THETA DIGITAL DREADNAUGHT II

Theta Digital Releases 2nd Generation of
Acclaimed Dreadnaught Power Amplifier

Theta's most significant change was made to the original Dreadnaught's amplifier modules. Employing technology developed for its world-class Citadel Monoblock Amplifier, Theta improved the Dreadnaught's overall sonic performance, resulting in better imaging and reduced background noise. Superior low-level detail and improved bass definition provide major advantages for the reproduction of both two-channel music and movie soundtracks.

The Dreadnaught II's internal electronics are built on a four-layer circuit board with dedicated layers for the ground plane and each supply line, ensuring better isolation, quieter performance, and improved dynamic speed and impact. This design also significantly improves the symmetry of the balanced plus (+) and minus (-) signal paths.

The design of the Dreadnaught II's power supply also underwent a significant upgrade. The single transformer in the original Dreadnaught was changed to two transformers, both torroid, in series for the Dreadnaught II. More capacitors were added to better regulate the power supply. Additional internal bypasses have been provided for both regulated and unregulated supplies.

The Dreadnaught II's power supply acts as a huge reservoir, allowing power to be distributed to each module as needed. Any single channel confronted with a full-level signal will have the entire current capability of the transformer at its disposal. In fact, in single-channel power tests, the power transformer does not limit the output power. Unless all modules are driven to full power (which never occurs in real-world situations), the channels not being driven hard effectively lend their portion of the transformer's power to the more active channels.

Each module contains LED indicators for fuse and temperature status. Locking XLR jacks ensure a tight, secure connection. New damping technologies and placements reduce resonance and mechanical noise.

Output connectors are Cardas Rhodium binding posts in the single-channel module, and gold-plated binding posts in the two-channel module. CE-approved versions are supplied to countries within the European Union.

Each module also incorporates a buss selection for stereo or surround modes, so that when a user selects stereo mode from his Theta surround processor, all the energy from Dreadnaught II's massive power reservoir will be focused on the needs of the active channels.

Like its predecessor, the Dreadnaught II can be outfitted with either single- or two-channel modules for up to ten channels of fully balanced power amplification. The single-channel module now provides 225W into 8 Ohms, with all 5 channels driven full out; and over 250W if fewer channels are being driven. One channel driven into a 4 Ohm load delivers 450 Watts. The two-channel module delivers a robust 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. All amplification channels are stable down to 2 Ohms. Both modules accept input on XLR and RCA connectors.

All Dreadnaught II's undergo rigorous testing and an extended burn-in period to ensure high reliability.

The modular design that has become a Theta trademark ensures total flexibility and upgradability in both amplifiers and preamplifiers. Current Dreadnaughts may be upgraded to the performance standards of the new Dreadnaught II.

The Dreadnaught II Power Amplifier is available now from Audio Imports. Configurations from two to 10 channels are available.