$80,000 Dartzeel Flagship Preamplifier Review - Is This Worth Its Asking Price?

Is This One Of The Best Preamps that I have ever owned? did it live up to my expectations? find out what I think about this Swiss-made audio component!
#preamplifier
#ultrahighend
#audiophile
#dartzeel
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[@jaysaudiolab]

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND LIKE this video if you like this type of content - I am willing to do more of this if you let me know by subscribing and liking it!

[@b0ltus]

An $80000,- pre-amplifier is really out of this world, and although I will probably never listen to one let alone own one, I can really appreciate that there is at least one man on the internet willing to review gear like this and is making videos about it! Good for you that you're in a position to do these kind of things Jay, keep it up!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you 🙏

[@cd-rom.]

No bank is financing $80,000 worth of audio equipment. This sht gets wired son

[@davidcross890]

UNLESS YOU ARE YOUR OWN BANK

[@Mark-rw3kw]

People who buy this stuff don't get bank loans to pay for it. I read that there are about 750,000 people world-wide with a net worth of $10 million USD or more. More than 25,000 of those people have a net worth of $100 million or more.

[@signalfixer]

An $80,000 dollar preamp review. Like you said your the only KZbinr that does this in your Lab continously. Big props to you Jay for doing this. I appreciate reviews at this high level. I will keep my opinions out of this just thanks for doing this audio service.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@trackingangle929]

That is not a "lab". Have you ever seen a test bench?

[@TheGrandPumma]

Very Good Job on the Review Jay. I really appreciated the structured review - the pros and cons. We need reviews like this one more. Please and Thank You

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@trackingangle929]

if that's structure I'd love to see your definition of chaos.

[@stephanem.2268]

Thanks Jay! Kind of video I like the best. 100% honest review since you own this preamp, very well articulated pros and cons and really informative insights

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you liked it!

[@bluebuddha74]

I appreciate the balance of watching Jay’s super high-end reviews (who else does that?) and cheapaudioman and everyone in between.

[@scottbennett3119]

Great new opening! It's also a brilliant video.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Thank you for sharing your audio journey with us. Even though your components are above my pay grade, I truly appreciate that: A. You actually own the gear. B. You plainly say what you think. Hats off to you Jay.

[@sevestan]

Swiss don't need remote controls....they always have a pair of ski poles within ez reach and just poke buttons from their chair

[@dougg1075]

Love the look

[@garyleeds4470]

Jay, I believe the pre-amplifier, sells for $62,500. Please check and update as needed. As others mentioned the best performance of this pre-amplifier is in single-ended mode or using the Zeel 50ohm connectors, along with a darTZeel amplifier. I am guessing you ran it in balanced mode, which would compromise the sound of the 18NS. No doubt darTZeel has a sound that is characteristically different than the Boulder, and I am glad you noted its emotional, soulful connection to the music. Knowing darTZeel as I do, I respect the views you stated in the review - just know with a pair of 468 monos attached you may fall hard for darTZeel and out of love with your current reference sound:-) Peace.

[@perfectsense8290]

You should try this preamp with the dedicated power amps from the same brand. This will give you the 1+1 = 3 synergy and the full darTZeel experience. The same goes for Boulder and Gryphon naturally, which does get the benefit of working together as a hole in this context and your system.

[@firelord675]

I was thinking the same thing. Synergy is important, particularly at the hind level with Jay is at

[@Mark-rw3kw]

The Dartzeel monoblocs are about $280K USD per pair, so that is pretty expensive for Jay to procure while also owning the Dartzeel pre-amp and other stuff. There is a Dartzeel stereo amp that costs about $70K USD, but is only rated for 150 wpc @ 8 ohms, 225 wpc @ 4ohms, and has no 2 ohm rating. Note that prices were taken from an Australian dealer website and currency conversation rates applied to approximate the USD price. As Jay mentioned, he doesn't get loaners in order to review the stuff we see on his channel.

[@labgsm8185]

NHB-108 is REVOX A 740 amplifier clone (year 1983 !)

[@Smood47]

It won't work since he likes an analytical sound.

