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DartZeel compared to Pass Labs XA-160/200's

Has anyone had the pleasure of auditioning both the DartZeel amp and Pass Labs XA-160 or 200 monoblocks? They all retail for around $20000.00 and are true reference pieces. If so, what did you hear concerning the sonic signatures in the different amps and what other gear were they being used with. I'm very interested because I will being to try to set up home auditions of both amps in the near future and both have gotten raves and are supposed to be the most "tube-like" SS amps there are, offering both "warm/sweetness" of tubes and at same time have the slam/extension/clarity of SS. Thanks in advance if anyone has this information based on their own listening experience.
teajay
teajay OP
1,659 posts
 
Silentrunning, without being unpleasant about it, your response is totally irrevelant to the question I asked. I find it annoying , regardless of the topic of the thread, when someone only wants information concerning specific gear and someone brings in other pieces that are not what the poster was interested in. If I had asked what amps anyone could suggest in the $20000.00 price range your response then would have been a helpful one. So, I hope this is not taken as a personnal rant, I just hope that individuals will offer information requested and not something they like or have experience with.
maineiac
649 posts
 
I hear what you are saying Teajay, but is sometimes very helpful to have alternatives to what is being considered pointed out to you. It would be nice to have some direct comparison backing-up the need for straying. Good luck in your search.
silentrunning
4 posts
 
We have a good deal of listening time invested in each of the amps you mention, they are both very nice sounding amps.

That having been said, I would (still) strongly suggest Lamm M1.2's. Much more amp(s) for about the same $

Sorry, I should have added those details before...I hope your ok with this post.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/dartzeel_nhb108_modelone.htm
branimir
236 posts
 
Teajay, I was suprised when my friend told me that be bought DartZeel NHB108. He is having same Amati Anniversario speaker as I do. So, two days ago I visit him and we listen to his system(Anniversario,NHB108,NHB18 and ARC CD3MkII)... Results? Well, his NHB108 has only 300hours on it and NHB18 is dealer loan but, my system is better by far. I will keep my opinion for myself but, Dart costs 18000Euro in Europe! It is a good(but,IMO not excellent) amp... I would also like to audition Pass XA160 monos.
I bet that many people here on Agon will rave about Dart and say to all of us that Dart is the best amp ever.
Last thing, my friend is also not very happy with Dart but, he needs to live with it(he traded ARC VT200MkII and REF2MkII for Dartzeel NHB108-some extra cash were also involved!).
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Branimar, only 300 hours on the dartzeel. really if it does not sound competent at 300 hours it will never souud good. But you all ready know that right:)

ps I'll give everyone a secret tip, consance cyber 800. 78 watts of pure tube heaven.

do you think this will drive Amati Anniversario. Is it really that much easier to drive to get effortless music from them.? ie compared to Vienna Mahler?
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