Dartzeel amp lives up to hype

I really think that hearsay proclomations about the performance or reliability of a product that the poster hasn't actually heard, reflects worse on the poster than on the product. Let's remember that in the end you're talking about someone's livelihood here, and negative comments that have no credible basis in fact can be really harmful even if not intended that way. I have never heard a Dart product nor do I know anyone associated with the company or its distribution, and really my comments can apply to any number of threads and posters. Sometimes I wish that we could all think twice before hitting that submit button.

Fsarc,

Thanks for the info. I did read the warnings and have heard rumors about potential for it building up. My concerns are: (i) that Andy is not an idiot and used it sparingly like the directions instructed; and (ii) even if I did use it a bit more than sparingly (which I now likely will not use it at all), would a build up of SST really make an amp burst into flames?? I can see it causing a short and blowing fuses - but combusting?

My point is that if anyone else has seen this happen or can explain exactly how this can occur, there is no way in hell I am ever going to take that chance with my components. This thread is timely as I was literally JUST ready to use the SST. I am no novice to this hobby and can deal with a blown fuse but a bon fire????? - NO WAY!!

Jond, and the funny side is that we are talking about a pre that doesnt even exists. And the pre as been comercially anouced a long time: It´s all over the NET, wich shows that Jtinn really works hard. Great marketing!!! With this kind of production (or should I say pre-production) Mr. Dart must work until is 128 years to fullfil is obligations to is customers.

Wow, lots to respond to:

Elberoth2: No problem, I am sure your intentions were honorable.

Steinway57: Having an audio dealer friend "who has been in the business for 3 decades+, and who really has golden ears and also can sell the amp if he chooses, heard it an was less than impressed. He says it was blown away by other amps costing a small fraction of its price." means nothing. Where did he hear it? What did he know that was in the system? Unless he was incredibly familiar with the entire system, how could he pinpoint the bad sound to the amplifier? Do you really think he could sell the amplifier if he really wanted to? I do not think he could and I think he is misleading you. Hear it for yourself, I would bet my left testicle you would not agree with him. :) BTW, I am much more fond of my left testicle than my right.

Frank: I do not want to get into the SST situation. I am happy to talk to you offline, but another person you should contact is Calloway here on Audiogon. The product is good sounding, but incredibly dangerous and I would not use it. The Vivd on the other hand is terrific.

Dlanselm: I cannot really know for sure. There are plenty of people that love to tweak. It does not matter how good a component sounds, there may always be a bit more there with propoer isolation, damping, contact enhancement, etc. I generally stop at anything that voids a warranty.

Essentailaudio: With all due respect, I do not think Mike was really addressing you.

Jond: Very well said! Hearsay is not generally worth repeating if one is putting their name along with it. Someone told me that once :)

I'll just throw in my 2-cents here for what it's worth...
I sat and listened for quite a while to the Dartzeel/ Von Schweikert VR9 / EMM demo at the NY 2005 show and I was stunned by the purity and sheer beauty of what I heard. I'm not sure if it was the speakers or the amp, but it sure was memorable.