[@trackingangle929]

I've reviewed the darTzeel amp/preamp combo and the Gryphon amp/preamp combo. In a real magazine. With measurement of most of it.

[@joelowens5211]

You could create a Jay's betting game on how long before he switches out components again...lol

[@trackingangle929]

This guy is a product flipper

[@imosolar]

Awesome more reviews

[@jaysaudiolab]

Soon

[@breakoutpete210]

Super intro!👌

[@faysalriaz1312]

Fantastic review. Very interesting comments. Super well explained and articulated. THANK YOU JAY 👍

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MasterSlamm]

Thx jay

[@rrd1975]

This is off topic, but there is a video short of a Wilson XVX being played at a claimed 126 decibels! I don't know who attempted this, but it seems totally crazy and unbelievable to risk speaker, amplifier and permanent hearing damage. Thank you Jay, for advocating safe long term listening levels.

[@Sonic.Artistry]

Hey Jay! Great Video. Thank you for the fantastic content. I have some additional insight to your video that I think will be of value to your followers. Splitting hairs but the MSRP current as of September 2023 is: $62,545.36 USD. This is the same configuration that you are showing. Version of the NHB-18NS MkII is the 141. This has 1MC, 4 BNC/RCA, 1 XLR. As you had shown on the back, in position 1 and 2, these are cards that can be replaced. Some minor soldering is required so not as simple as just a quick installation. Version 132 has 1MC, 3 BNC/RCA, 2 XLR MSRP is $67,277.63. Version 033 has NO PHONO, 3 BNC/RCA, 3 XLR MSPR $70,540.58. You are able to order the preamp with up to 3 XLR or have them changed at a very competent dealer or at the factory. Firmware updates would be required also but completely changeable. Knowing you have a great analog front end, I would have loved if you had tried the built in phono stage. I think you would be VERY surprised at the level of performance from it. It is a substantial phono that saves both space, an interconnect and an additional power cord! It will more than compete with your Boulder Phono. You could run it directly from the side rack to your amp. The phono for analog based listeners makes it a greater value proposition to those clients. The set up is a little quirky for loading etc but intuitive once you understand. It can be done when it is out of the rack as you demonstrate, being battery operated, it can be set up quite easily. (You can also order the NHB-18NS MkII Version 231, 2 MC Phono, 3 BNC/RCA, 1 XLR MSRP $75,080.91 USD) Also being battery operated power cords have little to no effect on it. By turning off the power supply you can remove it from the grid entirely when listening. Easily up to 8 hrs.

[@martybousum1010]

Amazing. Synergistic dependent? Thanks for your hard work!

[@jaysullivan9545]

Good review. When is the reveal for the DAC Jay?

[@jaysaudiolab]

About two weeks

[@firelord675]

I would love to see you do a complete Gryphon system.

[@trackingangle929]

I have reviewed a complete Gryphon system and a complete darTzeel system in a real audio magazine. You can find the reviews.

[@klkl6659]

Nice and comprehensive review, also good you mentioned about weak dynamics , and unacceptable only one balanced input at this price tag .

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you for watching

[@trackingangle929]

It does not have "weak dynamics". I own it and the same speakers.

[@DearSX]

Would love to compare this to my $500 preamp with measurements. I can afford this $80k preamp, but I don't thinks its any better objectively than a good affordable preamp. Then again subjectively I may still prefer this over a transparent preamp. Such is HIFI audio.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Oh it's better 😀

[@a.s.2426]

Not sure your point. You lost me there.

[@vintagetechnicaudio1843]

hello jay's, you should invest in better quality audiovisual equipment, such as a Camera and an external Audio Recorder, to improve the quality of the videos and especially the sound, there are HI FI presentation KZbin channels that we do, and we can clearly see the difference

[@n.lyndley.9889]

I also only use XLR connectors, but single ended rca actually have lower distortion. There’s a white paper on this topic at Sanders Sound / Technical Papers.

