Upgrade my Theta or move on?

Just curious, since the 3002 is only a two channel what is the purpose of 500w? I cannot imagine what kind of speaker load you could be dealing with.

The CAS III is amazing and so are the extreme's which will kill everything else mentioned. The volumen control is extremely transparent. I have an earlier EAD signature and it is extremely musical for 2 channel but it is still a better 2 channel than the current EAD which is better for multichannel. I'm not sure if the anthem would be a lateral move. you could just move up to superior DAC's and buy a better transport! that might be a better compromise.

The only other one I would seriously consider is the new Meridian line!

Didactically- The Mirage 3si's require a ton of juice to control and play them for Hometheater SPL's. Plus can you ever have too much?

Thanks Cytocycle.Boy i can't beleive you hit on two of my top choices.I love the new Meridan line,(heard the GO8 thur a CAS3)last night with superior DAC'S.Sounded SWEET!Listened to some arcam's as transports but was disappointed after hearing the Meridans.Any idea's for a transport not as much $ as the Meridan.Yes the Mirage's suck up that power!!!Liked the G98 for a DVD transport but also a little steep.Kevin

What do you mean by excess amp power to 'control' the speakers. 'Play' I understand. If too little you get no volume for listening. But too much only puts the drivers in jeoprady, and accomplishes absolutely nothing.

At best, a little over the mfgr min recommended range for 'sense of ease' at higher levels. Otherwise it is just money that could be spent on somethig useful.

It is a myth that more power provides 'better' (whatever that is upposed to be) sound. The only 'sound' involved in amplifiers is audible distortion. Where a distortion free amp has no sound, and that is what you want. Otherwise it is just power.

Once the speaker drivers are operating as designed, any additional amplication capability just sits there in the amp only potentially useful if additional drivers are added to utilize the excess.

It is even worse when someone misunderstands that bi-amping is somehow going to improve sound. When it is just a way to add power if too little is available in the one amp for drivers of the system.

The notion may come from 'a little knowledge can be dangerous' of higher end systems that are multi channel and use two, three, or even more amps for the individual channels resulting from an active crossover (?)

Anyway, if it makes you feel better, as the wife may say :-)

Didactically-Let me explain my amp set up.I had been using the 3002 with a acurus 200x3.I then got the 3005 and planned to set up my Casablanca in a 7.1 setup(300x7)Hope this makes sense.I mentioned both amps because i planned the upgrade.I must admit my lack of knowledge has kept me from posting on this forum for a long time.I could use your advice and hope to hear from you.