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Hansen Prince: Dartzeel, Soulution or Boulder

Hi all,

I've recently bought a second hand pair of Hansen Prince to build a new system around. There are 3 pre-power amp combo's I'm considering to drive my Hansen. I'm only buying used equipment since new is completely out of my league so trying the equipment at home is a no go.

- Soulution 721/710
- Dartzeel NHB-108/NHB-18NS
- Boulder 2060/2010

All 3 combo's are very expensive. I've heard a few of the components (owned 1) but never with Hansen. Reason why I choose these 3 is that they have a proven record and also good resale value.

Which of the 3 do you think is the best match for the Hansen Prince V2 and why? I'm not interested in other brands or suggestions since opening the box again will lead to more indecisiveness from my side on what route to follow.

I listen to all sorts of music mainly classical (I love piano) and jazz, but occasionally to pop music.

Many thanks for your input.
hififreakk
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
The Hansen's are truly a transparent speaker, so they will take on the character of whatever amp you go with. The bass does need some control so I suggest SS, but then you will probably need tubes somewhere in the chain so the top end can shione, like the pre.

Why don't you call Wes Bender directly. He's heard these paired with many different amps and could give you a perspective. His number is on his web page (Wes Bender Studios).
hififreakk OP
5 posts
 
Ptmconsulting,

Thanks for your input, much appreciated. Wonder if for instance the Dartzeel pre would be a good match which Soulution power amp. I'm expect the Dartzeel pre-amp will be more warmish sounding than the Soulution pre (at least if Dartzeel pre has a similar sound as the power amp). I've owned the Dartzeel amp in the past and liked it a lot. I only would have preferred if the Dartzeel had a bit more power in the bass.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
At our HIFI club, Boulder and Wilson shared a demo with reps of the companies setting them up. I don't know if it was Boulder, or the very high priced Wilsons, or the cables, but the results were abismal. Be sure to listen to these components together at a stereo store or get disappointed
khrys
446 posts
 
Hififreak, I'm a big fan of the Hansens and all the electronics you mention, albeit only recently with the Soulutions.
I concur that the darTZeels are the warmest, the Soulutions the most neutral and that the Boulders split the difference.

I think your idea of the darTZeel pre with the Soulution amp could be a winner if the output and input impedances match (not sure there).

I'd be interested in what you ultimately choose.
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