Solid State Power Amp Reviews

darTZeel NHB-108 model two power amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Solid state, dual mono power amplifier. Inputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair single-ended (RCA), 1 pair darTZeel BNC Zeel. Output: 1 pair WBT gold-plated copper binding posts. Nominal output power: 150Wpc into 8 ohms (21.76dBW), 225Wpc into 4 ohms (20.5dBW). Input impedance: Balanced >30k ohms; RCA >30k ohms, 5Hz–100kHz; BNC Zeel 50 ohms, 1Hz–1MHz. Output impedance: <0.33 ohms from 20Hz–20kHz (measured into 8 ohms). Gain: 26dB into 8 ohms. Frequency response: .8Hz– 600kHz, +0/–3dB. Rise time: <0.8µs. Slew rate: >88V/µs, peak-peak. DC output voltage: ±50mV. THD+N: <1% from 7Hz–77kHz within the output dynamic range. Temporal distortion: None, regardless of level and load. Crosstalk: <–90dB for 20Hz–20kHz. S/N ratio: >112dB(A) at nominal power. Power consumption: 50W @ idle, 900W @ maximum power.
Dimensions: 17.32" (440mm) W × 6.7" (170mm) H × 13.78" (350mm) D. Total depth with handles: 16.4" (415mm). Net weight: 66.14lb (30 kg).
Finish: Gold aluminum front, red heatsink fins, glass top.
Serial number of unit reviewed: TZ-UN1082.047B. Designed and built in Switzerland.
Price: $53,000. Approximate number of US dealers: 14. Warranty: 1 year parts and labor.
Manufacturer: darTZeel Audio SA, 2 chemin Louis-Hubert, 1213 Petit-Lancy, Geneva CH-1213, Switzerland. Web: dartzeel.com/en. US distributor: Jonathan Tinn, Blue Light Audio, 4160 SW Greenleaf Dr., Portland, OR 97221. Tel: (503) 868-0500. Web: bluelightaudio.com.

COMPANY INFO
darTZeel Audio SA
US distributor: Jonathan Tinn, Blue Light Audio
4160 SW Greenleaf Dr.
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 868-0500
dartzeel.com/en
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
CG's picture
Submitted by CG on February 23, 2022 - 1:12pm

Patents are funny things...

A lot has to do with how the invention is presented.

So, for example, the patented darTZeel circuit bears a very strong resemblance to one designed and patented by Richard Baker back in 1967. (You can look it up.) Harris used a version of it in a product they sold in the early 70's, and National sold it by the zillions in the late 70's in one of their products.

Surge's picture
Submitted by Surge on February 24, 2022 - 3:25pm

You are literally referring to how every invention is made - on the backs of previous inventors.

CG's picture
Submitted by CG on February 24, 2022 - 3:49pm

Yeah and no.

There's using the teachings of previous inventions - part of the reason for the patent system in the first place - to build something new. Then there's something a little closer to flattery, perhaps.

If you've ever dealt much with the patent system, you probably have lots of stories of what examiners thought might have been obvious and therefore not patentable and what the examiners thought to be clever extensions of previous ideas. Very often they are right, too. But, not always.

tonykaz's picture
Submitted by tonykaz on February 24, 2022 - 1:57pm

I well recall the early Krell Amps and all the gushing praise people heaped on them ( myself included ), even our own JA in England owned one. Phew, Krell created it's own world that it still dominates.

We've heard polite praise about tarDzeel which I suspect originated from the moneyed 33.3 Museum Curator Class. I wondered if the Brand could keep up with our Domestic guys, hmmm.

Anodising is still rather low-end as a Product Finnish, ( it is tough to get right, fades under UV and easily scratches ).

Should we take from all this that the Wilsons probably need big Mono Amps, even PS Audio if money is an issue?

I was expecting an expansive adjitivorial extravaganza from you on this device , was it missing from the Amp or from your hesitating vocabulary ?

Tony in Florida

Surge's picture
Submitted by Surge on February 24, 2022 - 3:24pm

Fremer preferred the PS Audio P20 regenerator to the AudioQuest Niagara 7000 power conditioner, if you read his recent AC power improvement project, he makes that quite clear.

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on February 25, 2022 - 9:25am

Because of JVS' observations on the subjective performance of the amp in relation to his references. Despite the amp having high-ish levels of THD and IMD, he found it to be one his favorite amps under review.

I think zero-feedback designs will be my preferred equipment methodology moving forward, as their ability to release maximum depth of field perspective and tonal saturation (as well as most other audible parameters).

Definitely more than one way to skin a cat.

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