THETA CARMEN II

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear. Includes remote control, no original packaging.

The Theta Digital Carmen II represents a complete evolution of the renowned Carmen, designed to combine audio and video performance in a single high-quality DVD/CD player. The Carmen II integrates redesigned and enhanced internal components compared to the original model, with a new DVD board and drive, updated audio and video circuits, a fully upgraded power supply, and a modern, easy-to-read front display.

This player handles digital audio at 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz with resolutions of 16, 20, and 24 bits. The advanced drive mechanism uses dual laser diodes, one at 650 nm for DVDs and one at 780 nm for all CD formats, ensuring full compatibility with any disc. The system includes low-jitter digital servo circuits to control motor speed, laser tracking, and focus, while additional circuits perform parametric statistical analysis to correct errors caused by fingerprints, dust, or disc warping.

At the heart of the Carmen II is a shielded 65-watt power supply, highly filtered at both input and output stages to protect the processing circuits from unwanted noise. CD and DVD sections are separated, with minimal interaction between circuits, and each section has its own low-jitter clock to minimize digital noise. Audio and video circuits are isolated, and multiple regulated sub-power supplies with RF suppression ensure stability and optimal performance across all areas of the player.

The Carmen II is engineered to reveal the finest DVD details and the most subtle audio nuances, delivering remarkable three-dimensional presence. Image quality is equally exceptional, thanks to Theta’s Digital Direct Ultra-Sync II Progressive Scan system, which de-interlaces the video signal in the digital domain before analog conversion. Discrete video filters and high-speed amplifiers, combined with Faroudja Laboratories’ DCDi™ technology, produce a crisp 480p image free of motion artifacts. Proprietary ultra-low jitter video re-clocking circuits and correction software further enhance visual performance.

Digital audio outputs include RCA, BNC, and AES/EBU connectors compatible with Dolby Digital, PCM, DTS, MP3, CD-R, and CD-RW, as well as MPEG1 and CD-ROM (with some format restrictions). Video outputs include RCA composite, two S-Video connectors, three Component Video/RGB Video (Y, Cr/Pr, Cb/Pb) on BNC, and a 15-pin D-sub [VGA] for the Ultra-Sync II 480p Progressive Scan output. Additional features include a unidirectional RS-232 control port and a rear IR input for extended remote control functionality. Front-panel controls allow selection of Motion (using DCDi processing), Film, Animation, RGB/Component, and H/V Sync. The player also offers an optional 4:2:2 Serial Digital Interface (SDI) for video, with a Digital Video Interface (DVI) planned for the future. The image quality remains pristine by keeping the signal in the digital domain, avoiding multiple digital-to-analog conversions.

Technical specifications:

• Audio frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz
• Video frequency response: 480p (progressive scan) via Ultra-Sync II
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): < 0.07%
• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 120 dB
• Audio channel separation: > 80 dB
• Power supply: 65 W shielded toroidal transformer with separate supplies for audio and video sections
• Low-jitter clocks: Separate for CD and DVD sections
• Drive mechanism: Dual laser diode (650 nm for DVD, 780 nm for CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD) with low-latency digital servo
• Error correction: Parametric statistical analysis for fingerprints, dust, and disc warping
• Digital audio outputs: AES/EBU (XLR), coaxial RCA, BNC
• Video outputs: RCA composite, S-Video, BNC Component/RGB, VGA 15-pin for Ultra-Sync II
• Front controls: Motion, Film, Animation, RGB/Component, H/V Sync
• Control inputs: Unidirectional RS-232 port, rear IR input
• Options: 4:2:2 Serial Digital Interface (SDI) video output available on request
• Dimensions: 482 x 89 x 330 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 10,4 Kg