DSPro Va vs Mark Levinson No. 36
The No. 36's signal-to-noise is 105 dB against the DSPro Va's 108 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.002%, and its output impedance 6Ω against 1Ω. Both share bit depth (20-bit).
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The Theta Digital DSPro Gen Va is a high-end, DSP-based digital-to-analog converter derived from the DS Pro Generation V architecture, using Theta's custom software-controlled 8x-oversampling digital filter, 129 effective MIPS of DSP processing, 56-bit internal mathematical resolution, and 20-bit output resolution. It provides three standard digital inputs (one AES/EBU, one coaxial on RCA, one coaxial on BNC), plus factory-optional optical inputs (AT&T ST-type, Theta LaserLinque, or TosLink). The design includes a discrete Class A analog output stage with no IC op-amps, along with revised analog circuitry and an improved PLL and reconstruction filter compared to the original Gen V, aimed at lower jitter and higher transparency. Balanced XLR outputs are provided at 5 V RMS and single-ended RCA outputs at 2.5 V RMS, with output impedances of approximately 26 ohms (balanced) and 1 ohm (single-ended). Published specifications for the DSPro Gen V platform include a 1 Hz–21 kHz frequency range, signal-to-noise ratio greater than 108 dB, and total harmonic distortion below 0.002% at full output. The chassis is a full-width component measuring about 19" W x 3.5" H x 13" D and weighing roughly 35 lb. Originally manufactured by Theta Digital Corporation in Agoura Hills, California, the DSPro Gen Va is now considered a legacy product and is no longer in production.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The No. 36's signal-to-noise is 105 dB against the DSPro Va's 108 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.002%, and its output impedance 6Ω against 1Ω. Both share bit depth (20-bit).
The Yggdrasil's bit depth is 24-bit against the DSPro Va's 20-bit, its signal-to-noise 117 dB against 108 dB, its thd 0.006% against 0.002%, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS.
The SFD-2's signal-to-noise is 110 dB against the DSPro Va's 108 dB, its thd 0.050% against 0.002%, and its output voltage 3.5V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (20-bit).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The DP-55V's bit depth is 24-bit against the DSPro Va's 20-bit, its signal-to-noise 116 dB against 108 dB, and its thd 0.001% against 0.002%. Both share output voltage (2.5V RMS).
T+A Elektroakustik CD 1240 R
Copland CDA 823
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