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  7. #7
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    re: darTZeel LHC-208

    You know what I like most about this company? ...Their choice of gold and red; it works fantastically good together, marvelous!
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    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
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  8. #8

    re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Here's a quick description from Michael Lavorgna of Audiostram.com at the CES: darTZeel LHC-208 Integrated Streaming Amplifier | AudioStream

    darTZeel introduced their new LHC-208 Integrated Streaming Amplifier ($13,000) that combines a 200wpc integrated amp with a network player. There are 4 analog and 6 digital inputs as well as a headphone amp and integrated TFT touch screen. The LHC-208 can handle up to 24/384 PCM and 2x DSD data.
    Same pics as above so won't paste doubles. At $13K, looks quite reasonably priced for what is offered. Do we know if this is Class A/B output or Class D? Also, it would be interesting to get details on the on-board DAC and if it's modularized in order to sustain upgradability in the future?

    From Wizard's pic up top, I zoomed in on spec sheets and it looks like:

    200wpc into 8ohms
    300wpc into 4ohms
    325wpc into 2ohms

    Analog Inputs: 1 BNC, 3 RCA
    Digital Inputs: 1 RJ45 Ethernet Network, 1 USB, 2 RCA, 2 Toslink Optical
    Analog Outputs: 1 headphone output jack
    Remote: via PC or Tablet, optional separate remote available

    DAC: Supports up to 24/352.8 on PCM and up to 2XDSD (not clear whether all didgital inputs are 24/352.8 capable, presumably only USB is DSD capable)

    That's a lot of machine for $13K. Anyone know timing on this? This could be the perfect slim down and get best of both world's: great SQ in a one-box solution with ability to drive most speakers comfortably (not all given that it does not double down into 4 and 2 ohms but still).
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  9. #9

    re: darTZeel LHC-208

    That does look like somewhere to start for someone on a checked budget that wants an audiophile system. My dislike is that to me it always looks like they let someone loose on acid with crayons to get their colours!

  10. #10

    re: darTZeel LHC-208

    I am surprised that Joe has not shown up on this thread yet.

    Admin...can you please insert the word "Dartzeel" in the title befor LHC-208. Thank you

    PS: Thanks Mike for putting it in there!
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  11. #11
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    re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by cmalak View Post
    I am surprised that Joe has not shown up on this thread yet.

    Admin...can you please insert the word "Dartzeel" in the title befor LHC-208. Thank you
    Cyril,

    If you only knew how difficult it is to resist I am trying to stick with USA gear.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  12. #12

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Joe...say it ain't so!

    Although now that I am reading your latest signature line, I am how shall I say understanding of your issue:

    It seems like since I last looked, you have had a Mac attack (C500T and 601s), you have added another BC VTA20S and another Job 225, and an excellent tube stereo amp in the Music Reference RM-200 (a Michael Fremer reference for many years).

    So maybe you don't need another amp, although if I must say, you don't have a single integrated amp (let alone an integrated amp with kick-ass DAC) in your arsenal of hi-end audiophiledom!

    I got you there Joe...Ha!

    You need to sell one of the BC VTA20S, one of the Job 225, and add a little dosh and you're there!
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  13. #13
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    You are bad Cyril. Maybe some Pass amps might be nice too
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  14. #14

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Joe...it's all good. Sounds like you are having a heck of a time trying new goodies. Enjoy it in good health! The chase is half the fun! Hope you're doing well buddy
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  15. #15
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by cmalak View Post
    Joe...it's all good. Sounds like you are having a heck of a time trying new goodies. Enjoy it in good health! The chase is half the fun! Hope you're doing well buddy
    Excellent my friend. I am sure this new integrated sounds fabulous. I have to tell you though that there are many aspects of the sound of my Job 225 that I actually prefer to my previous Swiss gear. Within the power envelope, the Job is an awesome performer.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  16. #16

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Joe...I looked at the Job 225 thread and there are 61 pages of commentary on it. I am just afraid if I start reading it from the beginning and get sucked in, it will be midnight before I am done You have clearly been quite the vocal enthusiast and supporter of this bad ass little amp. I know Srajan at 6Moons.com was one of the first reviewers to put it out there about this amp and he was completely smitten. Alright, you convinced me. I am going to have to read this thread from beginning to end now....
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  17. #17
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Cyril,

    What kills me too is that it's only $1700 delivered.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  18. #18
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Cyril,

    If you only knew how difficult it is to resist I am trying to stick with USA gear.
    I will let you know how it sounds....I should be getting a demo in the coming several weeks.
    NORMAN
    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.

  19. #19
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Id love to hear how it sounds vs the 8550.

