Dartzeel Preamp Hiss

[howiebrou]

Any news update for Dratzeel pre or give up to play this gear ?

It had to go back to the dealer. During the week I had it, I never managed to tame the hiss so unless I come across a magic solution it is unlikely to be chosen.

 

[XV-1]

LOL. That is what you need Howie - a new hearing aid

 

[howiebrou]

LOL. That is what you need Howie - a new hearing aid

Ha. Then i would hear the hiss even more!

 

[XV-1]

Ha. Then i would hear the hiss even more!

What pre do you have now Howie?

 

[howiebrou]

What pre do you have now Howie?

Orpheus (from Switzerland)

 

[XV-1]

Orpheus (from Switzerland)

WOW - never heard of it before - Heritage preamp? Looks ultra cool and modern - no buttons or knobs. Happy with the sound?

 

[howiebrou]

WOW - never heard of it before - Heritage preamp? Looks ultra cool and modern - no buttons or knobs. Happy with the sound?

They used be well known for their Heritage Dac. Yes like it. It's warmer than most SS amps that big tried which is more my thing.

 

[Alrainbow]

Does the preamp hiss while music is playing ? Can it be heard on low passages ? I had a preamp and amp used for headphones it did this but only when no music or signal was streaming

 

[howiebrou]

Does the preamp hiss while music is playing ? Can it be heard on low passages ? I had a preamp and amp used for headphones it did this but only when no music or signal was streaming

Yes yes and yes. Unfortunately.

 

[Alrainbow]

Oh really what a shame then. ty for the reply

 

[Zeotrope]

Howie, my Nats 211s tube hiss is audible up to 12" from drivers, and perceivable, "just", on v delicate music from the listening seat. However despite this, I think I would truly struggle to go SS.

Just like the temptation to ditch "noisy" vinyl for streaming. Many reasons in favour, none compelling enough.

I thought the same, with my Kondo Japan M77 and 2A3 Souza; but then I heard the DarTZeel 18NS + 108.…

 

[Zeotrope]

Will do. Fortunately there is no hum just quiet hiss now inaudible from a foot away and quieter than my Kondom1000 mk 2 and Kaguras.

Your speakers must not be that efficient if you had Kaguras and are contemplating the 468.
With more efficient speakers, you will hear more hiss - just the nature of the beast.

 

[Zeotrope]

It's balanced, thanks. I wonder if a proper power distribution like a Shunyata Denali or a regenerator might help?

Definitely. I noticed an audible reduction in background noise with the Denali (6000/V2).

 

[gian60]

I had Kondo M7 KSL and 2 Souga,but then i heard CH L1,X1,M1.........

Even if Souga is fantastic

 

[Zeotrope]

Knowing what the little 108 can do Howie I don’t think it will take much convincing but you never know.

If you are not driving highly inefficient speakers, the 108 will sound better than the 458. Since you had Kaguras, I’m guessing the power of the 108 will be more than sufficient.

 

[Zeotrope]

Hey Howie :
I have the same problem as you.
My system :dartzeel NHB18 mkii+boulder 2060+rockport aquila
MY old pre-amp is boulder 1011.It is really dark and silence.
but nhb18 mkii will let speaker make big "hiss".
I can’t understand the dead quiet Michael Fremer review.

I will pay attention to your solution.

First of all, Fremer also acknowledged a slight background hiss - read his summary of the AC power improvements he made.
Second, the Boulder 2060 probably has more gain than the DarTZeel 108 (or 468), that’s why you have audible hiss at the listening position. The Zeel 108 is 26db, or 20dB with the 50 ohm connectors.

 

[Zeotrope]

Au contraire with me. I hate it when something is problematic. I have returned Mac and Metronome gear before. My wife thinks i am prone to getting lemons Luckily my CH has performed flawlessly so far.

McIntosh - first and last time I tried the brand was this year. Never again. Horrible service. Shoddy products (at least the new amp I bought).

 

[Zeotrope]

Yes yes and yes. Unfortunately.

Not sure why you didn’t try the DarTZeel pre with the 108 or 468 combo. I think your amp was just not the right match. Unless your speakers are 100+dB efficient, you should not hear any hiss from a DarTZeel pre and power amp.

 

[howiebrou]

Not sure why you didn’t try the DarTZeel pre with the 108 or 468 combo. I think your amp was just not the right match. Unless your speakers are 100+dB efficient, you should not hear any hiss from a DarTZeel pre and power amp.

Yeah. Dealer only had the preamp to loan at that time. May be some day.

 

[LL21]

Yeah. Dealer only had the preamp to loan at that time. May be some day.

Hi Howiebrou,

What is your exact system these days? Did you end up with K15EX and K70 or did it change when you were evaluating amps a while ago?