With the news that this week, Theta Digital Corp was acquired by Amplifier Technologies (ATI), but no formal press release yet or announcement by ATI re their plans for Theta and its existing products, warranties, new products, etc. - doesn't this bring back memories for other folks.

I had a Citation 7.0 surround processor. Luved it. Part of paying the bucks to buy it was their advertisement and promise that it would be reasonably upgradeable to Dolby Digital and DTS which were coming out. Well, that never happened. And within a few years they were gone.

I then upgraded in early 1997 to the then nearly brand new Theta Casablanca, which was promised as card cage and upgradeable. And I've been through upgrades a number of times now, now having the Theta CB3 with Six Shooter. Which I love. And which serves me well thanks to the Six Shooter Multi-channel analog preamp even for multi-channel SACD, DVD-Audio and HD DVD high resolution formats.

Yea, I'm still hopin' the new Theta will continue the old Theta's tradition - but odds are probably against me on that hope. Especially since word of the sale is all over the web and there have been no reassurances from ATI re their plans for Theta. The good news is my current CB3 "dinosaur" (that's what Jeff "The Bland" likes to rankle my chain about) is still a phenomenally sounding great piece of gear in my system - and even if it doesn't upgrade ot the latest HDMI 1.3 bell and whistle I am in good shape for years to come as is. Latest ain't always greatest - witness debates LP vs CD and solid state vs tubes. HA!

So what's your experience re your surround processor/home theater company being sold, bought out or simply bye bye???

Steve, I owned A Citation as well, so I've been there. When they folded and the promised DD/DTS upgrade never materialized, I was disappointed / pissed for sure. But it ended up being fortuitous as I went to Meridian, a new brand for me, for a DD/DTS solution and loved it. Change is good. I liked my Lexicon MC-12B better than my Meridian and Halcro better than the Lexicon. You should try it.

Your CB is nicebut dated and I am really surprised that with such a high end system, you use the $99 HD DVD player's DACs? With lossless audio out for a while now, I was surprised you have stayed the course with Theta so long? I guess at this point, you should wait for a 1.3 processor (likely a year) or pick up a used HDMI LPCM model if you really want to see what your system is capable of re: movie tracks.

I checked Videogon and there are really 2 used Halcros for sale, 5 others are from an authorized dealer. So, you have a chance to get up to speed on the cheap.:D

Jeff,

Audiogon has 5 Halcros listed right now.

Steve,

It seems most tech companies that acquire another company, usually finish up any projects/products that are WELL underway. Once those are done, they usually support the older products for a while.

IF Thete was really close on HDMI Audio, you may still see it. If they weren't close to being done, then chances of seeing it are slim.

Darrell

My feeling is, having had experience, that when a company is sold, the customer has dodged a bullet as the company probably would have failed without being bought. It's a good thing. Now, whether the new owner follows through, that's another thing.

It will be what it will be and there is nothing one can do to change it. so why waste the bandwidth on this discussion? What does this thread add to the other Theta thread? Oh yea. Solicit comments about processor companies that went kaput such as Aragon after Klipsch owned them for a couple of years. Worry about things you can cantrol or at least you can analyze such as will the Patriots go 16 and 0 for the regular season given their remaining 7 opponents. Or will Steve ever replace his POS projector?

Mark, what you suggest that Steve switch to for projectors?

Steve knows. Almost anything would be better, but Steve really doesn't watch anything. His screen is primarily used for adjustments on the menues on his myriad of audio equipment. For that he only needs a 480i composite hookup.

This is like trailing a bait for marlin fishing. Sooner or later its going to blow.

It will be what it will be and there is nothing one can do to change it. so why wate the bandwidth on this discussion? What does this thread add to the other Theta thread? Oh yea. Solicit comments about processor companies that went kaput such as Aragon after Klipsch owned them for a couple of years. Worry about things you can cantrol or at least you can analyze such as will the Patriots go 16 and 0 for the regular season given their remaining 7 opponents. Or will Steve ever replace his POS projector?

Mark, you had your chance to give me (your good friend) your MP modded
9" Marquee as you were gripin' on the forum re now one offering you what it was worth. Did you sell it? For how much? And what digital projector is up now and how much do you hate it already? I am smart enough not to listen to Mark's horsecrap!!!@@@:D

This is like trailing a bait for marlin fishing. Sooner or later its going to blow.

Only because you choose to BS and degenerate the thread rather than add your real world experience and expertise as a dealer and consumer re what you have witnessed over the years with other sales and acquisitions.

