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The official "Theta" thread - Page 166

post #4951 of 5067
3/5/13 at 1:25pm
Can someone test something for me please? Connect a two channel source to an ANALOG input. Check that you get sound out of the front L/R using Matrix mode. Crossover some front L/R frequency to a sub. (So front L/R set to XOVR, number of subs at least 1, subs set to XOVR.) Switch the front L/R amp off so that only the sub is powered. Do you get LF sound coming out of the sub?

(I don't and this is a source of some weird results I have been getting with REW when using a pre-amp connected via analog input, a typical setup.)
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post #4952 of 5067
3/5/13 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevekale View Post

Can someone test something for me please? Connect a two channel source to an ANALOG input. Check that you get sound out of the front L/R using Matrix mode. Crossover some front L/R frequency to a sub. (So front L/R set to XOVR, number of subs at least 1, subs set to XOVR.) Switch the front L/R amp off so that only the sub is powered. Do you get LF sound coming out of the sub?

(I don't and this is a source of some weird results I have been getting with REW when using a pre-amp connected via analog input, a typical setup.)

Steve- Don't use an analog input with Matrix mode, it will not sound good. for analog input, 'analog direct' is your best bet. I disconnected my analog lines but I recall before in testing that attempting Matrix w/ analog input sounds mushy. John mentioned that Matrix would be for use with digital sources. No big deal for me because I wanted to move away from using analog input and rely on the CBIII's DACs
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post #4953 of 5067
3/6/13 at 12:32am
This is just for running a signal sweep through my speakers to measure room acoustics. I am worried my analog card/DSP is simply broken. With digital, I get crossover to sub. With analog, I get nothing at the sub (with same crossover settings). That isn't right. If the problem were just the analog card then I'd expect to get nothing to any speaker but L/R gets signal - only whatever is crossed to the sub (in the Setup settings) disappears. Very weird.
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post #4954 of 5067
3/6/13 at 2:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by adanny View Post

How do people reliably add additional inputs to their theta? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has run out of hdmi inputs. I initially had my old dvdo edge as an input switcher so I could connect the WII (which only has component output). But that thing is so damn buggy and finicky - it often doesn't handshake or otherwise reliably put out a picture. Plus there is now a hdmi cable / converter for the WII from monoprice. Will I be better off adding the wii and other hdmi inputs using an el cheapo hdmi switcher upstream from the theta versus using the dvdo edge?

I think the best is to have more HMDI inputs on the CB III HD smile.gif
I've run out of inputs too.

The response I got from John B, was that they will look into it.
Edited by ANRE - 3/6/13 at 4:45am
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post #4955 of 5067
3/6/13 at 9:38pm
you could add a oppo 105 which gives you 1 or two more inputs that could be feed to theta using the two outputs one audio to theta one to video device this will give you one or two more plus the player itself take a look at manual to see what i mean
Edited by Rickd - 3/6/13 at 9:49pm
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post #4956 of 5067
3/7/13 at 6:57am
For HDMI switching just add a mono price HDMI switcher, I am using 2 of these http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=6259&seq=1&format=1#largeimage in addition to my Lumagen Radiance XE as I have over 10 HDMI sources and as a side note I do not pass any video through the CB3HD as the original CB3HD card was not set to pass 0-255....
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post #4957 of 5067
3/8/13 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LJG View Post

For HDMI switching just add a mono price HDMI switcher, I am using 2 of these http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=6259&seq=1&format=1#largeimage in addition to my Lumagen Radiance XE as I have over 10 HDMI sources and as a side note I do not pass any video through the CB3HD as the original CB3HD card was not set to pass 0-255....

I used to have a separate video and audio processor - why I got the dvdo - but man it sucked. The dvdo is the most buggy device in a universe of bugs.

I was hoping that with the theta I would throw awaya the dvdo (far), but the theta input range sucks. Don't get me wrong - I actually love that the cb3 only has hdmi. unlike krell and anthem and most other mid to high end processors, whose rear end looks like someone took a machete to it (with unnecessary component and svideo and composites). But 4 inputs??

I'll try the monoprice switcher. Bet it's better than the dvdo at 1/110th the price
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post #4958 of 5067
3/11/13 at 6:13am
Does anyone knows if it is possible to purchase the optional ST / AT&T input module that is available at the main digital input card ?
Edited by ANRE - 3/11/13 at 1:03pm
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post #4959 of 5067
3/11/13 at 3:23pm
ANRE:

This is no longer available from Theta Digital. May I suggest that you look at the used market?

