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In Reply to: time to sell my theta? posted by mothra on January 6, 2007 at 20:28:01:
The proprietary Theta DSP algorithms (software) used in their DSP-based DAC's were all revised in the mid-to-late 1990's to the "a" release level.At the time, I had just bought a DSPro Progeny and received the upgrade free of charge. The upgrade consisted of an E-PROM (Electronically-Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip which was used to replace the old one. The difference was quite noticeable at the time - with improvements in detail-retrieval, timing and at both frequency extremes.
I subsequently upgraded - first to a Prime IIa and then to a GenVa - and have compared the GenVa to the original GenV and found a similar level of improvement as experienced with the Progeny.
I've also been keeping half-an-ear on possible replacements for my Data Basic II (due to the persistent posts on the impending failure of my CDM9-Pro mechanism) and - to be quite honest - have not found a dedicated CD-only transport at a "reasonable price" that comes close - they're also few and far between...
From the DAC perspective, I've grown very fond of the GenVa "sound" - it is very musical and very involving. Most of the newer DAC's I've auditioned have sounded more "HiFi" than "musical" - particularly when auditioned against a vinyl source.
One CD player that combined a reasonable sound and decent CD-only mechanism was the Lyngdorf CD-1:
- which has a useful capability to disable all analogue circuitry when used as a transport only. As a transport, it also offers SPDIF, Toslink or AES/EBU connection to an external DAC - making it ideal for use with a GenVa and as a replacement for the Data Basic II. It also seemed to be well-engineered and reasonably-priced (For details see link below).
Coming back to your question "is this so old that I should get rid of it and get something different, better, while it still have some value left?"...
You have four permutations/options:
1) Keep both CDT/DAC
2) Keep CDT & replace DAC
3) Keep DAC & replace CDT
4) Replace bothIf your transport is the old laserdisk-capable Data II, you're not going to realise too much by selling it (you may want to browse Audiogon/eBay for current pricing). If it's the Data Basic II, you're likely to get less due to the scare re CDM9-Pro mechanism.
The GenV DAC is still in some demand (once again check Audiogon/eBay).
So, as far as the value is concerned, don't expect to recognise megabucks from selling the CDT and/or DAC - in fact, be prepared to have to chip in with a fair amount of cash to find a replacement for both.
Some posts have suggested buying an el cheapo DVD player and using it as a transport - personally, I wouldn't as the time taken at disk-load to identify the media-type is a royal PITA...
What I would suggest?
a) Contact Theta and find out if they still have the "a" upgrade EPROM available and, if yes, do the upgrade!
b) Do nothing with the Theta pair until you've done A:B at home with candidates
c) Decide, via critical listening, what you really like/dislike about your Theta pair
d) Use this as the basis/yardstick when A:B comparing other optionsI hope that helps...
PS: I have a softcopy of the GenV operator's guide if yours has gone astray - if you want a copy, post your e-mail address in a follow-up and I'll send you a copy.
"Don't roll those blood-shot eyes at me!"
Follow Ups:
thanks for all the advice. As i bought the theta used, i am not sure about the chip. do you know where I can look and see?
The link below is to Theta's website.If you click on their "CONTACT" button, you will be presented with a form-based "Information Request" which is one option.
The other option is to send them an e-mail at:
info@thetadigital.com
When you contact them as them if they still have available the EPROM's for the GenV to uplift it's DSP software to GenVa level and, if they do, what would it cost.
Given you picked up your gear second-hand, do you need an Owner's Manual for the GenV? The softcopy I have is in MS Word format (I retyped the damned thing from a shitty faxed copy and redrew the diagrams in Powerpoint).
I hope that helps...
"Don't roll those blood-shot eyes at me!"
i see that contact, thanks. What I was wondering is how i could tell if it had been upgraded already, but i will see if they can tell me that. I have an old manual for the dac but i am not sure it is current and wouldnt mind seeing the one you have if it isnt trouble. Mothra666@aol.com. thanks!
When you contact them, you may need to provide them with the serial number of the unit so that they can check their records to see date of manufacture.If manufactured after revision "a" was released, your unit should have that version of the software.
If manufactured prior to the release date it may or may not have that software - you may need to take the DAC to a dealer/service agent to check the reference numbers on the EPROM chip.
PS: You got mail!
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