You are like the pot calling the kettle black. I can see why your good friend Bruce (what a nice guy - but did I get his name right?) is legally blind - he can't stand to look at you. HA!

I'm just a degenerate.

In any particular new case, what has happened with respect to different acquisitions by other companies has nothing to do with what will happen in the future. It will be what it will be.

Its like a blind squirrel stumbling across an acorn. One can attempt to analyze after the acquisition of experiential data supplied by others. My advice? Just keep on stumbling.

This thread could be amusing I suppose but it is simply not possible to take it seriously OR DEGENERATE IT.


I got it. Let's start 6 new threads. Why just limit it to processor company acquisitions? Let's have one for speakers, amps, preamps, tonearm, cartridge and head shell leads.


I don't hate anyhing except hate itself. (Damn. That's good!)


I take it all back. This thread did serve a useful purpose.

I got it. Let's start 6 new threads. Why just limit it to processor company acquisitions? Let's have one for speakers, amps, preamps, tonearm, cartridge and head shell leads.

thats pretty funny...Steve and I had never had a dialogue on these forums, but I must admit I really love the threads that he starts and then proceeds to be the first ten post following his thread. The guy is pretty passionate about his audio gear! Personally I'm with Mark and wouldn't worry about it. I don't see any benefit from wondering about the future of your current devises. I have had a PMDT and an AVP2 for years and they have worked flawlessly, as most well built products do. If Theta is a well built unit than you shouldn't worry. They are probably well aware of all the A/V forums out there and will do the best to take care of their current clients. They are not going to want to be trashed for poor service IMO.

Joey

So what's your experience re your surround processor/home theater company being sold, bought out or simply bye bye???

None yet but if I live long enough it will happen. I suggest shop around,see what Jeff is using then move on.:D

Art

Steve. You have it wrong. I'd never sell them to them.
If stupid posts were a responsible criterion for rejection, you would have no friends here on AVS.

Steve. You have it wrong. I'd never sell them to them.
If stupid posts were a responsible criterion for rejection, you would have no friends here on AVS.

"I'd never sell them to them"

That makes as much sense as the rest of your stupid senseless posts here at AVS.

Now be nice, Mark, or I'll invite Mike Parker over here to gang up on you.

Your CB is nicebut dated and I am really surprised that with such a high end system, you use the $99 HD DVD player's DACs?


Is this true? He is not utilizing the CBIII dacs? Not using the extensive crossover capability? So, is he using the CBIII it as the most expensive volume control piece of hardware in the world? (~$10,000?). If so, what is he concerned about?

Is this true? He is not utilizing the CBIII dacs? Not using the extensive crossover capability? So, is he using the CBIII it as the most expensive volume control piece of hardware in the world? (~$10,000?). If so, what is he concerned about?

Easy answer!

SIx Shooter for SACD, DVD-A and HD DVD high resolution

Extreme DACs for redbook CD, DVD, DirecTV HD

I'm very happy with my CB3 and Six Shooter. Would like to find out details of sale and extent to which existing warranties will be honored; and if Theta continues to plan to upgrade the Casablanca.

Of course, anyone new interested in buying Theta anywhere near retail pricing will likely want these questions answered before buying Theta.

Shumi, I recall you once had a Theta Casanova and were interested in upgrading to the CB. Did you ever do the upgrade?

Yes indeed....I have the CBIII with Extremes, also purchased two Dred II amps.. I have been a Theta owner for 10 years now. For two channel redbook I use their David transport also. BTW, has anyone else had problems with the CBIII intermittently defaulting to full volume due to possibly static problems/software glitches? I have blown my Dunlavy tweeters three times because of this issue.

Steve, be honest... the 6 shooter is only a switcher. Nothing else. For HD DVD, TRUE HD and such are simply routed throught the 6 shooter and CBIII. The sound from it is pure Toshiba.

Steve, be honest... the 6 shooter is only a switcher. Nothing else. For HD DVD, TRUE HD and such are simply routed throught the 6 shooter and CBIII. The sound from it is pure Toshiba.

The first two inputs of the Six Shooter are active and just like any active pre-amp. The third input for the CBIII is passive. No the Six Shooter is not just a switcher. Switchers only switch signals. Unless you don't know the difference between a switcher and a pre-amp? Ask your dealer to explain it to you. The Six shooter is most like the EMM Labs Switchman pre-amps ecpect the controls are in the CBIII. In the case of the Switchman the controls are in the wired remote. Theta was using the Switchman for multi-channel demos before they had the Six shooter ready.

