Not good for resale. Would you want someone else's name their should the original purchaser decide to sell one day ?
New NHB 18NS
- Thread starter Sencha
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Not good for resale. Would you want someone else's name their should the original purchaser decide to sell one day ?
No problem - new owners can get a new owner plate from the factory with their name. But when I owned the old model I asked for a plate with just the serial number.
I bought my NHB 108 used without the plate which would cost me about 350 euros which I think a bit steep. The serial number is also engraved on the casework of the amp below the plate which is good enough for me.
I'm hearing rumblings that the new 'baby' might be starting to ship early next week. very exciting news. 
I'm hearing rumblings that the new 'baby' might be starting to ship early next week. very exciting news.
I HOPE these rumors are Correct!!!! Waiting patiently!
the bad news is that the picture is of the prototype of the new 18NS (which sounds fantastic) and not the actual new preamp.
the good news is that my personal new dart 18NS has shipped from darTZeel in Switzerland to the North American distributor along with a few others too. not sure exact ETA yet.
I suppose a week or two to arrive depending on shipping.
We just got 2 units new NHB-18NS for our customers and not yet try with the systems . The new NHB-18NS come with very beautiful designed , even the new Power supply box look much better now .
Great to know, but you should keep them in the safe - there are tens of people around the world eagerly waiting for delivery!
Nice to notice you do not need an expert in puzzles anymore to repack the preamplifier!
Well, I paid my deposit on the new Dart pre amp early in December only to be told later that Herve´ had sold out of all the current production and had run out of parts to make any more – it would probably be April before production starts again, so those of you who managed to get them, count yourselves lucky!
However there is a silver lining as I managed to obtain the Ypsilon 100 mkii pre (passive version) and VPS phono stage instead. The Ypsilons are cheaper here than in the US whereas the Dartzeel is more, don’t ask me why.
I was able to borrow the Ypsilons to compare with the Dart - it transpired they produced a preferable sound to my ears. I was a bit surprised as I felt the NHB 18NS was the last pre amp I would use, and probably would have been, if I could have got hold of the new version. Maybe the new dart is comparable (better even?) to the Ypsilon pair, however, I will never know.
The main thing is I have been able to make a significant upgrade on the original Dart which was the object of the exercise when I decided to go for the new version when it was announced a while ago.
On first listening the overall instrument tone, dynamics, frequency extension are very similar.
After extended listening to the Ypsilons everything sounds that bit more real, less mechanical. Instruments have an extra dose of fullness and naturalness. Vocal lines have slightly more inflection and emotion.
During the time I had both units I observed better separation of instruments/players, more instrument tone, there seemed to be a lower noise floor as well, low level details became more apparent. Overall the Yps adds a bit of ripeness and texture, colour? to the sound. Music just flows better and hence is “nicer” to listen to, vinyl and digital. The sound is not softened or less dynamic just more fluid and flowing it is easier to forget it is recorded music.
I found myself having to turn down the volume as there was an absence of any edge or grain. This is a similar sensation to first obtaining the Dart, everything was clearer and distortion free compared to the previous set up. The Yp pre, and when using vinyl the VPS, takes the listening experience to a new level.
I had the amps together for over a week. Switching back to the Dart was a disappointment, brilliant as it is. They are both very transparent machines, deconstructing the music and representing the performance through the system, it just seems the Yp pair do it in a more coherent and convincing manner.
However there is a silver lining as I managed to obtain the Ypsilon 100 mkii pre (passive version) and VPS phono stage instead. The Ypsilons are cheaper here than in the US whereas the Dartzeel is more, don’t ask me why.
I was able to borrow the Ypsilons to compare with the Dart - it transpired they produced a preferable sound to my ears. I was a bit surprised as I felt the NHB 18NS was the last pre amp I would use, and probably would have been, if I could have got hold of the new version. Maybe the new dart is comparable (better even?) to the Ypsilon pair, however, I will never know.
The main thing is I have been able to make a significant upgrade on the original Dart which was the object of the exercise when I decided to go for the new version when it was announced a while ago.
On first listening the overall instrument tone, dynamics, frequency extension are very similar.
After extended listening to the Ypsilons everything sounds that bit more real, less mechanical. Instruments have an extra dose of fullness and naturalness. Vocal lines have slightly more inflection and emotion.
During the time I had both units I observed better separation of instruments/players, more instrument tone, there seemed to be a lower noise floor as well, low level details became more apparent. Overall the Yps adds a bit of ripeness and texture, colour? to the sound. Music just flows better and hence is “nicer” to listen to, vinyl and digital. The sound is not softened or less dynamic just more fluid and flowing it is easier to forget it is recorded music.
I found myself having to turn down the volume as there was an absence of any edge or grain. This is a similar sensation to first obtaining the Dart, everything was clearer and distortion free compared to the previous set up. The Yp pre, and when using vinyl the VPS, takes the listening experience to a new level.
I had the amps together for over a week. Switching back to the Dart was a disappointment, brilliant as it is. They are both very transparent machines, deconstructing the music and representing the performance through the system, it just seems the Yp pair do it in a more coherent and convincing manner.
This is very helpful for me as both Dart and Ypsilon are on my short list as well. Your comments are similar to what Fremer wrote as well. May I ask if you have the silver versions of both or the standard version? Also, given the stepped volume control on the Ypsilon, do you find it a challenge to set the right level? Finally, do they both have similar soundstage perspective i.e. similar row seat in hall or does one present the front of the soundstage closer to listener? My guess would be that Ypsilon has a closer perspective. Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy your Ypsilons...have heard so many good things about them and the Dart as well.
I've always taken great interest in listening to Systems with the Dart's and Ypsilon products --both superb state of the Art contenders--anyone considering these - should audition the Robert Koda K15 as well
It is superior to both mentioned in my opinion.
Caveat "My opinion only" YVMV
BruceD
It is superior to both mentioned in my opinion.
Caveat "My opinion only" YVMV
BruceD
Could you please expand on the key differences you have observed between the K15 (now K15 EX) and the other 2 preamps? Were they in same system? K15EX is also on my list. Many thanks. Ypsilon is also available in silver version which is even better.
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