REVIEW: Theta Digital Casanova Preamplifier (HT)

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Okay, since no-one else has commented on this component, let me be the first. Before I begin, let me give you a brief background of how I came to own a CasaNova. I have been an avid and impatient audiophile for about 25 years. I have gone through so many components over the years, that I became more and more jaded by the flavor of the month etc. The advent and benefits of Home Theater became attractive to me, since watching TV and movies is a major pastime in my household.
I dumped the Linn, the Audio Research LS15, the Audio Research PH3 and started over. I bought the CasaNova after being able to audition it in my home for about two weeks. I'm glad that I had two weeks with it, because it took about that long to begin to figure out the incredibly difficult programming sequences that are required. This thing is VERY difficult to set up, so if possible, have your dealer do it for you.
The shear number of options are one of the reasons that it is so difficult to set up, but once you get the hang of the, anything but intuitive programming, you discover that this is an incredibly versatile and accomodating piece of equipment.
The fit and finish is beyond reproach and exemplifies the attention to detail that should be normal at this price level. As with most Theta products of late, this unit is modular in design and can be purchased with or without the options that appeal to you. I decided to have mine delivered with all of the options, including AC3, DTS, Circle Surround and , of course, a video board.
One of the features that I have found to be most useful, is the ability to tailor the type and range of crossovers that you wish to have used on any selected source. For instance, I find myself watching DVD's with one set of crossover parameters, and then listening to music using a different set of crossover parameters, as well as being able to select completely different speaker volumes, useage etc, at will.
While this unit may not be the last word in versatility, it is a magnificent attempt at giving the consumer the best of the Theater World as well as the best of the Audio World. Being able to configure your entire system to get the beat Theater experience and the best Audio experience is quite an achievement, and as far as I can tell, Theta has been successful.
From a pure Theater point of view, the CasaNova is a magical processor, that sounds better than all of the similarly priced competition that I listened to. The tuneability is just another boon.
Using the CasaNova as a straight forward Line Stage Preamp was revelation to me. I heard music delivered from a cheap and nasty CD transport that was very good. Good enough, in fact, that I rushed out in my usual impatience and purchased a top of the line DVD/CD Transport. Suddenly, I was being pulled back into the music, the fun, the sense of being there that had eluded me for a long time. I even got back into analog, but that's another story.
To finish up, the CasaNova is a first rate performer, that does everything that Theta claim it will. If, like me, you find yourself thinking of combining your Audio and Home Theater setups, give the CasaNova a serious listen. You really can have your cake and eat it to.
PS. I understand that Theta have introduced a CD/ROM that can be used with a PC to ease the set up problems. I believe it is about $250, but they really should give it to purchasers of the unit, in my opinion.

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Topic - REVIEW: Theta Digital Casanova Preamplifier (HT) Review by NEMICK at Audio Asylum - NEMICK 16:17:44 02/13/01 (1)

Great review, thanks. I had similar findings - Samir 19:32:50 02/14/01 (0)

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