Theta Digital just introduced the Casablanca III Music and Cinema Controller at CEDIA 2003. Casablanca III is the latest version of Theta’s innovative, flexible series of surround processors. The new model offers improvements in versatility, speed, and customization. Like earlier Casablanca models, it eliminates the need for owners to choose between audiophile music reproduction and video-based surround sound. Among the Casablanca III’s innovations is a new operating system, the CB OS2, that enhances operating functions with fast response times, and support for digital and analog SACD and DVD-Audio options not possible on the earlier Casablanca models. The new operating system also provides a foundation for many new features introduced in the Casablanca III, and under development for future release.

NAD, has just introduced the T 973 Seven Channel Amplifier and T 163 A/V Tuner Preamplifier combination. The new T 973 Seven Channel Amplifier benefits from NAD's proprietary PowerDrive™ topology, delivering performance independent of the loudspeakers. The T 163 offers an array of surround formats including Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS NEO:6 decoding along with 7.1 Matrix, Dolby ProLogic II and the proprietary NAD EARS circuitry for creating surround sound from most format inputs, 7.1, 6.1, 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, digital or analog. The PowerDrive circuitry employed in the T 973 automatically senses a loudspeaker’s impedance characteristics and adjusts its power supply settings to best cope with that specific load. According to NAD, this ensures dynamic and distortion-free performance, even from demanding 4-ohm designs.

The AVM 20 v.2 surround sound processor from Anthem/Sonic Frontiers International showcases development in design upgrades. It is eight high-end components in one. The AVM 20 v.2 functions as a preamplifier, digital-to-analog and analog-digital converter, surround sound processor (SSP), HDTV video switcher, entertainment control center, FM/AM tuner and headphone preamplifier. Designed as a whole-house entertainment control center the AVM 20 v.2 allows your system to operate in four separate areas of your home, simultaneously. Any source can play in any of four paths, and you can watch one source, while listening to another. The AVM 20 v.2 can also operate two complete 7.1 home theater systems playing concurrently. Two 12-volt trigger options allow homeowners to automate as much of their system as they choose.

Classé announced the re-invention of its Omega stereo preamplifier. The Classé Omega Preamplifier Mark III is a new ground-up design which serves as a switcher, volume control and buffer. With the new Mark III, the resolution and dynamic range brought about by new medias such as SACD and DVD-Audio are fully revealed. The Classé Omega Preamplifier Mark III is a two-chassis componant with a separate power-supply component can provide. And while it shares the footprint and basic chassis of the original and Mark II designs, the Mark III is entirely new within, with all-new circuit boards, layouts, and designs.

Krell Industries announced the addition of a lustrous black anodized Krellcoat? finish to the entire line of KAV Series of components. First introduced in 2001, the silver Krellcoat? finish is popular with dealers and customers alike. The addition of the rich black finish now gives customers a choice as to which Krell appearance best satisfies their personal taste. All KAV-Series components are available in the black finish at no additional charge. Black KAV components are now shipping to United States and worldwide markets. The silver finish continues unchanged.