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  1. #1

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    Hi all,
    This integrated has been around for a while now. Any owners that would like to share views.
    Seems to elicit a love/hate reaction
    Would be much appreciated.
    Regards

  2. #2

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I was considering it before switching to Ayre and auditioned it with Magico S1 Mk1 and Wilson Sophia III speakers. The result was that is sounded very nice with the Sophias, but was too thin with the Magicos. The highs are delicate, but unless you have rather high sensitivity or slightly warm colored speakers, the bass might lack some oomph.

    The top Dartzeels are rated very highly, but there's a factor two to five price difference between those and the Close-To-Heaven (CTH). Hence I would not concur with Hervé's claim that it gives you 85% performance of the top line equipment for 50% of the cost (8550).

    Or, well, if it does, then the top shelve Dartzeels might not deliver the bang for the buck either .


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  3. #3

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks for the reply.

    That seems the most common shortcoming (lack of bass slam/impact) mentioned of the CTH.

    Having not heard them myself I can't make any judgement.

    Thank you for the feedback

  4. #4
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I listened to the CTH 8550 a few times. During audio shows.
    I always found its sound very musical, liquid and with lots of finesse like the best tube amps.
    Last time was at a dealer 's shop with 3 different speakers from Verity, Rockport and YGA.
    We switched from the Nagra Classic amp to the Dart and then went back to the Nagra.
    Not only the Nagra was sounding more refined and musical. It was also much more dynamic than the Dart.
    Morality : we cannot judge anything until we can compare it to something else in the same system.
    The Dart is a great amp. Until you can put a Nagra Classic next to it. Of course a preamp is needed then. Even with the Melody, the price tag is leveled with the Dart integrated and the sound is still much better with the Nagra.
    Shindo, Nagra, Electrocompaniet, Harbeth, AMR, Mc Intosh, Auditorium 23, Rega, DeVore, JC Verdier, WireWorld, Kimber

  5. #5

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks for the response Jerome.

    Just wondering, are you affiliated with those brands in your signature ?

  6. #6
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    "Affiliated" ? Do you mean if I have a financial interest in them ?
    No. No interest whatsoever with any audio company.
    I am an orthodontist. My income comes only from this activity.
    Shindo, Nagra, Electrocompaniet, Harbeth, AMR, Mc Intosh, Auditorium 23, Rega, DeVore, JC Verdier, WireWorld, Kimber

  7. #7

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Ok. Apologies as I meant no offence.
    Just your list of gear was so great that was my first thought.

    Ive never heard Nagra gear. It looks excellent but I am looking for a integrated solution and I probably should of said that earlier

    Regards

  8. #8
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    Ok. Apologies as I meant no offence.
    Just your list of gear was so great that was my first thought.

    Ive never heard Nagra gear. It looks excellent but I am looking for a integrated solution and I probably should of said that earlier

    Regards
    No offense taken ! I was surprised because that is the first time I am being asked the question !
    Nagra is releasing a Classic integrated at a price similar to the Dart.
    Shindo, Nagra, Electrocompaniet, Harbeth, AMR, Mc Intosh, Auditorium 23, Rega, DeVore, JC Verdier, WireWorld, Kimber

  9. #9

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerome W View Post
    No offense taken ! I was surprised because that is the first time I am being asked the question !
    Nagra is releasing a Classic integrated at a price similar to the Dart.

    Just when I thought id narrowed down my options

  10. #10

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    In case you are looking for a very good integrated in this price range you might want to have a look at the Ayre AX-5 Twenty. It is certainly among the best money can buy for that sort of change. Beats the Dart hands down without breaking a sweat.

    http://www.stereophile.com/content/a...FxoqjXzkcOE.97



    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  11. #11

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    [QUOTE=Kuoppis;161686]In case you are looking for a very good integrated in this price range you might want to have a look at the Ayre AX-5 Twenty. It is certainly among the best money can buy for that sort of change. Beats the Dart hands down without breaking a sweat.

    http://www.stereophile.com/content/a...FxoqjXzkcOE.97



    Thanks Kuoppis I will check it out

    Other option I was considering was Diablo 300. Not much info on that one out there yet.

  12. #12

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Emoji deleted

  13. #13

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    I have not heard the Diablo, but have heard Gryphons can sound a tad sharp if not treated right. That said, it comes all down to your chain, acoustics and foremost personal taste. So, you need to hear them for yourself. What others hear when the thing sits in your living room does not matter much .

