Theta Digital Casablanca V Music and Cinema Controller (Gear Review)
THEATER BYTE REVIEW
It has been exactly three years since I weighed in on the Theta Digital Casablanca IVA and, during the interim, the Amplifiers Technology, Inc. team has not been resting on its collective laurels. Casablanca controllers have been manufactured for the past quarter-century and if you look at the chassis’ front panel, the only difference that you are likely to notice between the new Theta Digital Casablanca V and its predecessor the IVA is the logo on the upper left corner.
See what Widescreen Review has to say about the Casablanca IVa
Issue 245 of Widescreen Review
Theta Digital Casablanca IVa Immersive Sound Preamp/Processor
By Doug Blackburn
“The Casablanca Delivers Exceptional, Pristine Audio From Digital Sources.”

Joining the growing ranks of class-D amplifiers with perfectionist aspirations, the Theta Prometheus combines the Hypex Ncore NC1200 module developed by noted class-D specialist Bruno Putzeys with a linear power supply designed by Theta’s own David Reich (The latter-or at least its enormous toroidal transformer-accounts for the amps’ 54.5-lb weight,) Specs include 500WPC, less than 0.001% THD+N at 1W, and an output impedance said to be extremely low. According to LG, “The most striking things about the Prometheus’s sound were its huge dynamic range and bass impact.†He also noted that “The Prometheuses projected a broad, detailed, involving, three-dimensional soundstage,†and “the midrange response blossomed when my [Quad ESL-989] speakers were driven by the Thetas.†LG’s conclusion: “My last impression of the Prometheus was the same as my first: It’s one of the best sounding amplifiers I’ve heard in my listening room. “Following the Theta’s time on his test bench, JA wrote, “The measured response of Theta Digital’s Prometheus is superb, even for an amplifier with a class-D output stage.
The Dreadnaught D is the fourth model in Theta Digital’s Dreadaught series-hence the D, which also refers to the output stages class of operation. The D uses Hypex NCore modules, coupled not with a switch-mode power supply but with a distinctly robust supply of more traditional design and construction. Hence this class-D amp’s atypical size and weight: 17.5 inches W by 7.9 inches H by 19.6 inches D, and 98.6 lbs. A modular design, the Dreadnaught D can be had with up to eight channel of 225W each; according to KR, the 225Wx5 sample Theta Digital sent us “not only sounded good, it sounded right.
Dreadnaught D
I’ll have more to say about the Dreadnaught D after we’ve lived together for a couple more months,. But for now, “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Casablanca IV
Prometheus Amplifier
I found the bottom end on analog playback to be punchy and well controlled, the midrange detailed with high amounts of texture reproducing instruments such as guitars and drums, and the top end well balanced.
I thought the amps helped produce an amazing amount of micro-dynamics with the bass exuding a nice attack and lots of fullness, plus a gigantic soundstage.
…the Prometheus represents a fantastic way to provide a state-of-the-art design that delivers state-of-the-art sound quality.”
Casablanca IIIHD
Compli Blu Universal Transport
Generation VIII Series 2
Enterprise Amplifier
“It was clear from the outset that it is a great solid state amplifier, among the best we’ve ever encountered. In the first place, it has an airy and open cleanliness, and an unusual ability to paint wide open spaces, the subtle sound of a large concert hall for example. In this area, the Enterprise has few peers.”
“The immediate impression was that the Theta delivers a more expansive soundstage, and a subtly darker, richer tonality… Theta’s low frequency voicing has a touch of richness and muscularity…there was a loose-limbed quality in the way it worked that somehow seemed better able to convey a feeling of relaxation and ease when the music called for these qualities. A great amplifier then – and a true individual.”
Casablanca III
“Few products have enjoyed such a long run at the top as Theta’s Casablanca, which has been the high-end choice in a digital controller for years.”
“The ‘Blanca signature is a miraculous blend of resolution, powerful dynamic contrast, and smooth natural, undigital textures. Like the best components, its main strength may be that it sounds less like a component, allowing the program material to be experienced in full..”
