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March 5, 2024, 03:45 AM #1Senior Member
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DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Just watched Mike and Mike's videos of the unboxing and playback of the new CTH-8550 Mk 2 integrated amp.
We all know how superb Florian's Clarisys speakers are but, personally, I think the DarTZeel amplification takes things to another level.
Background: An audio buddy and I first heard the CTH-8550 (Mk 1) integrated in Jonathan Tinn's room at the CA Audio Show in Emeryville, CA over 10 years or so ago. My buddy and I thought then, and still do, it was one of the FINEST amplification components we'd ever heard, regardless of cost or specification (e.g. "separates”). We both still very clearly remember that experience even though it's been over a decade, now.
I also have another local friend who's a member of our local SFAS (SF Audiophile Society) that recently bought a CTH-8550, and he's absolutely smitten with it, too.
Congrats on picking up DarTZeel, Mike. It's going to be an amazing line for Suncoast and your customers. Cheers.
Video Links here:
Unboxing..
and
One day...😎Ĥѱ = 𝐸ѱ
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March 7, 2024, 11:29 AM #2Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Is there conversation somewhere about how amazing this must sound?
Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jean CAT 6's between front end equipment.
LHY FMC and Corning Fiber to rebuilt LHY SW-6 switch in listening room.
Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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March 7, 2024, 12:25 PM #3Audioshark
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
It sounds freaking amazing. Sweet. Musical. Awesome.
Originally Posted by brad225
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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March 7, 2024, 02:15 PM #4Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
One of the top 3 best-sounding components I've ever heard, regardless of type (integrated vs. separates)...and that was the Mk I version. Originally Posted by brad225
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March 7, 2024, 03:25 PM #5Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
I know where to get matching shoes but I would rather not. Does it come in black?
Contributor to stereotimes.com
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March 7, 2024, 05:21 PM #6Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Just the red and gold colors. They're beautifully crafted products. Originally Posted by Dizzie
I know where to get matching shoes but I would rather not. Does it come in black?Ĥѱ = 𝐸ѱ
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March 7, 2024, 05:46 PM #7Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
I’ve seen MkI in black floating around the net. Not sure if it’s available for the MkII. Personally I think gold/red looks more exotic
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March 7, 2024, 06:45 PM #8Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
I have seen darTZeel equipment up close and personal. I prefer a more traditional approach. At a show I asked either the importer or the Swiss representative if their equipment was available in black. If I remember correctly he said they used to be but sales were too low compared to the red/gold so black was discontinued.
Contributor to stereotimes.com
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March 7, 2024, 07:00 PM #9Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Well, it's hard to argue with actual sales and marketing data. Having only one color scheme also results in lower COGS for DarTZeel, which contributes to bottom-line profit, so it likely makes business sense from "both sides of the equation", as it were. Originally Posted by Dizzie
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March 7, 2024, 08:24 PM #10Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
If anyone doesn't like their red and gold I will refinish it for them to black.
It should only take about 5-6 years.
Assuming I can find the right materials.Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jean CAT 6's between front end equipment.
LHY FMC and Corning Fiber to rebuilt LHY SW-6 switch in listening room.
Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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March 12, 2024, 07:04 PM #11Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
I visited Mike at the store today. The DT is certainly a beautiful match with the Clarysis Studio Plus. It was a short visit but the tonality of the combo was fantastic. In the system was an Innous Server, Berkeley DAC, DT and Clarysis with Shunyata cables.
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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March 12, 2024, 09:32 PM #12Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
I have the monoblocks and the preamp and love them. I really really love the black and gold - won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but they look much better in person than they do in photos. Not garish at all (furthest thing from my mind when I look at them). No matter what one thinks of the looks, they sound WAY better than they look.
