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Theta Cassablanca 3 setup related question and request for input

I am contemplating buying a CB3 HD with 4k, and 2 premium DACs. But it doesn’t have DIRAC like in CB4.
Currently have a Krell Foundation that can be set up using ARES. So, I am hesitant to buy something without room correction software.
Being a new potential user of Theta, I am looking for some input from veteran CB users.

Will I be able to set up CB3 manually that will sound as good or at least close to as good that is set up using DIRAC? Or is it going to be quite a big difference in SQ due to not using DIRAC?
Is there any option to use external Room Correction equipment paired with CB3? Like - can I use  MiniDSP DDRC-88A Dirac Live processor by setting it up in between my Source Oppo and Theta CB3 to accomplish what comes as integral part of CB4? This is possibly $1000 investment.
I will use 5.2 set up with two Rythmik Subs and Revel Speakers.

Will appreciate any help!
gbabu5y
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Thinking more about your sound quality question, it highly depends on the DAC boards you get.  The Theta Xtreme DAC is the best.  It is cleaner/clearer sounding than the Superior DAC (which is one step down).

Between CB3 and CB4, I'm not sure about differences.  The CB4 will process and send 96khz digital audio on the backplane to each of the DAC cards.  There may be some improvement on overall sound quality of CB4 when compared to CB3.

gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Thank you for sharing this information. I was told Premium DAC is being added to this CB III that I am looking at. I read Superior 2 and Premium are the two later version after Extreme.
If that is the case, then I guess I should be happy:)
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Xtreme is the best DAC.

Superior is 2nd best.

Premium is the lowest/cheapest DAC board.

The versions don't really matter as they mostly describe compatibility.  The audio circuits are what is important.  So a Superior 2 is still not going to be as good as an Xtreme 1.

gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Understood. Thank you much for helping me understand this, I had an incorrect idea/assumption. I will possibly connect with someone like Craig to see if he can add Xtreme to a CB III. I would guess you most likely know this answer too.
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
I am almost pulling the trigger for CB III HD. Not sure if I will hear significant difference between CB and my current Krell Foundation... Since the Theta is used, I am not going to be on hook for a huge potential disappointment if it doesn't prove to what many claims - one of the five best Processor of the world, Meridian, Datasat, Trinnov & Bryston included!
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