Finally Theta Digital announces the big update change on CASABLANCA IVa and CASABLANCA V
THETA DIGITAL
ANNOUNCES TWO NEW CASABLANCA PREAMP PROCESSORS
BOTH WITH DOLBY ATMOS®, AURO-3D® AND DTS:X® (READY)
CASABLANCA 4a SUPPORTS 7.1.4; CASABLANCA 5 HAS UP TO 24 CHANNELS;
ADDS NEW 24/192 ONBOARD DACS FOR THE CASABLANCA 5 WITH A 12-CHANNEL STAND-ALONE VERSION FOR USE WITH ANY CASABLANCA;
CONTINUES UPGRADE PROGRAMS FOR EARLIER CASABLANCA PREAMPS
Montebello, CA, January 6, 2015 - The most widely acclaimed manufacturer of high-end audio components, Theta Digital, today introduced two new versions of its flagship Music and Cinema Controller: the Casablanca IVa and the Casablanca V. Originally introduced over 19 years ago, the Casablanca platform has undergone continuous development designed to maintain its position at the forefront of the audiophile world. In its latest iteration, the Casablanca IVa adds decoding for the new 3D audio formats: Dolby Atmos® and Auro-3D® with future upgradeability to DTS:X® and maintains Dirac Live ® 96K digital room correction and optimization and Theta's proprietary Jitter Jail II.
To denote the new version, the Casablanca IVa has new metalwork and a new display window. MSRP for the Casablanca IVa is $17,995.00(Base unit only without DAC) with availability in Q2, 2015.
The Casablanca V doubles the number of channels in the platform to 24, continues the advanced decoding capabilities with Dolby Atmos®, Auro-3D® and DTS:X ® (ready) and adds an HDMI 2.0 4K capable video card with 8 in and 2 out.
With the Casablanca V, Theta Digital also announces a new, 6-channel on-board DAC: the Xtreme D-3. Based on Theta Digital's legendary and award-winning Generation VIII $15,000 outboard DAC, the Xtreme D-3 uses the same fully balanced circuit topology, Burr Brown PCM-1792 DAC's (with two per channel), fully discrete resistor ladder volume controls and high-end op-amps to capture much of the magic of the Generation VIII.
As the Casablanca V platform supports only 3 output slots and 18 on-board output channels, Theta Digital is also announcing a stand-alone 12-channel version of the Xtreme D-3 DAC. Designed to be used with Theta Digital's 12-channel Digi-Out card and Theta's proprietary "Volume Data" circuitry, the combination brings the Casablanca V's output to 24 channels with volume control for both the on-board and outboard DAC's controlled directly by the Casablanca V.
MSRP for the Casablanca V is $21,995.00( Base unit only without DAC ). The 6-channel Xtreme D-3 DAC is $4,995.00. The outboard 12-channel Xtreme D-3 is $11,995.00. All will be available in Q3, 2015.
According to Dave Reich, Theta Digital's chief engineer, "Working on the Casablanca is a labor of love for all involved. We are thrilled to be able to extend the Casablanca experience to 3-D audio."
Theta Digital also announced new programs designed to allow owners of previous generations of the Casablanca preamp/processor to keep their components up-to-date.
Owners of the current Casablanca III HD, for example, can upgrade their unit to full Casablanca IVa status for $6,995.00. This extensive upgrade adds processing for Dolby Atmos® and Auro-3D®. Dirac Live® 96K and Jitter Jail® II, a new display window, new metal "Theta Digital" tower, new firmware and new software.
Casablanca owners wishing to move up to the Casablanca V will be offered a trade-in program.
Users seeking more details on the new model or the upgrade program should consult their Theta Digital dealer or distributor.