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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
srosenberg

Showing 6 responses by richard_stacy

richard_stacy
686 posts
 
i will be watching this thread as i have a similar question re my casanova. i had started a thread but did not get much so hopefully your timing is better. i run the digital out from sb duet to the casanova. considering adding the transporter (analog out) or another external dac and not sure which would be the most upgrade. thanks for starting this one scott!
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
mds...i think scott was just referring to going to the analog inputs after doing the conversion to digital externally...
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
stick-hello again...do you know if those features are on the casanova? i hae not seen them so i doubt it but i could have missed them. thanks!
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...
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.
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
thanks for the update raks. you guys are pushing me to finally let go of my old casanova and dive into a casablanca. it is really holding me back.
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