[@titanxsand2153]

So you dont use the cables with lower distortion 🙆‍♂

[@craigblackwood2165]

Get well soon Jay.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you 🙏

[@kennethlui2268]

Thanks for the review and honesty. $80k is still not perfect. That is sad.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I understand

[@RennieAsh]

You may be able to to find perfection in measurements. But otherwise, perfection is found when you decide perfection has been found. Until that point, you will never find perfection :)

[@kennethlui2268]

@@RennieAsh Money can’t buy perfection. Why bother? I settle for less.

[@trackingangle929]

Nothing in audio or life is perfect.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Surprisingly only one set of XLR inputs for 80k. Very valid point. It is 60k less cost than the Boulder. 😎 Thanks Jay. Well done

[@benjaminanonsen1546]

So, this preamp can be configured with 4 different input/output board options. If you opt out of all phono inputs, you get 2xlr in and two xlr out... MK I had this, and I believe MK II as well. Not so easy to see from the site, or most dealers even. But 'tis thusly... The reason for the many rca input/output in standard boards installed is that this preamps designer likes to multiamp speakers. So there are low/high pass filters for this reason connected to selected ones, if one wish to do this. meaning ment for speakers with two or more sets of terminals... However, if one wants to connect to a speaker with one set of terminals, it might not be the ideal preamp... Audible in the bass range for sure, as Jay indeed concluded. Two xlr in/out board does therefore exist. Does it make that better... ? try and see. So, connected in 50 ohm (zeel connect) as designed, it will be better, ameliorating weight nuance and detail in the 200hz and down range.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@HectorMartinez-wj8ub]

$$$ = skin. You’re all in, brother.

[@steveee2511]

i live 1 hour and a half away from the Dartzeel factory i never hear one still

[@cdgerhart]

The audio store owners preferred the $14k mac c1100. An $80k preamp should trounce a $14k preamp. I think Jay prefers a more hifi sound: big dynamics, hyper detail, powerful bass. Negative should be price performance ratio is not great.

[@jaysaudiolab]

You're not even making sense. They never heard my Dartzeel in here...do good homework next time before you speak

[@davidcross890]

Please...please...please get a grip on a unique thought quite possibly to you known by doers as REALITY in your baseless comparisons

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Not that I think this pre-amp is worth $80K (unless one is a billionaire), but the Mac C1100 is a tube pre-amp, and there is something to be said for getting "some" sound attributes of a tube pre-amp in a much more reliable solid-state design. Also, the C1100 is discontinued and replaced by the C12000, which can be used in solid state or tube mode, depending on preference. The reviews that I have read of the C12000 say that in tube mode, is more more in-between the old C1100 and solid state pre-amps in terms of sound, which appears to be the direction that McIntosh is moving for their tube gear.

[@cdgerhart]

@@jaysaudiolab Ok so I did make an assumption, but it was based on their review of 3 preamps (which you only made one known - the Mac also known as the "winner") just 2 weeks ago and you did span camera wise to the equipment and the Dartzeel was there on a rack right on top in the middle and you're saying you didn't let them (two audio dealers) audition the $80k Dartzeel, but 2 other mystery preamps while tweaking your system for what they thought was the best sound from your system? Really? LOL So what were the two other preamps they did compare two? Also I've seen in your other videos the Dartzeel from a month ago, so you can't say it wasn't broken in.

[@reasoned007]

what about the mystery dac?

[@rolandogues9965]

I would choose VAC statement line preamp.

[@Philear4124]

Hey Jay, I can dream again. Would have liked to know how this pre-amp compares to the Mac and Boulder. Grtz Phil

[@Mark-rw3kw]

As far as the Boulder pre-amp, I think Jay made it clear that the darTZeel is more "tube" sounding than the Boulder, for better or worse. He did say the Boulder was more detailed, which is consistent with saying the darTZeel is more tube-like. He did review the Mac 1100 recently, but of course that is a tube pre-amp, but is also discontinued and replaced by the C12000 which can operate in tube or pure solid-state mode depending on preference (but Jay has not tested that).

[@jaysaudiolab]

This will be on my members only section of my website.

