External DAC and Theta Casablanca II

Stick 70:

I have been with the Theta sound for 20 years; still use my Generation Va in the system at the lake. Recently into computer audio (ripped 2200 Redbook CDs). Here at home I use a CBII with Xtreme DACs, pre-Gen VIII days. I have struggled a little with the CBII and computer music, but an asynchronous USB->S/PDIF converter on the BNC input is producing some mighty fine sound, better than using the Jade.

It looks like the USB -> S/PDIF converters (in asynchronous mode) may be breathing new life into some of the older DACs that don't have their own clock defenses or buffering strategies like the Gen VIII's. I am considering options like dispatching the CB to the lake, retiring the Gen Va, and installing a Gen VIII here.

I am over the home theater thing.

Since you have experience with both converters, can you comment on the CB Xtreme dacs vs. the Gen VIII for 2-channel Redbook?

I have an CB3 w/superior boards (best you could buy when I bought it). My DAC started missing the 1st second or two of most songs. Amplifier Technologies, who purchased Theta, kept it for weeks and weeks and returned it in the same condition. They refused to help me, even though it was still under warranty. (Even though I love my CB3, I will never buy Theta again due to this. When John Bayloff was with Theta-he really took care of his customers) Anyway, I purchased a Kora Hermes II tubed DAC and it is head and shoulders above what I had. Very smooth and warm. If I were you, I would consider an outboard DAC and run it analog matrix direct. This way, you can still crossover your subs if you want, while keeping the clear sound of direct. If you have an analog output on your CD transport, try running it analog direct. You won't believe the difference in quality.

Guess I should have read the other threads before responding. I see my subject was covered very well before my input. That will teach me...It's all in fun anyway.

been about a year since i started this thread... lots of changes in my system since then. i'm no longer running the Casablanca, having moved to an aesthetix calypso preamp and weiss minerva DAC.

i'll not get too effusive here... suffice to say, my system has never sounded this good.

-scott

I'm using my Gen VIII v2 as a straight 2 channel (analog/digial) but also intergrated into the CB3 for HT (L&R). For 2 channel, I would not compare the Gen VIII's DAC's to the CB3's extreme DACS as they are different. CB3 excels in HT not pure 2 channel digital or analog(though they are better than most IMO).

Currently Theta CB seems so be in flux (being polite). I wouldn't buy into this brand right know. Hopefully the 1.4HDMI upgrade will happen but who really knows. I'm sticking with them only because 90% on my gear is with them and of course I love the sound of Theta. But again who really knows if that upgrade will ever happen. This is what happens when you buy into the small high end brands. Buyer beware