FS: Theta Chroma 396 DAC

[matt2007]

Theta dac in excellent condition (like all my stuff) bought from a fellow enthusiast about 2 years ago. Only selling as I'm now using another Theta dac. Accepts 1 x coaxial and 1 x toslink, comes with mains lead. Looking for £185 plus delivery or local pickup from Morden, Surrey.

Cheers, Matt

[icehockeyboy]

Theta's are the Dacs bollocks! :lol:





If I have to explain, it's a play on the phrase.........dogs wotsits! :lol:

[Alex_UK]

Hi Matt - do you have any pictures?

[DSJR]

Alex mate, Theta's of this period were just plain oblong boxes with barely a flick-switch or tiny LED on the front (think Audiolab power amp without the bling :eyebrows:), but with a then class-leading sound quality. Had I the money I think I'd snap it up from the memories I have of the separate matching transport and DAC, it was that good.

I've just realised I may be pre-dating this unit by a year or three. No matter, I don't think Theta ever really put a foot wrong back then, although Krell and ARC had the cachet...

[Alex_UK]

Hi Dave - thanks for that - the reviews I've read suggest this is a goodie, so nice to hear that supported from someone in the know.

I was asking Matt if he had any pictures more to help with his advert - a photo or two seems to help the For Sale threads methinks :)

Here's a library picture, which does indeed confirm DSJR's description... :)

http://cdn.head-fi.org/5/5e/5ed9e7b4_vbattach22862.jpg

[DSJR]

I'm convinced the earlier ones weren't much different from a current Croft series 7...

Not too far off -

http://www.audiovenue.co.uk/trades-info.asp?id=497

But I got my memories wrong - blame the stress :(

Great stuff, Theta IMO

[Alex_UK]

Ah, ok - well I'll amend/delete my post if Matt confirms I've got the wrong one - in the meantime, he's had a few "bumps" on us. :)

[DSJR]

You're right Alex, I'm mistaken here. I think I should bump my Techie soon as well...

[hifi_dave]

I'm convinced the earlier ones weren't much different from a current Croft series 7...
IMO

What, apart fron the Croft being a hybrid power-amp and the Theta being a solid-state DAC ?

Very close..:rolleyes:

[Puffin]

I thought or is it Theet that you needed more than 2 posts to flog/fence your stuff on here:eyebrows::eyebrows::mental:

[Alex_UK]

What, apart fron the Croft being a hybrid power-amp and the Theta being a solid-state DAC ?

Very close..:rolleyes:

I was puzzled too, Dave - but I think he means the utilitarian look of the Croft.

[matt2007]

Pics as requested

[Alex_UK]

Thanks Matt.

[DSJR]

I was puzzled too, Dave - but I think he means the utilitarian look of the Croft.

Does everyone have to take my posts so literally? I'd forgot that the Theta units had a styling groove along the front, my fifteen year old memories being of a plain black front a la Croft Series 7. I was incorrect OK? :mental:

Bloody 'eck people, it's a GOOD DAC and I suspect it's better than a Gator-Caiman - certainly better cased and finished. I'd have it my bloody self but I just can't right now :(

[matt2007]

Thanks Dave,

The build quality is bomb-proof, back in the day when stuff was made to last a life-time not just a season. The Chroma's facia has a brushed metal finish which has a steel-blue hue in certain lighting - very classy. These were about £850 new in 2000. Only selling as I came across a mint Theta Progeny which is just more of the same sound-wise but not as attractive in the flesh to my eyes.

[DSJR]

K Kessler used a Progeny Va for some years I think and rated it I think. One good memory I do have, is that Theta stuff had a "maturity" about it than much of cheaper alternatives lacked in comparison.

[icehockeyboy]

I LOVE my Theta Pro ProGeny A soooooo much! ;)

[matt2007]

Provisionally sold.

[matt2007]

Back up for sale

[matt2007]

Now sold