theta casablanca 3 audiophile qlty stereo sound?

You will get better two channel performance with the ARC Ref. 3 and the Cary SLP-05 than the Theta. However, you indicated (or perhaps somebody else did) that you are using the Dreadnaught amplifier. This will be your limiting factor with 2-channel performance. I have owned the Dreadnaught II, kept it for about a week due to its well below satisfactory performance in 2-channel operation. Sold it to a member in NY who wanted to replace his Halcro multi-channel amp with one that was reported to deliver better 2-channel performance. He kept the Dreadnaught II for less than a week and then sold it himself. He too indicated to me that it was weak with 2-channel performance. FWIW, my amp had three of the higher powered monoblock cards/amps and two stereo amps in it, so it shouldn't have been a power issue.

For absolute best two channel performance, you need either monoblock amps or a stereo amp. I have never heard a multi-channel amp do particularly well (I have owned several - Krell, Dreadnaught, Conrad Johnson, and others) with 2-channel performance. Of course everybody has different demands and considerations as to what is acceptable 2-channel performance.

For a 2-channel preamp, you have listed two very good and very different sounding preamps. The Cary can be purchased for much less used than the ARC. Another consideration could also be the Aesthetix Calypso and many others as well.

hhmm..thanx for the feedback guys..yes..as i have an ht sysytem already set up in my room..and i do watch movies..like i say..i was hoping for something that offered best of both worlds. I dont know about the dread 2 tho Ckoffend...funny..had some of the guys over last night...they, and i!!..lol..were blown away by this wall of sound this amp pushes out..we could hear every insturment playing away....plus, we had a few beers..so..it got pretty loud!!so at this stage in the growing process in this crazy expensive hobby..i cant agree..i love this dread...but i appct your input...and..i have yet to hear a krell, so, i am no expert, tho i know what i like..like i say, i am using a yamaha rxv 3800..and wondered if changing to something else could get me even better sound..and...all this with keeping ht!!..a large task i know

I used the Theta Dreadnaught as my two channel amp for a bit before I upgraded to Theta's Enterprise Mono's. I did not have the same experience as Ckoffend. It just goes to show that everyone's system and room are different. I still have the dreadnaught and use it to power my surrounds. Cool thing about the Dread is you can turn off some of the channels which for some may increase their dynamics. I would agree with Ckoffend on having stand alone 2 channel preamp for the highest level of stereo performance. Theta also makes a standalone Dac called Generation 8. They’ve justed updated it to the V2. I'm more of a two channel guy than HT these days so this is why I added this piece. Yes the CB with Extremes is much better than most HT prepro's and even some two channel processors but this Gen8 DAC takes things to the next level of dynamics, detail, imaging, bass and has an updated volume control and tweaks to the Dac that take it to the highest level out their right now IMO.

Dan001, in your situation I think the CB3 might be your best option. Otherwise look for a stand alone 2ch Preamp with a pass thru option like the one Ckoffend mentioned in is earlier post. ARC REF 3 would be my first choice and Krell my next. They can be pricy but well worth it.

Or you last option would be to drink more beer and forget the whole thing!! At times that’s what I done!! Good Luck in your search

I have yet to hear a pre which comes anywhere close to top tier 2-channel pre's. I had a Meridian 861 and while phenomenal for a pre it was no match for my ARC LS26.

If your focus is 2-channel get a dedicated pre-amp with passthrough and save yourself the hassle and expense.

LOL...good call Stick!!!..u read my mind actually..i think i may do just that....and down the road look for a pre with ht bypass