best preamp ever - cost is no object

the darTZeel NHB-18NS is the best i've heard; and i've heard many listed so far. battery powered and including a world class phono stage and remote volume control it is hard to beat. if you are using a darTZeel amp you can use the 'cheap' 50 ohm BNC 'zeel' cables which likely humble any other interconnects and can somewhat pay for much of the upgrade if you have a long run of expensive cable between pre and amps. since it is battery powered it doesn't matter what power cord is used....saving more money and simplifying setup.

the darTZeel does not sound like solid state or tubes....it sounds like the source it is fed....and yet it is easily the most dynamic preamp (you have not heard dynamics until you hear battery power) and has the lowest noise floor i have heard.

it should be on any short list of best preamps ever.

Sirspeeedy, i did hear the Ayon Spheris at CES along with their amps, the Lumen White speakers, and the Blue Pearl tt.

hard to comment specifically on the preamp, but overall the system sounded very good.....in a slightly 'golden' way. lot'sa tubes sounds like lot'sa tubes.

i did go back twice to the room because i really enjoyed it; the second time they were using the Messinger preamp; which did make the system sound slightly more neutral and fast.