Jeff
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post #4960 of 5067
3/11/13 at 6:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANRE View Post

Does anyone knows if it is possible to purchase the optional ST / AT&T input module that is available at the main digital input card ?

I think it is been some years since that was available, if my memory is any good, it hasn't been available since like 2005 or 2006 once we got the CB3 upgrade.
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post #4961 of 5067
3/14/13 at 8:41am
Andre7.JPG 136k .JPG file
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANRE View Post

BD. If you have been able to build your own interface to control the Compli Blu 3D by using iRule, that is just fantastic news. But that is not what you are saying, or ? I suspected that the RS232 feedback is not complete, looking at Roomie compatibility list where Oppo is listed. But maybe Theta has updated Oppo's RS232. I have not compared the documentation between Theta and Oppo yet. Only confirmed that Compli & Compli 3D share the same RS232 parameters.
Are you really able to use all the Compli Blu 3D's menus direct on an iPad by using RS232 and the iRule Builder ? And bypass the need of using HMDI interface ?
And how advanced is your interface with the CB3HD ? All menus incorporated by a customized user interface ? If so you are close to replace the Crystal SW.

I assume you are using a TCP/IP to RS232 converter ?
It seems that iRule and Roomie are using the same hardware.

Maybe you can post pic's of your user interface on the iPad, if yoou have made a "Theta User interface" ?

I my self was more investigating to use the second HMDI as a transmitter of pics by using this device. smile.gif
Of cause, if it works, you still has to use the remote, so it's not realistic option.
Yes, I built my own interface for some stuff. Irule has good panels for Oppo already so I did not have to do that. Here are some example pics for control of the Casablanca and Gen VIII for an Iphone Retina. One pic is the panel for a Blu-ray player that Oppo includes, the last picture.

I use a Digi TS16 port sever. Theta's feedback protocal is extensive. I've done most of the feedback for the Casablanca and Gen VIII so you could just use mine. Check to see if you can get Irule in your country. Many others, Manni here for example, have done extensive feedback for the Oppo which is exactly the same for the Compli Blu. I deleted my Ipad panels as they were for the older Ipad. I have been too busy to do Retina panels for the Ipad 3 lately but will.

On panels where you see, "Textural feedback 5,4,etc." It does not actually say that in use. It for example will say Power On, Input 2, Sample rate 192khz, volume 56 for example instead of that text. You can change the size of the text and color.
Edited by Bulldogger - 3/14/13 at 8:51am
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post #4962 of 5067
3/14/13 at 8:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANRE View Post

Does anyone knows if it is possible to purchase the optional ST / AT&T input module that is available at the main digital input card ?
It's been a very long time since I have even seen a Casablanca with that module. It would be hard to find.
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post #4963 of 5067
3/17/13 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Talk2Me View Post

I just sold my beloved Burmester 911 MK3, to get the new Theta Prometheus monos. I have a feeling they will be game changers, and they have that classic Theta look I have come to appreciate. Teta has bee working on these for 5 years.. Hope they show at 2013 CES
Any updates on your new amps? I am anxious to know what you think.
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post #4964 of 5067
3/18/13 at 2:56am
It will be interesting to hear if people revise their attitudes towards Class D, switching rather than linear driven amps and whether there will be flow-on effects for powering anything and everything with linear vs switching. Or am I confusing two topics?

Interesting quotes here http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/News/Hi-Fi/theta-goes-class-d-at-ces.html
Edited by stevekale - 3/18/13 at 3:06am
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post #4965 of 5067
3/18/13 at 6:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevekale View Post

It will be interesting to hear if people revise their attitudes towards Class D, switching rather than linear driven amps and whether there will be flow-on effects for powering anything and everything with linear vs switching. Or am I confusing two topics?

Interesting quotes here http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/News/Hi-Fi/theta-goes-class-d-at-ces.html

I believe the use of switching versus linear powersupplies in electronics is an issue unrelated to class D amplifier technology.

Paul McGowen has published an extensive series about amplifier technology, which you can read up on on their website. PS audio is making a big splash with their forcoming class-D amplifier themselves, using the Hypex modules.

http://www.psaudio.com/forum/#/discussion/5000/anyone-interested-in-seeing-the-new-amp/p1

It appears class D is truly coming of age, to the point of becoming acceptable in true high-end systems. I don't seen the ultra-high end (i.e. six figure systems) jumping on this yet - this segment is still dominated by >200lbs class A monoblocks and tubes, but may with time class D will move even further on the foodchain.

