Video Asylum

Posted by Shawn Harvey on December 13, 1999 at 15:01:50:

In Reply to: Re: anybody have THETA:CasaNova impressions???? posted by Mart on December 12, 1999 at 00:32:21:

You might find some gains in the sound of a DC-2 over a DC-1 due to design but not due to the 24-bit DACs. According to Lexicon they are used in the newer DC-1 models as well as the DC-2 because their supplier offered them at the same cost as the 20's. Kyle from Lexicon claims there is no difference in sound. Internally there is no 24-bit processing either.

That said there may be many other good reasons to buy a DC-2 over a DC-1 but I haven't heard the DC-2 so I cannot give you a comparison.

As far as the sound of the DC-1 I certainly wouldn't characterize it as dull or laid back but that is in my system, my room and with my comparisons so take that with the appropriate grain of salt. Right now I'm using the DC-1 as my cd DAC as well as for HT. I would rate the DC-1 very highly for HT sound. While it does a very commendable job for music it's certainly no match for something like a Meridian 508.24.

If you are looking for HT sound a used DC-1 or 2 will fit your bill and provide great sound with lots of features. You can also pick up a used DC-1 for about $1500 now -- something to consider. For music I would probably refer you to the CasaBlanca or high-end Krell units, or just a regular old CD player or transport/DAC.

That said, I'm not unhappy with the sound from my Lexicon as a DAC now. It's very nice, detailed, big soundstage, good bass, dynamic, etc. Just not killer (and we all want killer).

Hope this helps.

Shawn Harvey