Great pick up Mike. With Jonathan’s passing, they needed some new representation in the US.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProAmplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
Table/Cart: J.Sikora Reference // Integrity HiFi Tru-Glider - DSAudio GrandMaster EX // Integrity HiFI Tru-Glider - Ortofon A Mono
Equalizer/Phono Pre: DSAudio Master3
Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL Six Pack of REL Carbon Specials
Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk3, QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6 (chassis), QK1 (2), QV2 (2), Chord GroundAray (signal), Chord Line Aray (3), Chord Professional, AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
DAC/Serv-stream: LampiZator Horizon/ Taiko Extreme
Elrod Master Statement Diamond SE Speaker Cables
Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (7), Evolution Acoustics 50 ohm (Zeel Connection), Nordost Odin2 IC (2), Nordost Valhalla II USB, CH Acoustic X20 IC, Final Touch Audio Elara PCs (6)
AudioDesk Systeme RCM
CMS Ultra 2.0 Footers TT (2) and TD (2), Revopods (2) and SortKones and EVPs where they work
Critical Mass Systems Ultra-Q Rack > Silence Focus Amp Stands
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March 12, 2024, 09:37 PM #13Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Forgot to add - even my wife likes the look. In her exact words “looks better than all of that black sh!t”. Of course, she’d be happier if I threw it all out.
Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
Table/Cart: J.Sikora Reference // Integrity HiFi Tru-Glider - DSAudio GrandMaster EX // Integrity HiFI Tru-Glider - Ortofon A Mono
Equalizer/Phono Pre: DSAudio Master3
Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL Six Pack of REL Carbon Specials
Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk3, QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6 (chassis), QK1 (2), QV2 (2), Chord GroundAray (signal), Chord Line Aray (3), Chord Professional, AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
DAC/Serv-stream: LampiZator Horizon/ Taiko Extreme
Elrod Master Statement Diamond SE Speaker Cables
Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (7), Evolution Acoustics 50 ohm (Zeel Connection), Nordost Odin2 IC (2), Nordost Valhalla II USB, CH Acoustic X20 IC, Final Touch Audio Elara PCs (6)
AudioDesk Systeme RCM
CMS Ultra 2.0 Footers TT (2) and TD (2), Revopods (2) and SortKones and EVPs where they work
Critical Mass Systems Ultra-Q Rack > Silence Focus Amp Stands
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March 12, 2024, 10:11 PM #14Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Thanks for the comments, Mike. Yep, having heard the CTH-8550 myself a number of times...not surprised. Not surprised at all... Originally Posted by Ritmo
Maybe one day...
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March 13, 2024, 09:17 AM #15Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Great stuff all around. Look forward to hearing them or other DZ products at FL next year.
Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
Table/Cart: J.Sikora Reference // Integrity HiFi Tru-Glider - DSAudio GrandMaster EX // Integrity HiFI Tru-Glider - Ortofon A Mono
Equalizer/Phono Pre: DSAudio Master3
Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL Six Pack of REL Carbon Specials
Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk3, QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6 (chassis), QK1 (2), QV2 (2), Chord GroundAray (signal), Chord Line Aray (3), Chord Professional, AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
DAC/Serv-stream: LampiZator Horizon/ Taiko Extreme
Elrod Master Statement Diamond SE Speaker Cables
Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (7), Evolution Acoustics 50 ohm (Zeel Connection), Nordost Odin2 IC (2), Nordost Valhalla II USB, CH Acoustic X20 IC, Final Touch Audio Elara PCs (6)
AudioDesk Systeme RCM
CMS Ultra 2.0 Footers TT (2) and TD (2), Revopods (2) and SortKones and EVPs where they work
Critical Mass Systems Ultra-Q Rack > Silence Focus Amp Stands
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March 13, 2024, 09:43 AM #16Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
gosh, darTZeel, what a great idea. who knew? Originally Posted by Mike
my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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March 13, 2024, 09:49 AM #17Senior Member
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Re: DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
Any of you that had personal dealings with Jonathan know those are large shoes to fill. Originally Posted by Hounddog
I have only had a few minor conversations with Mike but I think those shoes will be just his size.Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jean CAT 6's between front end equipment.
LHY FMC and Corning Fiber to rebuilt LHY SW-6 switch in listening room.
Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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March 13, 2024, 10:17 AM #18Audioshark
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DarTZeel CTH-8550 MkII video now up on Suncoast YT channel
DartZeel has a new distributor. He is also representing Clarisys Audio loudspeakers for us as a retailer in the VA/DC/MD area and he has some other brands on the retail side too. Originally Posted by brad225
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Agreed on the new series. Never could get into the older series. One of the reasons I like the newer series is Hiroyuki Sanadai's performance. I remember first seeing him in The Last Samurai.
Shogun