2. amps-preamps
  3. 1221817918

darTZeel NHB-18NS

Hi,
Does it make sense to use the darTZeel NHB-18NS with other amplifiers? My fear is that the darTZeel amplifier will not be the best match for power hungry Avalon Indra speakers.

I listen mostly to vinyl and was tempted by the darTZeel given the integrated phono-stage, as an upgarde from my current Nagra PL-L with VPS phono stage.

I gathered that some of the renowned reviewer (US & UK) have chosen the darTZeel NHB-18NS as preamp whilst little is said on the amplifier side.

My idea is to partner the darTZeel NHB-18NS with the VAC 300.1. I have not and will not be able to audition the combination. I did hear the Indra's with the CAT JL2 signature that has similar power to the VAC.

Avalon (over the phone) say that VAC should be a good/great match.

Thanks for your views & comments.
Tim
timnaim
joey54
172 posts
 
Just my opinion but I would not buy any expensive piece of gear without an audition with your components. No matter what the reviews say, you best judge will be your own ears.

Good Luck!
bar81
754 posts
 
Precisely. How one can pay that much money without a home audition is beyond me.
timnaim OP
24 posts
 
Bar81 & Joey54

Being in France offer many advantages; however one of these is not a large selection of High End HiFI dealers.

France has at the "most" 6 retailers that carry a decent selection of brands; Avalon is carried by one shop & VAC is not distributed. DaeTZeel has no distributor in France.

You are pretty limited when it comes to to auditioning let alone home audition. This is one of the big advantages of an open market such as in the US.

The best I could do was Nagra pre, CAT JL2 sig & Avalon Indra. Then Wavac pre with CAT + Indra's.

There is the Netherlands & Belgium but much the same situation when it comes to partnering equipment; you kind of have to listen to each component on its own; then work it out from there! Maybe fly to NYC (my wife is from NYC) but hey that would be abusing the time of dealers knowing farewell that I would not buy anything from them...

I am going to Milan this WE and during that stay there is a High End Audio show; this will enable me to listen to the Dartzeel.

FYI I can get a good deal on a SH VAC 300.1 in the Netherlands.

Would appreciate comments on the equipment, this would give me some guidance.

Tim
andrewrona
24 posts
 
I dont think changing from the pll vps to dartzeel would necessarily be an upgrade , just different .Try the acoustic systems liveline interconnect with the nagra kit first. I realy do think the nagra kit is for life IMO.
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