[rec.audio.high-end] Outboard D/A converters

chowkwan@aero.org (Raymond Chowkwanyun) (03/19/90)

I'm thinking of getting an outboard D/A converter and would
appreciate hearing from anyone who's had experience with
them.  Please also tell us what equipment you're using
and also interconnects.  Mahines I know about are:

Wadia I don't know how many dollars but certainly way out of my
budget.  It's supposed to be the best.

Theta. You can get a DSPro Basic for $2k.  This is stretching
it dollar wise but it's possible.  They also make a more
expensive non-Basic model as well as the Pre version which
has some of the features of a preamp (balance?)

Aragon. They make a $1K unit which uses the Theta chip.  
I'd really be interested if someone has compared this to the
Theta.  If I can get close to the DSPro Basic's performance
for half the price, that'd be good.  I listened to this
briefly in a store - I thought the Denon unit sounded better
which is certainly a disappointment.  But this dealer has
a very poor listening room.

PS Audio.  I don't know too much about this except that
you can get it for about $800 from Audio Advisor.  

Madrigal.  I think they have a proceed model.  I know even
less about this than PS Audio.

-- ray