meridian 861 or Theta Cas.III-which is better

To be fair , the Cas 111 is right there beside it and either choice represents , along with the mark Levinson processor , "the best of the best of the best".... sir!

Another really good one in that price range is Tag McClaren. I would hands down buy Meridian over Theta in any class. Also, I like the G series Meridian. They are just a much more reliable product from what I have heard.

I have owned Theta Casablance (Syandard Dacs), Lexicon MC12 V3, AVP, PAV/PDSD and the Gseries 91/68. I also auditioned the Mark levinson 40 in house for 2 days. What do I have now: current versions Meridian 800/861. The absolute best I have owned or heard. PERIOD.

Thanks for the responses- Do you feel(I know it is subjective) that the Meridian is up to the task to be used as a 2 channel preamp vs, a seperate hi-end pre?>I am trying to simplify mys ystem- I currently have the Lex mc12B and I feel that it is terrible for music - therefore the need for a seperate preamp- gary

Many feel that the Meridian is the ONLY processor that competes with high end 2-channel preamps. For the money you'll spend on it, your dealer should let you have a home trial.

John