Theta Pro Basic III, Bel Canto Dac2, CIAudio VDA-2


I have a dac dilemma. Putting together a stereo system for music streaming and CD playback. I have a budget of $600 for a dac that will be used with my Sonos and playing back CDs from a blu-ray player.

I have the opportunity of getting a Theta Pro Basic IIIa for $500 (MSRP $2800) or a Bel Canto Dac2 for $450 (MSRP $1300). Should I really consider these dacs if I can get a brand new CIAudio VDA-2 for $600? The Theta dac was one of the top performers in the mid-90s, and the Bel Canto was very popular in the early 2000s. I am hoping that someone can comment on their experiences with the Theta and Bel Canto, and how it compares with the current VDA-2?
wkass
I owned a Theta Pro Basic IIIb many years ago when they first came out. I then moved to a Mark Levinson 36s DAC and never looked back. The Bel Canto DAC2 would not be my choice but in this instance I think I would choose it over the Theta. I have never heard the CIAudio VDA-2 so I can’t help you with that.