CTH 8550 as a Preamp

Patras

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2018
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Hello!

I was wondering if someone has used the CHT-8550 as a pream with the NHB108 as a power amp?

Unfortunately, I cannot afford to buy the Dartzeel preamp and I find it's harder to find the NHB18ns than the CHT8550 on the second hand market, so I thought maybe it's a good idea the use the integrated as a preamp. Any thoughts or experiences?

Regards,

Patras
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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I did just that, while I was waiting for my 18NS. It's pretty good, but of course, the 18NS will be significantly better.
There's a setting in the menu to disable the internal preamp, so it's quite easy.
Just make sure to get the BNC cables (Zeel) to link the 108 to the CTH (and to the 18NS).
 

bazelio

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2016
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California
And I think a "problem" (so to speak) with a used 18NS is going to be that it won't be the most recent iteration. Or at least, it'd be much harder to find as it's so new. I do believe the phono section was updated in the newer version, as well as the addition of a front LCD panel for adjusting resistive load and/or gain (maybe both - I don't recall). With the previous version, I believe load adjustment involved a soldering iron, and I'm under the impression that changes to the phono circuitry in the newer version didn't end there.
 

Patras

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2018
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Thank you all very much for your feedbacks.

As I live in Spain, anyone knows if it is possible to switch the voltage on the 18ns ?
 

Patras

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2018
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It's been a few years since I asked the question and I wanted to know if anyone else has used the integrated as a preamplifier and can share their experience?

Cheers
 

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