synergy between preamp - amplifier: dartzeel

As an audiophile and audiogoner, I am suprised to read so many forum posts from members who are looking for the best individual components without sufficient consideration for the synergy of the system with the other equipment and the room itself.

I recently purchased the dartzeel preamp to mate with the dartzeel amplifier. I have to say that while the dartzeel amplifier provided transparency, tone, and musicality, it really was a three-wheeled Ferrari. Now that I have the preamp with the amplifier, the obvious benefits of their synergy is remarkable. I would almost suggest that the dartzeel preamp and amplifier should be required to be purchased together. Anyone who has simply heard the dartzeel amplifier without the preamplifier has heard only a part of the dart magic. The ability to create such a natural and real sounding mid-range and breathe such life into vocals is unparalled to these ears.

I would highly suggest anyone to run not walk to their dartzeel dealer but my bigger point is to build a system around the component that you enjoy the most and start in-house with the company that already makes that component whether it be vtl or audio research or lamm or whoever makes your most favorite component.

Their may be a better preamp than the dartzeel (though I doubt it) but even if there is, I really doubt it would sound better with dartzeel amplifier. As good as many think the arc ref 3 is as a preamp, the combination with the dartzeel amplifier was good but not great. The emm labs preamp in the dcc2se sounded as good as the arc ref 3 with the dartzeel amplifier. On the other hand, The arc ref 3 may be the best preamp for arc amps.

Michael