Theta Casablance ll Vs CBlll

Mike, I am using the analog direct mode because I am using an EMM Labs Dac 6 as an external dac.

Ok, for surround you can't beat the CBII/CBIII. However, the pre-amp is good...not great. If you want the best quality for the EMM get an Aesthetix line stage and simply use it in between the CB and the amp. Yes, it's more complex and expensive, but it solves the compromise of blending the two channel and multi-channel into one system.

I've done this before and the Aesthetix is the best I've heard yet.

Cheers,
Mike

Mike is absolutely right about the CBII. I don't have a CBIII yet so I cannot say, but I strongly suspect he is right about that too :). As far as the line stage goes, I have heard the Saturn line of the Aesthetix and it is not the absolute best line stage I ever heard but it is close and much cheaper than something like the VTL 7.5 (which is the best I heard) and the Jupiter line of Aesthetix (which is much more expensive and I never heard it before). If you want to go SS on your preamp, try the Ayre K-5 or if you have bucks, the K-1.

Have installed alot of CBIII's already.. They are quite nice.. Definitely nicer than the II's and we did alot of those..

OS is rock stable

Theta is kicking big time..

Thanks
Craig
Of course we are biased , we are Theta's #1 US dealer !