[ChuckT]

Just got back from listening to the Theta Casablanca II at Audio Concepts in Dallas, TX. Processor was paired with the Theta Dreadnaught and Theta David II with 34" Sharpvision HDTV ready tv. Sounded awesome in the short time I had to listen. I don't think their unit is broken in yet. They got it this week.


[This message has been edited by ChuckT (edited August 05, 2000).]

 

[rjason]

Audio Concepts is a really great store. I stumbled into there in November of last year after receiving a headache from being bombarded with a Krell/BW combo across the street. What a relief it was to hear music instead of just loud noise and a pushey salesman. They have a sub woofer there that I wanted to hear but, didn't have the time. Based on the rest of their product line I assumed it would be interesting. I think the company was Raurk, or something like that. I would be curious to know it you had heard it and to have a critique.


I'm surprised to hear that demo Casablanca ll's are out. Theta is notoriously slow. However, since the reason they are slow is they won't release a product until they know it is right, that makes the wait worthwhile.

 

[ChuckT]

Ruark http://www.ruark.net/s_log-rhythm.shtml makes a subwoofer called the LogRhythm. I haven't spent any time auditioning their sub. They had the Ruark sub matched with the ProAc floorstanding speakers.

 

[ChuckT]

Seth,

I am very interested in your comments on the Casablanca II. What amp sources and speakers are you going to use with the CasablancaII?


Chuck

 

[Nathan Ivey]

I Know there unit has alot of Break-In left on it.


I listened to it last Weds because I was considering the Sale of my Casa-Nova and based on what I heard I am keeping the Casa Nova.


This is a nice store! I would definantly try the adjustments of balance and Crossovers. On Casablanca Two you can adjust each channel to have a different type of cross.


I'm sure that you have already visited Audio Insight next to Compari's next to collin creek mall. I find this store to be my absolute favorite. The pro-ac speakers were not that impressive to me. Just not my taste. I prefer the sound of Hales much more.


Hope you can stop by Audio Insight this is a first rate audio store.

Anyway that Blanca of audio concepts needs to be broken in alot more IMO!


How about that kimber-kable select speaker wire in the main show room at Concepts? Looked great only 1800 for a 10' pair such a value!




[This message has been edited by Nathan Ivey (edited August 08, 2000).]

 

[rjason]

Nathan,

I did pay a visit to Compari's. At the time I was there they had one of those Wadia DAC/amp combos set up in the back with Hale speakers. I had seen it before hooked up to some Wilson Grand Slamms. The store I liked the most in Dallas was hidden down on (well, for the life of me I can't remember the name of the street, had the word Green in it , parrells the freeway, same street that has all the Chinese and Vietnamese resturaunts). I also can't remember exactly the name of the store, John Forte's maybe?. Small store, carried ATM amps. The store doesn't look like much but, is run by true audiophiles and not salesman. I know the description is vague but, you should know what I'm talking about if you live there. Very worthwhile to visit.

I was with a sound mixer that sometimes works for Chesky Records and we spent several rainy weekends making the rounds of all the stores in Dallas. He was looking for some mono blocks so, we listened to lots of amps and speaker combos. I think when he got back to NY he ended up ordering the ATMs. Pretty pricey, nice sound.

I know what you mean about the smaller Proacs. Very detailed sounding but, most of us Americans grew up with more bass emphasis. I appreciate what the British speakers do but, not the kind of sound I am used to either.

 

[ChuckT]

Nathan,

I have a CasaNova also that I really like. The Casablanca II is really tempting but the $$$ are steep. The Kimber Kable looks good and sounds okay. I have never been a Kimber Kable fan. I think there are better cable values out there.


I like Audio Insight. The first time I went there they let me spend an hour in one of their listening rooms with several CD's I wanted to try out. I bought my first processor (Acuru Act3) there about 2-3 years ago. I have been through so many upgrades since then I have lost track http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


RJ,

You are talking about John Fort AudioVideo off of Greenville and Spring Valley in Richardson. John Fort carries good tube and solid state stuff. He is the only Vandersteen dealer I know of in DFW and he is high on the Vandies. I prefer JM Lab speakers (I have the Mezzo Utopias).

 

[Nathan Ivey]

Chuck,


It's good to know I have another A/V'er here in DFW!

When I graduate I intend to give as much of my purchases to Audio Insight as I can. They have treated me very well and it's great to go in somewhere and not feel pressured at the least.


From what I heard at Audio Concepts they have potential but may need to look into room treatments. My system comes in way under the price of one of theres and sounds a little warmer in my opinion. Everything I heard at their shop could be described by the word Sterile.


From what I heard of the Dreadnaught I was very let down I was expecting much more! There are alot of factors to consider. The other thing that bothered me about the drednaught is the size. It will not fit in a standard rack thus requiring it's own shelf and taking up added space. Seems like a mistake in the design to me. I am not sure how well this amp will fair of the next few years. It has been described as gorgeous by some akward by me.


I am in the process of considering the EAD PM-1000 because of its price good looks and based on Abduls comparison to the citation amps by Madrigal which are well regarded by many. I absolutely love the Rowland finish on EAD products and have a feeling an EAD amp will soon make its home at my house. I also found an E-dealer of sorts who is willing to make some compromise.


JM labs speakers! Must be real nice to come home to that.

Have you tried Maggies or Logans? I have an itch for an planar speaker just to see what there like in my home!

 

[Nathan Ivey]

rjason is talking about Hillcrest no doubt.


I absolutely hate this store and really feel sorry for anyone who deals with them.


I will never go in there store again. Piss Poor store and consistently crappy at that!


Sorry you had to be battered by those loons!

 

[rjason]

Nathan,

I think Hillcrest was the name of the store. About every 30 seconds the salesman would either start in about the equipment or would change the volume on the pre-amp. I think that he makes most of his sales on showing how loud a system will go.

I have to agree that Audio Concepts rooms all were on the sterile side. Maybe thats why I liked the warm casual atmosphere of John Fortes place. I actually liked that it had a messy atmosphere to it, and never felt pressured to buy anything. And it was the only store I visited that had the feeling that it had been around awhile. The rest felt like they had suddenly popped up with the HT craze.

Anyways, Dallas has kept up its image as the consumer Mecca with many fun A/V stores. Also, had a heck of a good time at that movie house on Beltway that serves food and buckets of beer. What a great idea. Just like being in a large HT full of people. I enjoyed myself in Dallas, especially the weekend of snow.




[This message has been edited by rjason (edited August 09, 2000).]

 

[ChuckT]

Nathan,

I haven't heard the Maggies, but I have heard the Martin Logan's once with mostly Theta gear in CA. The Martin Logan's are good. I have a couple of friends who are loyal Maggie speaker fans.