    E.g. once I had a Hegel H300 for a short period of time, but I sold it rather quickly because I found the sound a tad sharp. That said, some experienced reviewers are using it as their reference component.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  14. #14

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    bobwah,

    I am "affiliated" with darTZeel, to make what you will of my opinion

    I still think the CTH-8550 is the best integrated amp I've ever heard. It doesn't work equally well with all speakers, and it's not only a question of sensitivity. I'm yet to figure out why some speakers don't mate well with the darTZeel, while others, supposedly harder to drive, work just fine...

    Anyway, I'm familiar with most of the other brands mentioned, and I consider the darTZeel above them all, in the speakers I've tried. A friend tried the NHB-108 on his Wilsons, and instead of selling the darTZeel, the sold the Wilsons

    We currently have the CTH driving YG Sonja 1.3s in a fairly large room, and they do NOT lack bass "ooomph". Can't say the stereo NHB-108 would fare the same, though...

    With the Magico Q3s, the NHB-108 was just wonderful, the best setup I've ever had at home (before I joined "the biz").

    You might want to consider, depending on your speakers, the new LHC-208 integrated, with DAC+streamer. At $15k, it's quite competitively priced, and will, again, sound better (to my ears) than most of the competition at this price range. I just had it plugged into our Evolution Acoustics MMThree, and it's buttery smooth, lovely, and just as punchy as with the D'Agostino integrated amp!

    If you're interested in listening to the darTZeels, let me know if I can help


    cheers,
    alex

  15. #15

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Hi Alex,
    Thanks for your response.

    I'm definitely looking at the CTH as I have 2 dacs that I wish to use.

    The LHC looks a great little unit and if I was setting up a second system with a eye to keeping things simple I would look at it along with Devialet and a few other all in ones.

    Have you tried the Dartzeel with Wilson Benesch speakers by any chance?

  16. #16
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I've had the Ayre VX-5 in my system, now own the Dartzeel. The Dart has a 3d quality that Ayre lacks IMO. The Dart has a simpler design, which I believe is why.
    Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12

  17. #17

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by KeithR View Post
    I've had the Ayre VX-5 in my system, now own the Dartzeel. The Dart has a 3d quality that Ayre lacks IMO. The Dart has a simpler design, which I believe is why.
    That's now unfortunately a little apples and pears.

    You really do need the Twenty versions and the appropriate pre also to be able to compare. It's a different ball game. To be fair, the 5 series Twenties pre/ power is more than double the price of the integrated Dart.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  18. #18

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks for your input Keith.

    Well judging from this thread there are mixed opinions on the Dart.

    Maybe its the colour/price. I think its looks great.

  19. #19
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    Thanks for your input Keith.

    Well judging from this thread there are mixed opinions on the Dart.

    Maybe its the colour/price. I think its looks great.
    Hi Bob,

    I auditioned the Dart NHB-108 with Raidho D2 and it produced wonderful sound. The sound quality was very organic and musical and almost tube-like in its presentation. Mid-range and treble had a warm and liquid quality with no brightness or edge. Bass was robust but tended to be more rounded and not as tight or fast as my Soulution amps for example. All in all, I enjoyed the bass response and felt it matched well with the general sonic signature of the amp.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
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    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  20. #20

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Bob,

    I auditioned the Dart NHB-108 with Raidho D2 and it produced wonderful sound. The sound quality was very organic and musical and almost tube-like in its presentation. Mid-range and treble had a warm and liquid quality with no brightness or edge. Bass was robust but tended to be more rounded and not as tight or fast as my Soulution amps for example. All in all, I enjoyed the bass response and felt it matched well with the general sonic signature of the amp.

    Best,
    Ken
    Well, Ken, are you suggesting to assess a 20 KUSD integrated based on a 40 KUSD power amp's performance, just because they are the same brand? The NHB-108 is a totally different beast from the CTH8550.
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  21. #21
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Well, Ken, are you suggesting to assess a 20 KUSD integrated based on a 40 KUSD power amp's performance, just because they are the same brand? The NHB-108 is a totally different beast from the CTH8550.
    Kuoppis,

    I am not suggesting anything. I'm merely conveying my experience auditioning the Dart NHB-108. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, a used NHB-108 can be picked up on Audiogon for a reasonable price.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  22. #22

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    Hi Alex,
    Thanks for your response.

    I'm definitely looking at the CTH as I have 2 dacs that I wish to use.

    The LHC looks a great little unit and if I was setting up a second system with a eye to keeping things simple I would look at it along with Devialet and a few other all in ones.

    Have you tried the Dartzeel with Wilson Benesch speakers by any chance?
    Hi Bob!

    I've always been curious with these recent Wilson Benesch speakers, particularly this one you have! I've checked the specs, and they are 6 ohm nominal and 4 ohm minimum, so even the NHB-108 will have an easy time with them, so the CTH should be plenty!

