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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Ayre and Audio Research make the best amps for MY ears
khrys
446 posts
 
Stringreen, the marvel of YOUR ears is truly inestimable. Thanks for sharing.

Hififreak, thanks for your comments. The Steinway humbles many components, my own included. I did compare the darTZeel combo with the Boulder in my system before committing but did not have an opportunity to put the Soulutions into my rig before buying.

The darTZeels were exceptional but just a bit too polite.
The Boulders had a bit more immediacy, dynamics and edge that proved compelling.

I recently upgraded my preamp from the 1012 to the 2010 and the resulting improvement has been unprecedented in my experience. I am lucky enough to have the means of acquisition and accessibility to virtually every SOTA preamp and by comparison the 2010 is transformative.

You cannot go far wrong with any of your choices but audition a Boulder 2010 if you are able.
hififreakk OP
5 posts
 
Khrys,

I had exactly the same with my Dartzeel. Loved the sound, voices are just incredible, but I also thought there were a little too polite. Missed a bit of pose sometimes, all music sounded nice even though sometimes it wasn't. I could easily live with the Dartzeel again but would be nice to have a Dartzeel which is a bit more dynamic. Maybe their mono blocks but they are way out of my budget.

The Vitus Audio equipment is incredible as well. Ever heard them and compared them with your Boulder equipment??
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
khrys
just bought a 1060 myself (coming in 3 weeks). while i'm all wiped out on the audio budget, preamp change will be in order. can you comment on what you liked (or didn't) w/ the 1060? (perhaps take back to your system thread, very curious your thoughts and advice). mahalo
ryan
csng1
89 posts
 
Hififreakk
Have you consider Aesthetix Callisto sgn/ eclipse pre they are very good,
I owned the Callisto sgn and Io sgn, with Emperor.
Using krell fpb600.
Yes, the piano is a pleasure to listen they are real especially on low key.
I am hoping to upgrade to mono block. I like tight and solid bass therefore is hard to get a tube amps. Again tubes replacement on amps are expensive.
I heard Callisto eclipse with burmester phono , Bryston 28, with maxx 2
Very beautiful.
Again one day I might buy a high power tube amps,
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