The first two inputs of the Six Shooter are active and just like any active pre-amp. The third input for the CBIII is passive. No the Six Shooter is not just a switcher. Switchers only switch signals. Unless you don't know the difference between a switcher and a pre-amp? Ask your dealer to explain it to you. The Six shooter is most like the EMM Labs Switchman pre-amps ecpect the controls are in the CBIII. In the case of the Switchman the controls are in the wired remote. Theta was using the Switchman for multi-channel demos before they had the Six shooter ready.


Bulldogger,

I understand that.. I use 'switcher' just for simplicity. As you know, the best pre-amp in the world is one that imparts no signature or color to the signal. My point in addressing Steve's description of the 6S combo when using the analog outs from a HD DVD for lossless sound is that THE CBIII and 6S, by design, do not alter / improve the signal from the HD DVD player making the sound you hear at the mercy of the HD DVD player, and moreover, none of the great digital post processing, crossovers, time alignment, etc from the CBIII can't be applied.

I fully understand that for SACD and DVD-A that the 6Ss strength is undeniable.

And to be clear, I hope you guys DO get a HDMI solution from Theta. I mean I didn't from Citation and I was very disappointed. So, I hope all works out for you to protect your investment and have a digital solution for lossless tracks.:)

Can someone please fix the thread title?

"If you are surround processor"?

With the news that this week, Theta Digital Corp was acquired by Amplifier Technologies (ATI), but no formal press release yet or announcement by ATI re their plans for Theta and its existing products, warranties, new products, etc. - doesn't this bring back memories for other folks.

I had a Citation 7.0 surround processor. Luved it. Part of paying the bucks to buy it was their advertisement and promise that it would be reasonably upgradeable to Dolby Digital and DTS which were coming out. Well, that never happened. And within a few years they were gone.

I then upgraded in early 1997 to the then nearly brand new Theta Casablanca, which was promised as card cage and upgradeable. And I've been through upgrades a number of times now, now having the Theta CB3 with Six Shooter. Which I love. And which serves me well thanks to the Six Shooter Multi-channel analog preamp even for multi-channel SACD, DVD-Audio and HD DVD high resolution formats.

Yea, I'm still hopin' the new Theta will continue the old Theta's tradition - but odds are probably against me on that hope. Especially since word of the sale is all over the web and there have been no reassurances from ATI re their plans for Theta. The good news is my current CB3 "dinosaur" (that's what Jeff "The Bland" likes to rankle my chain about) is still a phenomenally sounding great piece of gear in my system - and even if it doesn't upgrade ot the latest HDMI 1.3 bell and whistle I am in good shape for years to come as is. Latest ain't always greatest - witness debates LP vs CD and solid state vs tubes. HA!

So what's your experience re your surround processor/home theater company being sold, bought out or simply bye bye???

My "take" would be, so what?

Steve, be honest... the 6 shooter is only a switcher. Nothing else. For HD DVD, TRUE HD and such are simply routed throught the 6 shooter and CBIII. The sound from it is pure Toshiba.

What's amazing though is how good the sound is!!!! Like I say, ya need to listen.

Yes indeed....I have the CBIII with Extremes, also purchased two Dred II amps.. I have been a Theta owner for 10 years now. For two channel redbook I use their David transport also. BTW, has anyone else had problems with the CBIII intermittently defaulting to full volume due to possibly static problems/software glitches? I have blown my Dunlavy tweeters three times because of this issue.

Theta has a new software and/or card which totally solves this problem, as I beta tested it and have had it for several months now. Call Theta, mention this, and assuming their tech support hasn't changed since the sale, you should be taken care of. Let me know what happens. Also, for now, check in your CB3 menu and ensure that the starting volume is set real low or 0 (although your software may have got corrupted or malfunctioning so this doesn't work right).

Can someone please fix the thread title?

"If you are surround processor"?

fixed

As a former Theta owner, it's easy for me to sit tight and wait this one out.

There's really no way of knowing what's going to happen. Unfortunately, most of the examples that readily come to mind (already mentioned in the threads, so I won't rehash) are rather unhappy endings. I'm sure there are some happy endings, but I can't think of one off the top of my head.

What surprises me is that there hasn't been an official announcement now that the news has leaked.

Drew

Steve come on over to the dark side. <grin>

With the news that this week, Theta Digital Corp was acquired by Amplifier Technologies (ATI), but no formal press release yet or announcement by ATI re their plans for Theta and its existing products, warranties, new products, etc. - doesn't this bring back memories for other folks.

