Theta Casanova

Posted by Rob Frase on October 01, 1998 at 15:54:58:

In Reply to: Theta Casanova posted by Tony on October 01, 1998 at 15:21:49:

:: O.K., you like Theta, but can you really hear a difference over othr units or is it more prestige. $4K for a piece of equipment is not a cheap venture.

I'll let you know once I hear it. :) Right now, no one has heard it. I plan on doing extensive comparison's once my dealer get's one.

I agree with you...4K is a lot of money, and I don't have enough of it to be paying for fancy faceplates & designer labels. I'm not a "Theta or nothing" person, I just believe that they put out consistanlty superior product (and I don't think I'm alone here).

If I'm going to spend 3-5K on a piece of equiptment, I want the best I can get for my money. For me, a big part of that is upgradablity & expandability. Sure, most units are "upgradable" to a limited extent. However, this usually consists of ROM upgrades. While this is great for incremental improvements in software, it does not allow for new technologies. This is the area in which I believe Theta really pushes past the rest of the pack.

However, I am not sold on this unit. There are plenty of other great preamp/processor's out there. We'll see in a few weeks.

Rob

: : I think the CasaNova will sing, dance AND juggle. From what I have been told, this unit will blow away everything else in it's class. I've also been told that it compares to the "Standard" DAC's in the Casablanca, which are anything but standard (and I think my sources are good...they're one of the top Theta dealers in the counry, and they're getting one of the first 5 beta units).

: : I think that 4K is worth it. You get serious upgradability, along with a 10 year warranty from Theta. Spending the money now will save money in the long run, while providing a top-quality component now.

: : Come on...this is Theta we're talking about. What have they ever made that is anything less than great?

: : Rob

: : : Guys, at that price, I would hope this thing would sing and dance. Seriously, do you think it would be worth it? Are there less expensive contenders?

: : :
: : : : I just received literature from Theta and exchanged a few emails with them. The Casa Nova, "reasonably" configured
: : : : with Base unit, Analog input, digital input, analog output, video board, DD, DTS and "panel grade cover" will retail at $4100.

: : : : This is a highly configurable pre-pro. With the exception of the analog output card ($1000) various cards/options run anywhere from $200-$400 each.

: : : : The DACs used are Burr-Brown 1716: (96/24) 106dB dynamic range, -96dB THD, 105dB SNR. According to BB lit, "suitable for mid to high-grade audio applications".

: : : : Theta rep has also confirmed the 3-4 week ship date, based on design/production team estimates as of 9/28.

: : : : jeff

: : : :
: : : : :
: : : : : : : Any new imaginary dates for the 'Nova release??? Even rumors would be appreciated.

: : : : : : According to a Theta tech, the first pieces will be shipped in the next 3 - 4 weeks. However, the system is truly modular. You have to add everything to the base unit, e.g. inputs/outputs (analog, digital, and video) as well as dolby digital and dts. A functional system will probably be in the $4K range retail.

: : : : : Interesting. I was told the price went from $2800 to $3100 for video switching and AC3 with another few hundred for DTS.

: : : : : All I keep hearing is that it will be worth the wait. That's fine as long as they don't price it out of my reach. If it ends up around 4k or a bit over, it will HAVE to be good to compete at that price point.

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