CD Player/Transport Reviews

Sidebar 2: Review System

The Theta Data has been my primary CD transport for the past two and a half months, replacing the Esoteric P-2 that had been returned to Esoteric. Although I never had the P-2 and Data for side-by-side comparisons, the Wadia WT-3200 and Meridian 602—both known in relation to the reference P-2—were still on hand.

Digital processors used with the Data included the Meridian 203, Theta's DS Pro Prime (also reviewed in this issue), a PS Audio SuperLink, a Wadia 2000, and an Audio Research DAC1-18. Digital interconnects were the Aural Symphonics Digital Standard, Theta's own cable, or the TARA Labs Digital Reference (all three excellent interconnects).

The digital processors fed an Audio Research LS2 line-stage amplifier which drove the Muse Model 18 subwoofer's crossover and a pair of VTL 225W Deluxe Monoblocks connected to Hales System Two Signature loudspeakers. Interconnect was either Straight Wire Maestro or AudioQuest Lapis, and loudspeaker cables were either bi-wired pairs of AudioQuest Dragon/Clear or Straight Wire Maestro.—Robert Harley