Hi, very nice setup! I picked up a set of Mc501's today!; I'm running 802's also. I have a question about how you managed to hook up your REL STIII series sub to your monoblock amps. I too have a REL STIII sub, but I'm afraid to hook it up as some have damaged thier equipment. Ive been getting conflicting ideas of how to connect the three wires to the (Nuetrik) "high level" speak'on connector. Since your's is together and working and identical to mine, I would like to hook up mine the exact same way. The wires are red, yellow, and black. Where on the monoblocks does each individual wire go? This would be a tremendous help. Best reguards, and happy new year!

jluke January 04, 2007 15:18

Nice set-up! I also have the THETA Casablanca III and Dreadnaught II. I just bought the B&W N802 and HTM-1 center on delivery. I just wonder how good the n802 sound with the THETA. Please feel free to give me your comment. here is my email [email protected]

ericngo1 September 20, 2006 22:26

Sorry for the 60 day reply...thanks for the comments...the esoteric is a very nice piece of equipment...very happy w/it...currently using a Stereovox digital cable for dig-out and kimber kcag's for analog out.....both to the Theta. My Casablanca has extreme dacs that are not equal to the dacs in the Esoteric. Have just started using the dvi out to the video panel instead of component cable, no real change IMO
wd

wdt March 28, 2006 18:44

nice setup and room! How do you like the esoteric?

bearotti January 26, 2006 07:24

sorry,pic did not upload

wdt October 10, 2005 10:52

System edited: mobile simulation apparatus

wdt October 10, 2005 10:50

room acoustical improvements next

wdt October 04, 2005 10:30

System edited: pics soon

wdt June 26, 2005 14:05

System edited: I am almost finished with a cabinet expansion that will allow me to move into analog. Have been doing a lot of research, reading, etc. for a couple of months now. I know a lot more about all that is available but I must say I am no closer to a decision on what to purchase. I would spend up to 10k on table,arm,cart,pre,and cleaner if I was confident I would be blown away by the sound.

wdt April 19, 2005 11:26

System edited: recent upgrade: McIntosh 501 fr r/l, B&W Nautilus 802 fr l/r, Theta Casablanca III w/extreme dacs fr r/l/ctr/sub, Rel Stadium III in play in 2 ch and 5.1

wdt November 23, 2004 11:21

Glen, I will let you know what I hear from Theta/Dealer. Amps way down the list for replacement, too much other low hanging fruit for system improvement. Refer to my profile for cabling, headed there to update now. Gone for a week, take it easy,wd

wdt October 20, 2003 09:34

I just took a another look at your system, not bad!!! not bad at all!!! BTW how are you cabled?

glen October 18, 2003 16:36

Haven't heard of the III yet, don't think I want to here about it either:)

If your going to do an upgrade on your piece it will probably be cheaper to jump into a III, an it makes more sense.

I haven't seen many cards floating around these days but they do pop up here and at e-bay.

Your dealer can install them or maybe a local electronics repair shop? I don't think it's that hard, you may even be able to do it yourself?

Let me know if you do the III upgrade

I trust you'll be investing in a Dreadnaught or Dread-II at some point in time? And when it comes time to do the transport try the Carmen-II you won't be sorry.

glen October 18, 2003 16:26

Thanks again Glen, Recently discovered there is a Casablanca III just released(did you know?) I want to explore that before I do anything, haven't had the time for dealer/Theta call. I have done a lot of reading/monitoring in this and the avs forum and have had some convo's with other Theta owners and I am probably as undecided as ever on direction. I have never seen any used Theta cards for sale. Where have you seen them available? How would I have that installed by anyone other than Theta? thx again,wd

wdt October 18, 2003 11:35

Wdt,

I've been thinking, since your main concern is better stereo how about adding an outboard dac (Already mentioned above).

Even something as simple as a Classe Dac-1 may yield favorable results. I use to own one and though I prefered it when installed in front of some tube gear it still performed excellent with solid state.

This dac can be had for around $800.00 in the used market and will also decode HDCD (which I miss)

Now grant it the technology is getting a little old on the Classe dac-1 so you may not be as impressed compared to something more current (i.e.Mark Levinson 30.6 or Theta Pro gen VIII)

But if your not looking to lay out four to eight grand for a dac try the Classe or maybe a Theta pro-gen V-a with the HDCD upgrade if possible ($1400.00 used)

Just some food for thought since you seem to think your dacs are a weak link in your system and I tend to agree.

Also keep your eyes open for Superior dacs, there were lots for sale when the extreme dac was first released. I'm not sure if your Blanca will take an extreme dac but if it will maybe try to find one used.

glen October 18, 2003 02:29

Hi,

I use a Blanca-II with superior dacs and get great results. I look forward to upgrading to Extreme dacs one day as I have heard many rave reviews about them.

As you probably know Theta pioneered the Transport/Dac concept. I currently use a Carmen-II as my transport, In my opinion it offers the best bang for the buck out of all the Theta Transports and Progressive scan is standard on this player. In the past I've used their DaViD but after ploping down $500.00 to have a laser changed it was time to move on.

I'd recommend you upgrade to Blanca-II status and add at least one Superior dac card (These can be found in the used market cheep) before you throw in the towel on Theta. Also try to find a great Transport and a decent digital cable. I think you'll notice a big difference

glen October 10, 2003 02:37