be also weak (maybe 2 v max on balanced?) I tested the Theta Pro Basic II balanced and liked it, but couldn't keep because of the price asked.

Any info is really appreciated.
Thanks!
Marcelo
marcelo_cinicola

Showing 4 responses by marcelo_cinicola

Great Guys! Thank you for the speedy feedback on this and the suggestions.
I'd say that it matches what Q007 says about the Theta with what I experienced. However, I think (not sure) the version 1 hadn't balanced out, and even the v.II were not all balanced.
What a joke I was not keeping the Theta Pro Basic II with balanced output! I bought instead a Krell Stealth, that works ok on the sound field, but not happy with the output.

I never heard of the Altis, I think it will be a difficult task to get one around Europe. The Cal Audio I tried was a tubed version (can;t recall the model) and didn't work out well on my system. Had only RCA out though.

Thanks again, will start hunting dac's!
Brgds, Marcelo
Thank you all for the information. If everything goes well, I'll be buying a Theta Pro Basic IIIa.
I'll keep you'll posted.
Brgds from sunny and warm (hot, rather) Spain
Marcelo
Thanks JazzDude, my problem started the minute I changed the LS25MK2 for the Reference 3. That is, volume control "problem".
Awfully low gain the Ref3 has, however, I could swear that the LS25, inspite of having a +18db gain (6db more than the REF3), did not sound as good as the new one.
Besides, I cannot afford changing my line stage, it is only 6 monthes old...
brgds, marcelo
Thanks Rja, I wonder how high the Wadia goes? And the Audio Aero?
Anyhow, I just bought a Theta ProBasic IIIa from a fellow A'goner (thanks RRoss!).
Will get it here by the end of the week (USPS provided) and will update the results/changes against the Krell Stealth (wich will be for sale right after).

I have a friend that bought an AA Capitole MKII and is deeply in love.
He feeds directly a Pass X150, then into a pair of JMLab Mezzo Utopia, and cannot get it below -25 db on the display without being unlistenable loud. But, it is an integrated, the Prima is a DAC I guess?

Thanks both!
brgds, Marcelo