  20. #20
    Sounds like something am exploring for my first set up this year (hopefully).

    Details, reviews....

  21. #21

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by wisnon View Post
    I will let you know how it sounds....I should be getting a demo in the coming several weeks.
    Ever get a chance to hear this unit?

    Updates have gone cold .

    Thx
    Industry Disclosure: Owner Epiphanic Audio. Bespoke 2 channel resource in Virginia Beach VA. Dealer for darTZeel and other great brands.

  22. #22

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Etunes,

    It's shipping now, so more people should be able to report about it
    I have a unit in the store, that we used at THE Show in Newport Beach. I tried it with a number of speakers, and it's surprisingly powerful, for such a compact unit. Same gorgeous darTZeel sound as ever! It handled the YGs (Carmel 2 and Hailey) beautifully! We also tried it with Evolution Acoustics MMthree, MicroTwo and the MMMicro One.
    The DAC section is a joy, and the streamer is very solid and works all the time. Only drawback is that it lacks Wi-Fi, but that's just a $99 fix, with an Apple Airport Express! I like Auralic's Lightning DS app, and that's what I use on the iPad. We also have an Android tablet running BubbleUPNP, also rock solid.
    I've also used the USB input for a while, and while it was good, the streamer had a slight edge in overall SQ. Maybe I just needed better USB cables or a souped-up computer (I just used my Mac with Audirvana).
    Overall, a great piece, hard to beat at the price!

    alexandre

  23. #23
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by Etunes View Post
    Ever get a chance to hear this unit?

    Updates have gone cold .

    Thx
    I spent time in the last 2 Newport Shows listening to this unit for hours.

    very impressed both by it's digital performance which reminds me of my Playback Designs MPS-5, and the sound of it's amplifier/preamp section which reminds me of my dart pre and big monos.

    I think it's an amazing value.

  24. #24
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Isn't the Apple Airport Express limited to 16/48 PCM?
    Rob
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  25. #25

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by asiufy View Post
    Etunes,

    It's shipping now, so more people should be able to report about it
    I have a unit in the store, that we used at THE Show in Newport Beach. I tried it with a number of speakers, and it's surprisingly powerful, for such a compact unit. Same gorgeous darTZeel sound as ever! It handled the YGs (Carmel 2 and Hailey) beautifully! We also tried it with Evolution Acoustics MMthree, MicroTwo and the MMMicro One.
    The DAC section is a joy, and the streamer is very solid and works all the time. Only drawback is that it lacks Wi-Fi, but that's just a $99 fix, with an Apple Airport Express! I like Auralic's Lightning DS app, and that's what I use on the iPad. We also have an Android tablet running BubbleUPNP, also rock solid.
    I've also used the USB input for a while, and while it was good, the streamer had a slight edge in overall SQ. Maybe I just needed better USB cables or a souped-up computer (I just used my Mac with Audirvana).
    Overall, a great piece, hard to beat at the price!

    alexandre
    Thx Alexandre and Mike for the updates.

    I've been waiting to get my hands on this piece for some time. Glad it sounds great!! I was curious how he was going to manage files. Sounds like you can plug in your NAS via Ethernet and use a third party app Apple or Android platform and away you go. Wonder if the Lumin app would work ?
    Industry Disclosure: Owner Epiphanic Audio. Bespoke 2 channel resource in Virginia Beach VA. Dealer for darTZeel and other great brands.

  26. #26

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    Isn't the Apple Airport Express limited to 16/48 PCM?
    Rob,

    The idea is to use it as an extender for the wireless network, and provide an Ethernet link to the darTZeel. That way, I don't have to run a very long Ethernet cable from my router to the location where the darTZeel is. I'm NOT taking the audio signal out of it, which is Toslink, and yeah, limited to 16/48. Well, I could It's handy if you want to use Airplay, for instance...


    alexandre

  27. #27

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Quote Originally Posted by Etunes View Post
    Thx Alexandre and Mike for the updates.

    I've been waiting to get my hands on this piece for some time. Glad it sounds great!! I was curious how he was going to manage files. Sounds like you can plug in your NAS via Ethernet and use a third party app Apple or Android platform and away you go. Wonder if the Lumin app would work ?
    You're welcome
    I did try the Lumin app, and it didn't work. I guess the app needs a real Lumin on the network, not just any streamer...

  28. #28

    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    Is MSRP of $13K still accurate?
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  29. #29
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    Re: darTZeel LHC-208

    $14K, I am told and it did sound great in the feb all day session. The repeat in May didnt happen due to unforeseen circumstances…but may happen late July/August.

    We used it with MM Micros and MM2.
    NORMAN
    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.

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darTZeel LHC-208

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