[@Philear4124]

Thanks.@@Mark-rw3kw

[@RennieAsh]

On the one hand. It's a waste of money for most audiophiles. On the other hand, it's cool to see someone reviewing ridiculously expensive audio gear lol. Would like to see inside it

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@trackingangle929]

it's beautifully made inside.

[@jharloe]

Does your DZ pre have phono stage ?

[@ivanfilatov7913]

Great video. I'm not a fan of anything warm sounding, I love detailed, energetic, bright sounding gear etc.

[@EdBenji]

The parts list of this preamp would probably be about $6,000....

[@edd2771]

Pro tip- save the fact that you are dumping the piece until a later video. Couldn’t believe a word after you said that.

[@daveuk1324]

We all know he's selling the gear - that's what he does. At least he's transparent about unlike so many others!

[@edd2771]

@@daveuk1324 I dont know anything about this guy

[@jitrapornpha5104]

dartzeel, the purveyors of a USD $1,100,000 phono cartridge that’s costs 500 euros to make . ironically audio science review was one of the forums that exposed this snake oil manufacturer

[@trackingangle929]

the cartridge is foolish. The equipment is not "snake oil".

[@Zer0Passenger]

Miss me with that pricing. I'd rather buy an aliexpress upgrade of the original design of older models of Dartzeel amps and preamps than paying this much for a piece of audio equipment. P.S Cables do jack sh1t for improving audio quality

[@aphexrhubarb]

How come your video looks 360p whilst at 1080p viewing?

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

This should be called the Pablo Escobar preamp!

[@mr.dynamite2543]

I agree, Jay. I don't care how good a preamplifier sounds... We put a man on the moon in 1969. If I have to get up and change inputs on a pre-amplifier, it's game over. I don't care how much it costs.

[@trackingangle929]

lose weight

[@spvlinn9009]

$80k for a wire with gain? Wait cd player output is 2v and preamp out is less than 2v on average. So most of the time it’s not gain but depression. I understand that there are a lot than voltages but $80 is a lot. For this price we should focus on frequency coherence and balance rather than bass. Does that extra bass come from recording or coloration added by preamp?

[@stephenneutralharris9162]

I always like the videos but i have to say your opening statements about other reviewers not be able to afford the gear that you own i think is unnecessary and also how long said reviewers keep products is also uncalled for .Most people watching your videos would already know this .Try to be a little more humble to the people that can’t afford what you can and just give great reviews that’s it .Don’t pat yourself on the back just review.The review is more important than the other stuff .This is not being negative towards you in any shape or from .It’s just an observation

[@jaysaudiolab]

There is a video coming soon that speaks about this subject. Someone in the industry will be part of it. I don't recommend you watch the video. Skip it.

[@glennmcdonald7673]

Well said ! Thank you .

[@stephenneutralharris9162]

@@jaysaudiolab I see you’re a little thin skinned.I’m not one of those people who hate on people who can afford things i can’t .There’s nothing wrong with buying anything cost no object gear .It’s a blessing that you can afford the gear and like you’ve said you’ve worked hard to own those pieces.I just gave you a little constructive criticism.Just telling you you sounded like you were downing other reviewers which you were .If you see it otherwise that’s up to you

[@tommerick3015]

What I take issue with cause he says he pays for it, which we'll assume he's truthful, he's going to give an honest review. It seems obvious to me that he gets mega dollar equipment keeps it for a few weeks to a few months then sells it and I'm pretty sure he's objective is to make a profit. This channel is here to advertise his purchases. He's not going to talk down his equipment in any big way. Oh and when he jams out he puts on some $190 Samsung iems. What no 2k iems ?

[@stephenneutralharris9162]

@@tommerick3015 Jay probably buys all his equipment.Your end comment is funny by the way .I don’t take issue with what he does .I’ve defended when someone said his equipment is worth than his house .My thing is when you start to think that you’re the only game in town and start taking bad about other reviewers to boost yourself.I mentioned to him that he says his cable line when in actuality he represents the cable lines be he had nothing to do with the line coming into being.Then he seems to think that if you don’t have a dedicated room that you can’t be a good reviewer.Steve Gutenberg a dude with decades of experience reviews from his living room and i’ve seen Jay make rookie mistakes by plugging amps into line conditioners

[@jimbrunsman1011]

That room looks ridiculously small for such big Wilsons. Optical illusion?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool

[@trackingangle929]

Those speakers can work incredibly well in modest sized rooms.

