Theta DSPRE GEN II

Description

DS Pre Generation II and DS Pro Generation II
The result of that research was the DS Pre Generation II and DS Pro Generation II, released in 1990. These products incorporated all-new digital and analog boards. The digital board utilized two 24 bit Motorola 56001 microprocessors running at 24 MHz which was a two-fold increase in computing power over the DS Pre. The analog board was upgraded to 18 bit Analog Devices AD 1860 DACs.
MSRP:
,995
Other Notes:
"The DS Pre was radical in many ways; most of them technical, but perhaps the least appreciated advantage was its function as a preamplifier. By including some basic switching and a superb analogue volume control - using discrete resistor networks to turn the high-voltage output signal down - the DS Pre offered to eliminate an entire component; a series of gain stages and all the signal degradation that went with them. It had an analog input, balance control and a muting circuit so that the unit could be used in a system sans customary preamplifier."
Switching to the Theta (feed was coax out of the Audiolab) and the differences were at first only subtle.
Over the next two hours though, this thing really opened up.
Transients have incredible attack with bass being full, deep, and very solid. The leading edge of hat and cymbal strikes was so delicate.
Violins showed real texture and were neutral yet sweet and very easy to listen to.
I have never found it so easy to follow any instrument of my choosing in complex passages of music.
The centre performer was cast in greater relief and the stage is now out beyond the placement of my speakers.