External DAC and Theta Casablanca II

i know this thread is a bit dated, but since i recently answered the question i was originally posting, i figured i'd revive it in case anyone else was curious..

A friend of mine generously loaned me his Cambridge Audio DACMagic to compare to the DACs in my Casablanca (Superior). To test, I ran an analogue input from the DACMagic and a digital input directly from the same source to the Casablanca II. All that was required to hear the difference was switching inputs on the Casablanca, done right from my listening chair. The DACMagic in all areas, save bass, was superior. The bass from the Theta was tighter and more powerful, but otherwise, the DACMagic won the day.

i went in this not knowing what to expect, but in the end, the answer was clear. DAC tech has come a long way since the CBII was introduced.

I'm not surprised by this test. The Superior DAC is really dated compared to many reasonably priced DAC on the market today. Unless Theta comes out with their HDMI upgrade there's really no reason to upgrade any older CB. I've got a CB3 w/extreme & Superior II DAC's + the Gen VIII v2 and the sound is spectacular and only for HT but 2ch as well. I’ve not heard the new Audio Codes but sometimes I find it hard to believe they are that much better. I'll continue to wait for the upgrade. Got too much invested in this brand to walk away. It's not like the Sonics I’m hearing with my setup are bad by any means!!

Stick 70:

I have been with the Theta sound for 20 years; still use my Generation Va in the system at the lake. Recently into computer audio (ripped 2200 Redbook CDs). Here at home I use a CBII with Xtreme DACs, pre-Gen VIII days. I have struggled a little with the CBII and computer music, but an asynchronous USB->S/PDIF converter on the BNC input is producing some mighty fine sound, better than using the Jade.

It looks like the USB -> S/PDIF converters (in asynchronous mode) may be breathing new life into some of the older DACs that don't have their own clock defenses or buffering strategies like the Gen VIII's. I am considering options like dispatching the CB to the lake, retiring the Gen Va, and installing a Gen VIII here.

I am over the home theater thing.

Since you have experience with both converters, can you comment on the CB Xtreme dacs vs. the Gen VIII for 2-channel Redbook?

I have an CB3 w/superior boards (best you could buy when I bought it). My DAC started missing the 1st second or two of most songs. Amplifier Technologies, who purchased Theta, kept it for weeks and weeks and returned it in the same condition. They refused to help me, even though it was still under warranty. (Even though I love my CB3, I will never buy Theta again due to this. When John Bayloff was with Theta-he really took care of his customers) Anyway, I purchased a Kora Hermes II tubed DAC and it is head and shoulders above what I had. Very smooth and warm. If I were you, I would consider an outboard DAC and run it analog matrix direct. This way, you can still crossover your subs if you want, while keeping the clear sound of direct. If you have an analog output on your CD transport, try running it analog direct. You won't believe the difference in quality.

Guess I should have read the other threads before responding. I see my subject was covered very well before my input. That will teach me...It's all in fun anyway.