I had a Citation 7.0 surround processor. Luved it. Part of paying the bucks to buy it was their advertisement and promise that it would be reasonably upgradeable to Dolby Digital and DTS which were coming out. Well, that never happened. And within a few years they were gone.

I then upgraded in early 1997 to the then nearly brand new Theta Casablanca, which was promised as card cage and upgradeable. And I've been through upgrades a number of times now, now having the Theta CB3 with Six Shooter. Which I love. And which serves me well thanks to the Six Shooter Multi-channel analog preamp even for multi-channel SACD, DVD-Audio and HD DVD high resolution formats.

Yea, I'm still hopin' the new Theta will continue the old Theta's tradition - but odds are probably against me on that hope. Especially since word of the sale is all over the web and there have been no reassurances from ATI re their plans for Theta. The good news is my current CB3 "dinosaur" (that's what Jeff "The Bland" likes to rankle my chain about) is still a phenomenally sounding great piece of gear in my system - and even if it doesn't upgrade ot the latest HDMI 1.3 bell and whistle I am in good shape for years to come as is. Latest ain't always greatest - witness debates LP vs CD and solid state vs tubes. HA!

So what's your experience re your surround processor/home theater company being sold, bought out or simply bye bye???

Hi Steve,

Scanning the drama that has ensued with this and the other thread you have been rabidly posting to regarding the rumored Theta sale(please note edit ;) ), I can help but envisioning the group of ladies my mother goes to lunch with every few weeks and how the gossip and wildly unfounded speculation flows at a truely awe-inspiring rate!

First and foremost, we don't know the real details yet, and the what-ifs being posted rival the best of the conspiracy theories.

My suggestion is to step away from the keyboard and go enjoy a few adult beverages of choice while enjoying your system. As thebland pointed out in the other thread, nothing that has transpired in the past few days has affected the sound or operation of your system. :p

Just about every product has a life cycle that is finite. Defined or not, it will be finite. In any product that is billed as upgradeable, there comes a point where it is more economical, reliable, and yes, profitable :rolleyes:, to replace the unit with a complete re-design. I have no idea if you are at that point yet with the various Theta surround processors, and I suspect no-one outside of Theta is sure of that yet. The rumored sale may be a huge benefit towards another upgrade, or it might be the turning point to an entirely new device. No one here knows yet!

Personally I see lots of reasons why ATI might want to purchase Theta. Being that this is the high-end audio business, the most valuable asset most any company has is its brand. In one form or another, if this deal is real, ATI will leverage the Theta's brand image, brand equity, and visibility in the hi-fi market to their advantage. Given the nature of this business, I would be highly surprised if they left Theta owners hanging. Unless the brand dies, it's not sound business. That doesn't guarantee they will upgrade your CBIII, but there's a good probability that something will work out in your favor.

If not, I fail to have much sympathy for anyone whining about upgrades for a piece of consumer electronics they have gotten 10 years of operation from. :rolleyes:

Change is one of the few constants; I suggest you embrace it.

"I'm sure there are some happy endings, but I can't think of one off the top of my head."

Lexicon, they were purchased by Harman International in the early to mid 90s and have done just fine since then.

Shawn

"I'm sure there are some happy endings, but I can't think of one off the top of my head."

Lexicon, they were purchased by Harman International in the early to mid 90s and have done just fine since then.

ShawnOn a smaller scale, there's CJs purchase of McCormack.

[QUOTE=sfogg;12180821]"I'm sure there are some happy endings, but I can't think of one off the top of my head."

Ok...i've had enough of this guessing...i need a sure thing

as one of the few single members here i am making that call to the ex g and i will get my happy ending...hahahah

Can u guys root for Miami (fl) tonight?

Hi Steve,

Scanning the drama that has ensued with this and the other thread you started regarding the rumored Theta sale, I can help but envisioning the group of ladies my mother goes to lunch with every few weeks and how the gossip and wildly unfounded speculation flows at a truely awe-inspiring rate!

First and foremost, we don't know the real details yet, and the what-ifs being posted rival the best of the conspiracy theories.

My suggestion is to step away from the keyboard and go enjoy a few adult beverages of choice while enjoying your system. As thebland pointed out in the other thread, nothing that has transpired in the past few days has affected the sound or operation of your system. :p

Just about every product has a life cycle that is finite. Defined or not, it will be finite. In any product that is billed as upgradeable, there comes a point where it is more economical, reliable, and yes, profitable :rolleyes:, to replace the unit with a complete re-design. I have no idea if you are at that point yet with the various Theta surround processors, and I suspect no-one outside of Theta is sure of that yet. The rumored sale may be a huge benefit towards another upgrade, or it might be the turning point to an entirely new device. No one here knows yet!

