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Theta Cassablanca 3 setup related question and request for input

I am contemplating buying a CB3 HD with 4k, and 2 premium DACs. But it doesn’t have DIRAC like in CB4.
Currently have a Krell Foundation that can be set up using ARES. So, I am hesitant to buy something without room correction software.
Being a new potential user of Theta, I am looking for some input from veteran CB users.

Will I be able to set up CB3 manually that will sound as good or at least close to as good that is set up using DIRAC? Or is it going to be quite a big difference in SQ due to not using DIRAC?
Is there any option to use external Room Correction equipment paired with CB3? Like - can I use  MiniDSP DDRC-88A Dirac Live processor by setting it up in between my Source Oppo and Theta CB3 to accomplish what comes as integral part of CB4? This is possibly $1000 investment.
I will use 5.2 set up with two Rythmik Subs and Revel Speakers.

Will appreciate any help!
gbabu5y

Showing 7 responses by gbabu5y

gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Thank you both for sharing your in depth observation, knowledge and experience. After reading your posts, I am thinking may be I can explore  Krell S-1200 or S1200U which are based on 707 Analog circuitry. Evo has ARES, not sure if S1200 has or not. May be that way my Music will sound better than Foundation, and even the Movies will present more realistic sound ... I will connect my 4k Oppo 203 directly to JVC DLA-X790R which is also handle video at close to 4k (it's not native 4k, but does pretty good job per the reviews).
Will that be a good plan or rather stay put with Foundation?
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Thank you much auxinput!
Last quick question - will setting up CB III manually be significantly different (please read inferior) in terms of SQ as opposed to setting up using DIRAC with CB IV? This is for 70% Movie and 30% Music. I can then plan to upgrade to IV next year ... 
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Thank you for sharing this information. I was told Premium DAC is being added to this CB III that I am looking at. I read Superior 2 and Premium are the two later version after Extreme.
If that is the case, then I guess I should be happy:)
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Understood. Thank you much for helping me understand this, I had an incorrect idea/assumption. I will possibly connect with someone like Craig to see if he can add Xtreme to a CB III. I would guess you most likely know this answer too.
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
I am almost pulling the trigger for CB III HD. Not sure if I will hear significant difference between CB and my current Krell Foundation... Since the Theta is used, I am not going to be on hook for a huge potential disappointment if it doesn't prove to what many claims - one of the five best Processor of the world, Meridian, Datasat, Trinnov & Bryston included!
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 
Sure I will, but it will be sometime later, as my HT room is going to take a while to be completed - a month or so. Honestly, I don't have any thing to complain about Krell Foundation, it is truly very enjoyable machine. However, I just want to try a different one. If it doesn't meet my expectation (benefit/cost ratio-wise), I always will have a fallback option - back to Foundation:)
gbabu5y OP
7 posts
 

auxinput, I finally bought the Theta CB III HD. Got shipped. Opened the box, it's black. Looks good. Its about 10 years old, upgraded from CB III to III HD last year. Trying to determine if I should further upgrade ...
I am also looked at MINIDSP DDRC 88D/BM to have the room correction ability. It is not as powerful as DIRAC of CB IV or IVa, but good enough for the money. BM option give option to control the Subs as well. 
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