May be a subsidy on "green" amps and a tax on the spaceheater monsters will help.
Edited by edorr - 3/18/13 at 6:47am
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post #4966 of 5067
3/21/13 at 6:17pm
I was reading the new manual for the Casablanca HD and noticed a new remote?
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post #4967 of 5067
3/22/13 at 1:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulldogger View Post

Yes, I built my own interface for some stuff. Irule has good panels for Oppo already so I did not have to do that. Here are some example pics for control of the Casablanca and Gen VIII for an Iphone Retina. One pic is the panel for a Blu-ray player that Oppo includes, the last picture.

I use a Digi TS16 port sever. Theta's feedback protocal is extensive. I've done most of the feedback for the Casablanca and Gen VIII so you could just use mine. Check to see if you can get Irule in your country. Many others, Manni here for example, have done extensive feedback for the Oppo which is exactly the same for the Compli Blu. I deleted my Ipad panels as they were for the older Ipad. I have been too busy to do Retina panels for the Ipad 3 lately but will.

On panels where you see, "Textural feedback 5,4,etc." It does not actually say that in use. It for example will say Power On, Input 2, Sample rate 192khz, volume 56 for example instead of that text. You can change the size of the text and color.

Nice stuff BD! When I get my iRule setup going, I'm gonna bug you for all of your files. biggrin.gif
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post #4968 of 5067
3/24/13 at 3:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by k_lewis View Post

Nice stuff BD! When I get my iRule setup going, I'm gonna bug you for all of your files. biggrin.gif
Sure, it's no problem. Let me know if you need any help. Irule keeps evolving so I see that I am going to have to catch up with the latest improvements. Les Auber informed me that Theta has modified it's feedback for the latest firmware for the Casablanca HD. It appears up status level 2 feedback is supported and beyond that has been removed. That's more than enough for my needs and all I use. I've yet to see another device offer so much feedback but again it's really not needed. There is just some stuff that you really don't need to know.
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post #4969 of 5067
3/24/13 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulldogger View Post

Sure, it's no problem. Let me know if you need any help. Irule keeps evolving so I see that I am going to have to catch up with the latest improvements. Les Auber informed me that Theta has modified it's feedback for the latest firmware for the Casablanca HD. It appears up status level 2 feedback is supported and beyond that has been removed. That's more than enough for my needs and all I use. I've yet to see another device offer so much feedback but again it's really not needed. There is just some stuff that you really don't need to know.

Thanks, much appreciated. I'm right now trying to decide on tablet devices to use as the hardware. I don't want to buy ipad minis for every room / seems excessive for something only used as a system remote. I found this site which has a wide selection of very good android based, thin tablets for less than $100 each. http://www.focalprice.com/CE0292B/7_Android_404_A13_12GHz_Tablet_PC_with_External_3G_1080P_Playback.html .
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post #4970 of 5067
3/27/13 at 3:26pm
Big news! the Oppo 103 and 105 blu ray players, latest generation, now have a firmware update to play stereo and multi-channel DSD files:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/news-flash-oppo-now-plays-dsd-files

Now, my theta Compli Blu 3D is based on the Oppo 95, so it won't be able to do this.

Also, my demoing of my Theta Compli Blu 3D, so impressive in so many ways, isn't impressive when attaching a USB drive to the Compli Blu 3Ds
USB port - the sound is lifeless, fatigueing, etc compared to my Bryston BDP-1 Media Player or on redbook compared to using the Compli Blu 3D as a disc
transport. Its clear Theta didn't do any work to upgrade the USB input part of the sound.

But someday, when the next theta version of an Oppo player is the 103 or 105, hopefully Theta will work on the USB input to get really good sound, because the ability to play
DSD files is neato!!@@@
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post #4971 of 5067
3/27/13 at 3:54pm
Is airplay available now or in the works?
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post #4972 of 5067
3/27/13 at 5:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stieger View Post

Is airplay available now or in the works?

I gave the link to the article. That's all I know!@
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post #4973 of 5067
3/29/13 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bruzonsky View Post

Big news! the Oppo 103 and 105 blu ray players, latest generation, now have a firmware update to play stereo and multi-channel DSD files:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/news-flash-oppo-now-plays-dsd-files

Now, my theta Compli Blu 3D is based on the Oppo 95, so it won't be able to do this.

Also, my demoing of my Theta Compli Blu 3D, so impressive in so many ways, isn't impressive when attaching a USB drive to the Compli Blu 3Ds
USB port - the sound is lifeless, fatigueing, etc compared to my Bryston BDP-1 Media Player or on redbook compared to using the Compli Blu 3D as a disc
transport. Its clear Theta didn't do any work to upgrade the USB input part of the sound.