[@Random-kq4pz]

Why the jacket? It's 90 degrees in FL. Maybe you are not feeling well, if so I hope you get feeling better soon.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I'm under the weather

[@Random-kq4pz]

@@jaysaudiolab Feeling cold with body aches is the worst! Take some Tylenol to relieve the aches and help with the chills. Hope you feel better real soon Jay!

[@brentcollins9727]

What is that strange, thick garment that he’s wearing? It’s 95 frickin degrees!!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yep and I meant to wear heavier clothes. Thank you for paying attention

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

Cool air conditioning?

[@rainman3269]

They are never worth the money ... Its just what they cost

[@hgghfhbnj8505]

I like conrad johnson art preamp more...

[@gregoryisom8333]

$80K for an amp is more about status and bragging rights. Even if you can afford something that can be achieved at $8K, that number is still too much. This doesn't add up...From a technical point of view, your hearing level is 20HZ to 20KHz anything below and above only a dog can hear. I'm sure Jay's Audio Lab can enlighten and give me a class on all the reasons it is ok to spend 100 grand on a behemoth amp that needs a forklift to deliver!

[@stuartwiner7920]

For that price, it had better deliver me a male heir and a cure for cancer as part of the deal.

[@Xantylon74]

Your Outro blasted my ears,dude, it’s much to loud!😵

[@markhodge5006]

Why, nobody can afford this stuff and even if I could, I wouldn't spend that much money. You can have a great sounding system for under $5,000-$10,000.

[@trackingangle929]

clearly you've never heard a great sounding system. You can get a decent rig for that kind of money though.

[@a.s.2426]

Great but not nearly the best. Not even close.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

High Dollar Foreign Affair 😮

[@davidcross890]

My systems NEVER go up and down in performance at all due to grid issues or grid noise. Having virtually perfect power MATTERS 😊

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Agree, SR Denali 6000s 20amp ded line 😊

[@4everB2]

It's your own energy and mood that goes up and down. Life can be simple.

[@jjinglenuts]

No....

[@labgsm8185]

Price was 20K then ... 80K the more you pay the "better" sound you hear

[@jaysaudiolab]

It's never been 20k for the MK2 version. Not sure where you're getting your information

[@davidcross890]

For Your original twisted perception it was probably 5k then comes another delusional mind serving up non facts

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@jaysaudiolab The original version was $20K, but obviously not the same as current version. However, the designer admitted in an interview that a lot of the increase cost is for all the cosmetic stuff, but obviously not all of it.

[@DW11111]

@@davidcross890 says the delusional mind that thinks soldering a resistor on the center pin is groundbreaking simply because the cable is made by MIT

[@lbrizzle18]

Of course not.

[@craigenputtock]

"Is This Worth Its Asking Price?" Heck no. I bought an Ayima tube preamp for $15. Simple circuit, works brilliantly

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool 😎

[@davidcross890]

First try to consider a change in path of affording that level of gear as this is not the cheapo channel

[@glennmcdonald7673]

​@@davidcross890cause you got it like that, don't mean spending more gets you better equipment rich guy

[@davidcross890]

@@glennmcdonald7673 no I became who I am and what I can do by solving problems and offering real solutions that overcome mediocrity that most of our world requires to evolve

[@DW11111]

@@glennmcdonald7673 Shhh!! don't shatter his dream of MIT cables being tEh BesTeST EvAr!!1!!! it will crush his dreams of superiority over the "peasants".

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

Made in Switzerland, that premium adds 75k to price, ok Dartzeil is supposed to be elite level audio, just way out of my range, more rotel level for me.

[@trackingangle929]

Rotel Michi is a great product.

[@shdr55]

get yourself benchmark la4 and save yourself 77k dollars. this is beyond rational . btw you will have 2balance inputs.

