Dartzeel amp lives up to hype

I heard the Dartzeel in my own system this weekend, I was considering buying it. But based on the fact that a channel went out during the audition, and from my understandig it had just returned from the factory with the same problem. I would not buy it, reguardless of its sound.

As for its sound when working. It does sound very good it had some "tube magic" with solid state imageing and control of bass. Which is a very nice mix.
However, in my own system my Mcintosh MC2000 with NOS tubes makes better music, and gives up very little in bass control. The Mac sound was more 3D, with much better tone.

Before others ask My system: Martin Logan Summits, Supratek Grange Phono Pre, Oracle Delphi V table, SME V Arm, Ruby 3, and a Mcintosh MC2000 Tube Amp. Room is dedicated and tuned to my taste.

Dlanselm - you are a second person to report less than stellar performance from Dartzeel amp. I was considering this amp too, but I have heard form one of the most credible audiogon users that his close friend wasn't impressed at all by dart combo. He uses same speakers as I do - Avalon Eidolon Vision - and much preffered both ARC Ref2/VTM200 combination (which he sold to get the dart) and the VTL7.5/S400 combo he bought AFTER selling the dart combo (pre + power).

Elberoth2, I would be more concerned about the twice failed amp than someone preferring another tube amp. Unless you really trust your friend's comments, this could again be the preferences that some always have for tube amps. I certainly fall into that category, but still remain quite interested in the Dartzeel, especially because of its power and my respect for Glide's reports.

the preamp has no remote control...correct?

Dlanselm: I may be wrong, but, I think the amp you are talking about was one that has was treated with an aftermarket product that voided the warranty. The amplifiers that were treated are the only amplifiers I know of that have ever had any problems. The other amplifiers from the same exact production run are all running flawlessly.

Elberoth2: Considering the preamplifier has not shipped yet, your source making comments about the darT "combo" is not very accurate.

Jonathan Tinn
darTZeel North American Importer