But someday, when the next theta version of an Oppo player is the 103 or 105, hopefully Theta will work on the USB input to get really good sound, because the ability to play
DSD files is neato!!@@@

I sincerely don't understand the hoopla (this announcement pops up everyewhere).

If you play DSD on the Oppo you cannot use your downstream digital processing, so you would need to use the Oppo's analog outputs. So you lose sophisticated bass management, superior DACs and potentially room correction. If you want to play native DSD, you can already do this by simply playing the SACD in DSD direct mode. You don't currently do that either because PCM conversion run through the SSP is preferable over analog out.

This will be of some value if a substantial catalogue of DSD downloads becomes available, and users are willing to forego the benefits of using their SSP features.
Edited by edorr - 3/29/13 at 10:02am
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post #4974 of 5067
4/1/13 at 8:30am
Theta Intrepid?

My Classe CAV-500 died last night. Found this on Audiogon last night:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-theta-digital-intrepid-5-x-100w-amplifier-2013-03-28-amplifiers-90640

Any thoughts? Is this legit? Is the Intrepid a good amp? I have a CBIIIHD with Vandersteen speakers.

What about this Anthem:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-anthem-a5-amazing-5-ch-ht-amplifier-2013-03-13-amplifiers-90036

Finally, Bryston 9B's seem to be available on eBay, although none on Audiogon at the moment. Thoughts on how it would compare to the Intrepid?

Thanks in advance to the Theta board for any thoughts.
Lex22
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post #4975 of 5067
4/1/13 at 10:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex22 View Post

Theta Intrepid?

My Classe CAV-500 died last night. Found this on Audiogon last night:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-theta-digital-intrepid-5-x-100w-amplifier-2013-03-28-amplifiers-90640

Any thoughts? Is this legit? Is the Intrepid a good amp? I have a CBIIIHD with Vandersteen speakers.

What about this Anthem:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-anthem-a5-amazing-5-ch-ht-amplifier-2013-03-13-amplifiers-90036

Finally, Bryston 9B's seem to be available on eBay, although none on Audiogon at the moment. Thoughts on how it would compare to the Intrepid?

Thanks in advance to the Theta board for any thoughts.
Lex22

Classic Audio Parts is legit. I've purchased ATI amps from them before. They actually are ATI, but it's their retail store. One benefit is that you get full manufacturers warranty. I've never owned the Intrepid or the Anthem, so can't comment on them. I've owned the Dreadnaught and it was an excellent amp and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again (if a used one shows up at the right price). I've owned the Bryston and it's a great sounding amp as well. A used Bryston 9B-ST should still have some warranty since they offer a 20 year transferable warranty. But be aware that the 9B-ST has an issue where many need to be repaired. Bryston does this repair for free (it's actually a free upgrade), but you'll have to send your unit off to them in the original box (if you don't have the original box, they'll send you one for about $150-$200). I don't quite remember what the issue was though.

Good luck!
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post #4976 of 5067
4/1/13 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex22 View Post

My Classe CAV-500 died last night.
How dead? What are the symptoms? What'll it take to fix it?
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post #4977 of 5067
4/1/13 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Dressler View Post

How dead? What are the symptoms? What'll it take to fix it?

It's totally dead. Will not turn on. Any ideas on how to fix? It weighs 140 pounds so getting it somewhere is not easy.

Just so you know, it is plugged in. smile.gif
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post #4978 of 5067
4/1/13 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex22 View Post

It's totally dead. Will not turn on. Any ideas on how to fix? It weighs 140 pounds so getting it somewhere is not easy.

Just so you know, it is plugged in. smile.gif

Get a technician in for an in home diagnostic. I had dead poweramps with turned out to be a defective power switch. Easy and cheap repair. Total dead tends to be easier / cheaper to fix than erratic behaviour (which is much harder to troubleshoot).
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post #4979 of 5067
4/1/13 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex22 View Post

It's totally dead. Will not turn on. Any ideas on how to fix? It weighs 140 pounds so getting it somewhere is not easy.

Just so you know, it is plugged in. smile.gif
Did you check the mains fuse on the rear panel?
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post #4980 of 5067
4/1/13 at 3:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Dressler View Post

Did you check the mains fuse on the rear panel?

I didn't, and will, but there were no fireworks when I went to turn it on, or off the last time. It just will not start.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Ultra Hi-End HT Gear ($20,000+) › The official "Theta" thread