“Marrying soundtracks and hi-rez music within the same system-treating each optimally while maintaining ease of use-is a thorny challenge. Controllers subject vulnerable analog signals to a noisy digital environment, and no controller I know of supports more than one multichannel source. High-quality stereo preamps and multichannel linestages can serve as pure analog adjuncts to controllers, but this a costly, cumbersome approach.”
“Enter the Six Shooter, a passive multichannel “robot” preamplifier that connects to and takes direction from a Casablanca controller. Because the two are interconnected, integration is seamless from the user perspective. Yet because they’re separate, each signal type is treated to an optimal environment.”
“Theta liberated resources for performance and connectivity by eliminating spending on superfluous aesthetics and functionality. Volume changes, though under the Casablanca’s command, are actually effected by high-grade metal-film resistors within the Six Shooter.”
“The … goods to perform well beyond its price point.”
“…no question that the Six Shooter represents a brilliant-and so far unique-solution to a real-world problem.”
Casablanca III & Dreadnaught II
“Once again, you’ve graduated to a higher level… Theta Digital’s Casablanca III preamplifier/processor and Dreadnaught II 10-channel amp.”
Casablanca III
“…the products we’ve chosen are, in our collective opinion, the performance and value leaders in their categories.” For the “Best of the Best” of their 7 recommended Complete Home Systems: “To drive your surround system, we once more recommend the nonpareil Theta Casablanca controller” (Casablanca III Xtreme DAC version)
Citadel Amplifier
“Other components in your system will set the sonic boundaries of the soundstage, not these amplifiers.”
“…with a sound that is just impossibly sweet and purely musical for an amplifier that’s this revealing and high in resolving power.”
“Taking nothing away from my Dreadnaughts, for the first time since I’ve had them there was a let down switching back to my reference amps! I say that takes nothing from the Dreadnaught because we’re talking about a competitor that’s got more in common than not, and costs substantially more. You’d be unlikely to perceive the shortcomings of the Dreadnaught except in direct comparison to the Citadels.”
“The Citadels are the finest amplifiers I’ve had in my system, period.”
“…and the Citadels are an astounding aesthetic achievement to boot. Perhaps the best way I can make my feelings clear is this: if I could afford them I’d buy the Citadels in a heartbeat and I wouldn’t look back.”
Dreadnaught II Amplifier
“The Dreadnaught II’s treble was convincingly detailed…I consider the Dreadnaught II to be a worthwhile improvement over its predecessor, which for two years was one of the top-rated amplifiers in our annual March/April ‘Recommended Components’ issue.”
Generation VIII
Intrepid Amplifier
“…highly recommended for the price…”
“The Intrepid made every multichannel mix seem more alive, with more of a feeling of a real event.”
“… the Intrepid’s clarity and liquidity, particularly from the midrange up, are world-class.”
“… the Intrepid’s excellent tonal balance and dynamics were apparent as well. It is one of the most subtly transparent power amplifiers I have auditioned.”
Citadel Amplifier
“… I noted that affinity for beautiful, grainless female vocals and a full and lovely midrange… I turned the volume up. Then the Citadels hauled off and gave it to me, top to bottom, in a manner most remarkable-the bass… took on a dynamic, articulate, detailed, and powerful sound at higher volumes that was just splendid.”
“J.S. Bach’s Adagio… made the hairs on my neck stand straight up. The air, the emotion, the microchanges in volume and the sounds of bow on string-it all made my heart race with pleasure.”
“… a certain litheness, delicacy, and transparency in the Citadel’s reproduction.”
“…and the Citadel was superb, just superb.”
“Heaven.”
Intrepid Amplifier
” …I found myself wondering if maybe, just maybe, DVD-A might not suck after all.”
“My verdict? Let’s just say that I’m buying an Intrepid.”
Dreadnaught Amplifier
“Like the Casablanca II, the Theta Dreadnaught is state of the art technology and extremely high quality. It delivers as much power as you, your speakers, and the wall studs, can handle. It is reasonably priced for what you get, and you get a lot. A highly recommended product.”
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7133 Telegraph Road
Montebello CA 90640
USA
Phone: +1 (323) 278-0001