Digital Processor Reviews

Theta DS Pro Generation III digital processor Lewis Lipnick's System

Sidebar 2: Lewis Lipnick's System

My reference system (which I own) used for this review consisted of a Mark Levinson No.26S preamplifier, No.23.5 power amplifier, and a pair of B&W Matrix 800 loudspeakers. A Cello Palette Preamplifier, and Krell KSA-250, KMA-300, and Boulder 500AE monoblock power amplifiers were substituted at various times during the listening sessions. Cello Strings and Acrotec balanced and unbalanced interconnects were used between D/A processor/preamplifier/power amplifier. Theta optical (AT&T configuration) and coaxial, and XLO coaxial cables were used between CD drive and D/A processor. Speakers were quad-wired with AudioQuest Diamond on tweeter/midrange, and Clear to the woofers.—Lewis Lipnick

COMMENTS
Mars2k's picture
Submitted by Mars2k on June 7, 2019 - 6:41am

Interesting product of course I agree about differing DAC qualities..huge. (Just for fun compare to Lumin please) Would like to add the following point about DAC investment.

The digital reproduction space is where the movement has been in audio and video. Think of it...

Hi Res catalogs are growing not just in selection but also quality and resolution as well as format.

Delivery options are growing Tidal, Qubuz, and more download sources. Compression/decompression protocols MQA and don't forget Music server...Roon Plex, Serviio take you pick.

Think of DAC evolution. Processing power,sample rates and word length are now exponentially greater just in the last 5 years. DAC selection is exploding and price is moving in a direction that puts very hi quality reproduction in more hands than ever before ....case in point Theta gen3 with all the bells and whistle $5500 . Compare and price a specific vinyl rig turntable, MC cartridge, phono stage that competes and beats.

Consider all that and and the fact that I would have to get up from my sofa walk to my system and turn the record over or change the disk from a finite selection of those albums that are physically present to keep listening vs swiping and tapping on my iPad to access what is essentially an infinite library at my finger tips.

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