soremongs

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from used

Summary:
I have the original data basic. I had the drawer mechanism fail. I took the unit to a technician who called Theta. When he called the person he talked to said "You must want a gear for the drawer." before he even asked. Apparently they are made to order and are very expensive, so he replaced it with a gear from an old Thorens turntable. In the meantime I bought a Marantz 8670 cd player. The Marantz had a more detailed,brighter sound with better dynamics, but went through this loading process that was very annoying. It would rarely play burned cds. It would rarely play cds with edge treatment on them and if the cd had any scratches it would'nt play them. I sold it and went back to the Theta. I have no regrets. The Theta kicks butt. It'll play anything immediately and never skip. You could play air hockey with a CD and it will play it. The sound is warm and authoritive. Other than the drawer mechanism, the build quality is superb. It has a thick faceplate that is beautfully finished. I bought mine in '94 and have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it. I love it!

Strengths:
Lively, authoritive sound. Plays cds immediately without question. Built like a tank with nice cosmetics.

Weaknesses:
Drawer mechanism is flukey and front panel buttons are very small.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz, NAD

Price Paid:  $650.00 from Used from AudioGon

Summary:
The Data Basic II has been a joy to own and when joined with the Theta's Pro Basic IIIa, a very competent combo. A very musical front-end with excellent rhythm and pace, and killer bass. Unfortunately, the unit is not perfect and be fair warned if you consider buying this unit used. The unit has some problematic areas, the first being the CD drawer (the drawer gears are subject to failing) and the laser life is SHORT. Watch the age of unit you're considering to purchase. I say this because having Theta fix these can get expensive. A laser failure actually ended this units usefullness to me. So it been moth-balled. Good luck and enjoy the music.

Strengths:
Rhythm and pace

Weaknesses:
Mechanical problems

Summary:
Bought this unit used at Audiogon after my recommended it! What a difference! Solid bass punch, deep and controlled, bodied midbass, open and clear upper mids and highs! The Theta Data Basic Mk II is a very involving transport that gets you involved in the music! It is also neutral enough for you to tweak using cones, power cords or digital cables! With all these, you get a player that gives you everything from the cd and you'll hear things clearly than before!
There could be better transports out there but for the price paid as used between $450 to $650, this transport is great!

Strengths:
Neutral, lively, open, punchy

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
CAL Icon Mk II, CAL Delta

Price Paid:  $1800.00 from Earfood Audio, Winchester, VA

Summary:
This is one fine transport. Having said that, there are many other equally fine transports that don't cost $2,000. A $2,000 piece of equipment should last more than 800-1000 hours, which is what I estimate I had on it before it stopped working.

Before you buy this transport, be aware that if the transport mechanism fails, it cannot be repaired or replaced. I have had long discussions with dealers, Theta, high end audio repair shops, and North American Philips (the manufacturer of the mechanism). The part doesn't exist. If things change I'll post an update, but as of now you are taking a big chance.

Strengths:
Neutral, detailed, solid construction

Weaknesses:
If it breaks you own the classiest doorstop in town.

Similar Products Used:
Jolida 603, JVC

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Audigon - Kurt

Summary:
This piece of equipment has opened a whole new world of musical possiblities for me: CDs. My entire collection became a listening pleasure instead of a way to pass the timmem on plane trips.

I strongly disagree with the review that says this transport is unmusical. In my system it is a device that breaths and illuminates music to a degree that I never thought possible.

It converys the nuances of any equipment placed between it and the speakers...

Just a great invention. Thanks, Theta!!

Strengths:
Incredible detail, clarity, phrasing; no noise

Weaknesses:
a little heavy in the rear

Similar Products Used:
Harmon Kardon; none this good