theta casablanca 3 audiophile qlty stereo sound?

Theta offers three different levels of DAC's. Check out their web site for details. I've used the CB3 with their top of the line DAC's for years. This is one of the few Prepro's that can pull off sounding excellent in two channel. Just make sure you go with the higher end DAC's. Might also want to looking into a prepro with a Theater pass thru allowing for a seperate higher end 2ch Dac/preamp for your music. Just a thought.

Theta builds higher end DACs right into the CB3. Goto Theta's web site for all of the details. Or search here and AVS forum for details.

Are your referred to me Ckoffend? If so, I'm a bit confused by your last post. I never said anything regarding me or my friend being blow away by my system nor would I. That's not my style. Honestly, I have no others close to me interested in this hobby as much as me. Maybe you have me confused with another poster. I have posted my system on this forum as there are other enthusiasts that would appreciate the details but not to brag. I have made changes to my system for my own reason and desires Please explain your last post. Or if I'm not the one you’re speaking of then my mistake.

Yes! Thanks Ckoffend that's what I meant to say. The CB3 is a very interesting HT Processor because of it's flexibility. If you have a really good all around CDP with good dacs and good transport than save the $$ and just use that. With the CB3 and it's extreme Dacs this allows you to really use any DVD/CDP as a transport(being in the digital domain) using the coax or toslink connection. One can get a much higher level of Sonics than they could by using any basic CDP's DAC's IMO. Also, if you have any other sources hooked up to the CB3 through the digital connection, again you'll be using Theta's DAC's, (Cable, MP3 ect) you’ll benefit from greater Sonics as well. Also The Casablanca has one of the best volume controls on the market. It also has a great analog section for those sources as well.
I'm sure some will disagree with parts of what I've said but just trying to give you my opinion based on your question. I really like Theta products. I own a CB3, Dreadnaught, Gen 8DAC.v2 and Enterprise Mono's.
The prices have really fallen on the CB3 even with the top of the line DAC's. Theta has announced they will be doing an upgrade to HDMI and this will get the CB3 up to the current standard.

I think so. Certainly a great start. If your budget could get you to the Superior II DAC's I think that might be even better and very close to the Extremes at a much lower cost. Actually, most say the Superior II are your best bang for the buck. It really depends on what level your trying to achieve. I really can't believe the price drop of these CB3's over the last year. Once Theta comes out with the HMDI upgrade these will be one of the best HT Processors on the market hands down.

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

One can certainly go back and fourth on this but for me I just don't know if my ears can hear that level of difference. What the hell is coloration anyway? Moreover, I think the point of this thread was getting the best of both worlds out of the CB3. It would make some sense that the less things you have in the chain the cleaner the sound but for the casual user I don't think they care or could even identify the differences. Just my .02.
BTW, I’ve heard the Meridian equipment very nice stuff. They do a great job a matching their equipment being all in the digital domain. Also when you at these levels there’s really not a bad one in the bunch, it boils down to choice and budget.