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External DAC and Theta Casablanca II

greetings,

i'm thinking of adding an external DAC in front of my Theta Casablanca II (w/Superior DACs). Just wondering how far up one would have to go to exceed the performance of the Theta Superior DACs...

$400 CambridgeAudio DACMagic
$750 PS Audio DLIII
$1,000 Benchmark DAC1
$1,800 Bryston
$2,500 Weiss

I know theta makes great stuff, but the DACs in my CBII have some yers on them, and things improve so rapidly in the digital side... just wondering if anyone has done what I'm thinking of, what results they found, and how far up one has to go to to exceed the performance of the CBII Superior DACs.

Many thanks,
Scott
128x128srosenberg
stick70
64 posts
 
Hey Richard,

Do you mean the Analog Direct, Matrix ect... I'm pretty sure they are but I've never used that piece so you might want to double check. The Casanova was just a step down from the CB but does provide alot of the sa,e functions.
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
yes, the analog direct, matrix features. correct, it was the entry level version which theta abandoned. i have a love hate with theta as a result. so much for open architecture! i will take a run back through the manual but i thought i had a pretty decent handle on it. hope it does...
stick70
64 posts
 
Let me know your findings.
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
i find no way to do it with the caasanova. the way i understand, the only way to get a true analog direct process with the cbiii is using the six shooter which would pretty much create a world class line stage that also is capable of multi channel.
stick70
64 posts
 
So no analog direct in the casanova? Wow that's a bummer. Currently I'm using the Gen 8's analog section for my 2 channel. I've had the six shooter and have used it for 2 channel. IMO the Gen 8 is better for pure analog. Only downside with the Gen 8 is no multi-channel but as soon as the HDMI upgrade comes out for the CB3 that will end that problem.
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