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
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Tim,

I don't think you should move away from your Nagra PLL and VPS. Those are killer pieces, others maybe different, not necessarily better. Even if the list price is double the nagra gear.

I'd pick a good stout amp for your Avalon's. I own a VPS and have barrowed a PLL. The PLL worked great with my BAT VK150SE's. Maybe also Pass Labs, BAT VK600SE, Audio Research are some options...

If you decide to sell your PLL, email me first please.

Good luck at the Milan hi fi show.

Please post your current system soon with some pics, it'll help us help you.
timnaim OP
24 posts
 
Well the Milan and then Paris show both had regional tastes to them.

Milan was vibrant. A vast choice of larger and smaller companies. Public was truely into "music" and the whole thing was quite entertaining.

Paris was say "serious" and to be honest I noticed nobody into the "music".

Back to the quest :

Marten design bird = not for me. I heard this is 5 different configurations powered by SET, Push Pull, Hybrid and SS. The sound was good, nice, precise, balanced yet lacked ? The bass was tight, the mid was true and the treble seemed endless, but no matter how I listened and with all musics, classic, vocal, jazz, rock, R&B.....there was for me a lack of soul

Then I heard the Magico V3, now this hit me from the go, wow and music seemed the only question that came to mind. I have no idea if the V3 is delivering the goods with the same perfection as the Martens? What it has is soul in bucket loads.

So this quest is over now for some time and my system is now :

Raven AC/Phantom II/Lyra Scala
Nagra Pl-L
Reimyo CDP-777
Nagra PL-L
VAC 300.1
Magico V

Thanks Jfrech & Andrewrona the Nagra is fine no need for the Dartzeel at all.

Will post some images of system soon.
Tim
teddy_bear
112 posts
 
I had Marten Birds and I liked them with Kubala-Sosna Emotion cables, partnered with Metronome T2i and ASR Emitter II with battery pack.
fjn04
1,339 posts
 
Tim, I have the Phi 300.1 with the Vandersteen 5A's and love the sound. I have heard the 300.1 w/ Magico V3's, and it was very impressive. As you said, soul. I am using the Messenger full function preamp, and also like it very much. I would say looking at your system w/ the Magico's, that you could ride off in to the sunset with what you have. I would love to hear it. If the opportunity to hear the Messenger comes your way, do check it out though. The current version is 20K with a very good built in phono stage.
timnaim OP
24 posts
 
Images of system posted
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