Published On: July 1, 2017

Theta Digital Introduces Casablanca IVa Processor

Published On: July 1, 2017
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Theta Digital Introduces Casablanca IVa Processor

Theta Digital has announced a new, upgraded version of its Casablanca AV pre/pro. The Casablanca IVa adds support for 7.1.4-channel output capability, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. The new model also adds a Digital Direct mode that passes on digital...

Theta Digital Introduces Casablanca IVa Processor

By Author: Home Theater Review
The staff at HomeTheaterReview.com is comprised of experts who are dedicated to helping you make better informed buying decisions.

Theta-Casablanca-IVa.jpgTheta Digital has announced a new, upgraded version of its Casablanca AV pre/pro. The Casablanca IVa adds support for 7.1.4-channel output capability, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. The new model also adds a Digital Direct mode that passes on digital signals in their native format and removes the Sample Rate Converter at the input to the DSP board. Dirac Live Room Correction and Theta's proprietary Jitter Jail II technology are onboard. The Casablanca IVa will carry an MSRP of $17,995.

From Theta Digital
Theta Digital has begun shipping the updated Casablanca IVa Immersive Sound Preamp/Processor.

Built on the same basic platform as previous Casablanca preamp/processors, the Casablanca IVa continues the aspirational good looks of its predecessors while making significant changes and improvements to the under-lying circuitry.

First and foremost is the use of two new TI DSP processor chips to add 7.1.4-channel output capability and decoding for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the immersive sound formats found in many Hollywood's blockbuster movies.

Both formats, of course, include upmixing of stereo and surround material to the 3D audio experience. Dolby Surround is included to extend Dolby encoded material. DTS Neural:X does the same for anything encoded in DTS. For PCM material, be it stereo or multichannel, the user can freely choose either upmixing technology.

The revised digital topology also removes the Sample Rate Converter (SRC) used at the input to the DSP board in the earlier Casablanca III HD and IV, resulting in improved sound in the Casablanca IVa.

The Casablanca IVa also adds a new Digital Direct mode that passes on any signals arriving in the digital domain in their native format and channel count and continues Theta's traditional Analog Direct mode that passes analog signals unmolested.

Dirac Live Digital Room Correction and Optimization continues with the ability to measure and correct all 12 output channels. Theta's proprietary Jitter Jail II is also included to reduce distortion based on timing errors in the input signal.

The Casablanca IVa has 4 HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. The HDMI 1 input is HDCP 2.2 compliant.

The MSRP for the Theta Casablanca IVa is $17,995. Theta Digital's DAC output card or cards or Theta's 12-channel Balanced Digiout card are additional.

Theta is also pleased to continue its long-standing policy of allowing owners of previous Casablanca preamplier/processors to upgrade to the Casablanca IVa. The cost of the upgrade depends on the actual model submitted. The cost to upgrade the Casablanca III HD to the IVa is $6,495, while upgrading the Casablanca IV is only $2,995.

According to Dave Reich, Theta Digital's Chief Engineer, "We are thrilled with the performance of the new CB IVa. It offers outstanding sound virtually without compromise for any digital or analog signal.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Theta Digital website for more product information.
Theta Digital Ships New Dreadnaught D Modular Amplifier at HomeTheaterReview.com.

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