darTZeel NHB-108 Model 2 - The Best Stereo Amplifier In The World Just Got Way Better!

[jtinn]

The King is dead, long live the King.

Originally introduced near the turn of the century, the darTZeel NHB-108 had long been considered by many as the finest sounding amplifier ever made. I know I did. The caveat had always been that you have to play by darTZeel's rules. One of the reasons the amplifier sounds so amazing is the extremely low number of output devices in the amplifier as well as the lack of fuses, switches or relays in the signal path. The downside is just like owning a tube amplifier your speaker cannot have a severe impedance drop. Anything near 2 ohms or lower, don't bother.

In the time since it's original release there have been a few changes, but none that warranted a model name change. During this era most manufacturers, who shall go unnamed, have changed their models countless times. The darTZeel NHB-108 for the most part had remained unsurpassed. About seven years ago Hervé Deletraz, the owner and mad genius behind darTZeel, created his newest masterpiece, the NHB-458 monoblocks. The NHB-108 stereo amplifier had finally been bettered. However, the NHB-108 was still considered the finest sounding stereo amplifier.

It has been about 18 years or so since most of you started hearing about the darTZeel NHB-108 and it is finally being replaced by a Model 2 version. Taking circuit improvements which were developed for the NHB-458 Monoblocks, Hervé has implemented major changes in the NHB-108 Model 2. Without going into extreme detail about the mechanical and technical differences, I will share the sonic improvements. Hervé told me to expect many of the sonic virtues of the NHB-458 monos in the new NHB-108 Model 2 stereo amp. He wasn't kidding. This new marvel has greater transparency, speed and dynamics while retaining the incredible delicacy, naturalness and ability to present musical nuances that the darTZeel NHB-108 has always been known for. It has a bit more power as well, but a noticeably better control over the bass. For the most part, the NHB-108 Model 2 is a miniature pair of NHB-468 monoblocks in one box. This thing is amazing! The cost of near perfection is about $44k.

Consider this a tease. Go hear it for yourself.

For you darTZeel NHB-108 Model One owners, the good news is there is an upgrade path directly with the factory. If you already have the SCNP upgrade the cost to upgrade is 12k CHF. If you do not have the SCNP network there will be an additional 1.5k CHF cost. The faceplate will not be changed but the "eyes" will be yellow instead of orange.

[kiwi_1282001]

Thanks for sharing this Jonathan.

Looks like the model 2 is more powerful.

[joeinid]

Thank you Jonathan. Looking forward to seeing more of this amp. I’m sure it’s wonderful.

[GSOphile]

Is this a fully balanced design?

[kiwi_1282001]

Is this a fully balanced design?

I'm not sure if its fully balanced from input to output but it does have two eyes!

Do you think fully balanced is important? Balanced topology can be inferior to unbalanced topology, because balanced equipment is much more complex and thus has potential for greater noise and distortion.

[GSOphile]

I'm aware of the pluses and minuses of balanced vs. unbalanced internal implementation. Just asking the question.

[Hounddog]

I suspect it’ll sound really good, balanced or unbalanced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Dth31]

Thanks for the update Jonathan. I think many of us would be grateful if you would give us more information about the increase in power output and ability to drive lower impedances.

[Adyc]

Is this a fully balanced design?

I don’t think so. DarTZeel also favours BNC input which is single end design.

[jtinn]

As the updated technical information becomes available, I will be happy to post. I do believe the power increase is an extra 50 wpc.

[laynesaddiction]

darTZeel's are world class amps and I am sure this new amp will not disappoint. As others have said, thank you for the update.

What about hte NHB-468s? When do they hit the USA shores?

Thanks again.