    Just for comparison, the YGs we tried were 4 ohm nominal with dips down to around 2 ohm.

    I see now you have a Diablo... Well, a good friend back in Brazil just upgraded his Diablo to a CTH He's extremely happy with it! He has big Dali speakers...


    cheers,
    alex

  23. #23

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Kuoppis,

    I am not suggesting anything. I'm merely conveying my experience auditioning the Dart NHB-108. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, a used NHB-108 can be picked up on Audiogon for a reasonable price.

    Ken
    Fair enough. I did not mean to sound rude.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  24. #24
    mauidan
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by mauidan View Post
    It would sound fantastic on your S3s, Dan. I've even compared it directly to the 2x priced Dagostino and much preferred the Dart unless you need insane power.
    Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12

  26. #26
    mauidan
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by KeithR View Post
    It would sound fantastic on your S3s, Dan. I've even compared it directly to the 2x priced Dagostino and much preferred the Dart unless you need insane power.
    Keith,

    I'm sure it would sound great, but I'd never own anything distributed by JT.

  27. #27

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I ended up going with the darTZeel CTH8550 and I don't regret it Dartzeel CTH8550
    Big upgrade from my previous amps.
    Thanks all for your input!


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  28. #28
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Congrats!
    _______________

    Mike

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  29. #29
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    +1!

    Congratulations on the 8550. That's one I'd love to hear.



    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    I ended up going with the darTZeel CTH8550 and I don't regret it Dartzeel CTH8550
    Big upgrade from my previous amps.
    Thanks all for your input!


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    Congrats!
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  30. #30

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Congratulations! Did you ever get to try the Diablo 300 in the end?

  31. #31

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks Mike!

  32. #32

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    +1!

    Congratulations on the 8550. That's one I'd love to hear.

    Thanks Joe! It really is a lovely amp.

    I tried it with both Vitus and TAD dac's and they both matched really well. The Vitus being a bit more laid back but very enjoyable. The TAD added more detail/resolution. Could easily live with either.

  33. #33

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoludio View Post
    Congratulations! Did you ever get to try the Diablo 300 in the end?
    Thanks Nico! No I didn't. Its still on my list of things to do

  34. #34

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Congratulations, Bob! Great acquisition!
    Depending on your source/speakers, play a little with the adjustable gain (which can be set on each input, -10 to +10dB).


    cheers,
    alex

  35. #35

    Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks Alex, I am using balanced connection and I put the gain to +10.
    Sounding great Dartzeel CTH8550🏻


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  36. #36

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550




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  37. #37

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Attached Images Attached Images

  38. #38

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Wow, you got one of the rare black ones!!! Funny how a simple color change makes the amp look completely different!

  39. #39

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I love that he calls the volume control the "Pleasure Control." If you want more pleasure, you have to turn it up. So true since there is always a point where you need to turn the volume control in order to achieve something that sounds realistic.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  40. #40

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by asiufy View Post
    Wow, you got one of the rare black ones!!! Funny how a simple color change makes the amp look completely different!
    I had the choice and went with the black, unit was made to order.. I personally was leaning towards the gold but my partner was a part of the decision making process. Lets just say I wasn't going to win that one.

  41. #41

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I think the black looks amazing! Congrats!
    Industry Disclosure: Owner Epiphanic Audio. Bespoke 2 channel resource in Virginia Beach VA. Dealer for darTZeel and other great brands.

  42. #42

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Love the black Dartzeel.

  43. #43

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Thanks guys! I think both colour schemes look awesome!

    Very happy with the black, no remorse whatsoever

  44. #44

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Yeah it looks great too I like that the display actually "follows" the case colour! The gold has a yellow/gold display, while yours (black) has a blue-ish display!

    That's the kind of thing I like about darTZeel, and that's the sort of stuff that got Apple where they are right now: the fanatic attention to detail!


    cheers,
    alex

  45. #45
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Dartzeel's trademark combination of a gold front panel and red casework just didn't work me so its nice to see it here in black. If you do get the opportunity to compare the Dartzeel with the new Gryphon integrated I'd be interested to read your thoughts.
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  46. #46

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    I've heard the black isn't as bright as the gold & red.

  47. #47
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by asiufy View Post
    Wow, you got one of the rare black ones!!! Funny how a simple color change makes the amp look completely different!
    Not THAT rare:

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    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  48. #48
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    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    I've heard the black isn't as bright as the gold & red.
    Less glare Kev?

  49. #49

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Black units have "blacker" backgrounds.

  50. #50

    Re: Dartzeel CTH8550

    Quote Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001 View Post
    Less glare Kev?
    no shrillness Ralph!

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