Personally I see lots of reasons why ATI might want to purchase Theta. Being that this is the high-end audio business, the most valuable asset most any company has is its brand. In one form or another, if this deal is real, ATI will leverage the Theta's brand image, brand equity, and visibility in the hi-fi market to their advantage. Given the nature of this business, I would be highly surprised if they left Theta owners hanging. Unless the brand dies, it's not sound business. That doesn't guarantee they will upgrade your CBIII, but there's a good probability that something will work out in your favor.

If not, I fail to have much sympathy for anyone whining about upgrades for a piece of consumer electronics they have gotten 10 years of operation from. :rolleyes:

Change is one of the few constants; I suggest you embrace it.

Mark, I didn't start the other thread! I was aware of the sale as Neil called me about 10 days ago, but per his request I kept it quiet - until the news was broken here by another forum member that the sale to ATI was already the buzz in the industry. And your comments re how this sale may well benefit Theta customers is exactly what I initially posted in the other thread, that I suspect this as well. But with no concrete affirmations from the new owner or info if the sale involves the new company honoring prior warranties and committments, the questions legitimately float in the air for now.

And if you read through these two threads, you will see that (1) I luv my Theta gear and would do it again, (2) my Theta gear is good for years regardless of HDMI in my setup, and (3) the lawyer in me simply states that until and if Theta comes out giving clear assurances that existing warranties are being honored and .what the company's plans are only a fool would buy their products at near retail prices.
The ball is in Theta/ATI's court .

"I'm sure there are some happy endings, but I can't think of one off the top of my head."

Lexicon, they were purchased by Harman International in the early to mid 90s and have done just fine since then.

Shawn

Thank you for being responsive to the question I initially posed in this thread.

On a smaller scale, there's CJs purchase of McCormack.


Thank you for being responsive to the question I initially posed in this thread.

Yo, Steve! You're going to get me in some very hot water by saying I broke the story- that is VERY NOT TRUE!!!

I didn't start that other thread, I've only posted a couple times in it. Am I closer than the average bear to the situation, sure; but that's only because I'm an ATI dealer, have a very close relationship with CAT (ATI builds the CAT amps- no secret), worked the CAT/ATI/Cineak booth at CEDIA, and happen to know Morris, et. al. But I can't spill any beans about any details I know/knew. That would make people very angry.

So please, edit your post that it reflects accurately what's happened in the other thread- this industry is my livelihood, and information that's still private should remain private until otherwise.

Dan

PS- I only corrected the misinformation that the ATI video-card company had purchased Theta, which wasn't true, and makes zero sense whatsoever- I only said that it was the ATI of Amplifier Technologies Inc. (2 different ATIs). Besides, if you spoke to Neil- you should have made the same correction. I just made it first, before the crazy speculation started.

Mark, I didn't start the other thread!

My bad Steve. Post edited. :rolleyes:

Yo, Steve! You're going to get me in some very hot water by saying I broke the story- that is VERY NOT TRUE!!!

I didn't start that other thread, I've only posted a couple times in it. Am I closer than the average bear to the situation, sure; but that's only because I'm an ATI dealer, have a very close relationship with CAT (ATI builds the CAT amps- no secret), worked the CAT/ATI/Cineak booth at CEDIA, and happen to know Morris, et. al. But I can't spill any beans about any details I know/knew. That would make people very angry.

So please, edit your post that it reflects accurately what's happened in the other thread- this industry is my livelihood, and information that's still private should remain private until otherwise.

Dan

PS- I only corrected the misinformation that the ATI video-card company had purchased Theta, which wasn't true, and makes zero sense whatsoever- I only said that it was the ATI of Amplifier Technologies Inc. (2 different ATIs). Besides, if you spoke to Neil- you should have made the same correction. I just made it first, before the crazy speculation started.

Dan, sorry, I corrected it.

Thanks Steve.

Dan

With the news that this week, Theta Digital Corp was acquired by Amplifier Technologies (ATI), but no formal press release yet or announcement by ATI re their plans for Theta and its existing products, warranties, new products, etc. - doesn't this bring back memories for other folks.

. . .

So what's your experience re your surround processor/home theater company being sold, bought out or simply bye bye???

I still have a TAG pre-pro. I wouldn't touch a Theta product (new or used) until the new owners establish a track record of support.
Once burned, twice shy.

I went from TMA AV-192R to a Meridian 861 V4.2...truth is that each had its pluses and minues...that said, I am very happy with the Meridian piece...