Montebello, Calif. –
has begun shipping an
upgraded version of its flagship preamp processor and announced new programs to
help consumers update their current models.
The Casablanca III HD, the latest version of
the company’s flagship preamp processor, adds HDMI 1.4 inputs and decoding of
Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master surround sound. Pricing varies based on the
configuration. Configured with eight channels of digital-to-analog conversion,
the Casablanca III HD retails for $14,995. Prices can run to more than $20,000
when configured for 12-channel output with Theta’s top-of-the-line Xtreme D-2 DACs.
To help owners of previous
Casablanca generations get up to date, the company announced two programs. For
owners of the Casablanca III, Theta will add three new circuit boards, a new
power supply and new operating system at $4,995 to turn it into a Casablanca
III HD. A second program offers owners of the Casablanca I or II a trade-in
allowance up to $5,000 toward the purchase of the Casablanca III HD.
“The trade-in program continues our commitment
to protect the value of the Theta owner’s investment while keeping his components
at the edge of the art,” said Jeff Hipps, Theta’s head of sales and marketing.