[@davidcross890]

And end up with mediocrity?....this is not the cheapo channel

[@shdr55]

@@davidcross890 I suggest that you try it first. The fact that something cost 80k means nothing. just the fact that there are people out there willing to pay.

[@davidcross890]

@@shdr55 why would I waste my time trying a piece of gear that I know by topological design would fail to meet my very specific criteria? This is why I invested to design and build my own so I would not be disappointed. I wanted beyond what is considered ultra high end performance and I now have it by my own hand

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@shdr55 Yes, and in many cases high-end manufacturers are wildly increasing prices because the assumption of many (not all) wealthy customers is that if it costs more it must be better, and they can afford it anyways so who cares.

[@shdr55]

Can you imagine someone buying an 80k preamp and saying to himself I got screwed it actually sounds nothing better than most preamp . Psychologically almost impossible. I know it from my own experience I owned Levinson 32 and it took me years to realize that it is a dark-sounding mediocre preamp. Luckily it was easy to sell it.

[@danielwatts9803]

I wasn't satisfied. I returned mine.

[@labgsm8185]

Bravo

[@LetThereBeSound1]

It’s amazing you were allowed the return at this price point. Perhaps they agreed to it if you kept the funds “in house”? Either way, good for you. May I ask what you ended up buying then?

[@davidcross890]

Yeah sure you did

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@LetThereBeSound1 Not sure if was joking or not.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

@@Mark-rw3kw You have a point!

[@olejohnnyprestbakken1145]

I really mean nothing is worth the price you are speaking about on the items you show in your channel. Compared to what you get in performance vs price it is only a small amount of people in the world who can afford it. Been working some decades ago with ultra high end myself, selling and working with really expensive equipment, I actually have testet and learned the differnce between an 1000USD amp and a 100.000USD amp. But I just admit that I took so wrong back then and I see what kind of meaningless it is to strive to even better, changing ultra expensive equipment. What made me go down the path back in the nineties, starting my own high end shop, was the passion from owning high end gear as a student. Looking back, I never got to enjoy music like the time I could relax and lissen to music when I studied. After that it went downhill, I mean with the joy of listening to music. Until this year I have not invested a dime in any especially hifi equipment. So after looking at your channel among a lot other about hifi gear, I suddenly felt time to invest in some equioment. What I found I had to do, was to get a system that was not upgradeble and ended up with a set of active speakers. No I can enjoy music again, without bothering about if I should buy new cables, new preamp, new speakers and so on. Just streaming music from Tidal, Qobus and what ever....and I can say I do not miss the poisoness that the high end period of my life gave me. You will never get satisfied, it is always a better thing to buy, and you loose the joy of music....Good luck with your channel, it probably have some mission for a few out there, but for the masses it is not affordable. Sorry for using so many words!

[@trackingangle929]

Is this a comedy sketch?

[@GonzoMallorca]

bla

[@orioldepagesmoyes5978]

Preamplifiers are the most overrated components in this hobby.

[@jlo8775]

What’s up with the wonky camera perspective?

[@georgepark423]

80k? Why?/

[@silviosarunic3234]

@@MrSistemf Dartzeel scammers??? Are you nuts?

[@labgsm8185]

Yes they are using Revox Studer schematics (read steal)@@MrSistemf

[@FOH3663]

Why? Because there are those that will pay.

[@davidcross890]

Quality at a particular level that those who can pay at level gratefully do...others that can't whine and make laughable excuses

[@Mark-rw3kw]

I read an interview with the designer. The original version was $20K, but with Biden passing out trillions of dollars to everyone he thought he should raise the price. But seriously, he added a lot of cosmetic stuff that added a lot of expense, sort of like Swiss watchmakers (this is a Swiss pre-amp), but everything is more expensive in the last couple of years.

[@burton7023]

Buddy no pre amp is worth 80 grand

[@jaysaudiolab]

That's what she said

[@a.s.2426]

“Worth”. What does that mean?

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.🌡️🌡️🌡️🌡️🌡️🌡️