darTZeel Audio NHB-108 - Manual (Page 24)

darTZeel NHB-108 model one Audiophile's technical manual Page 24 of 28
Furthermore, in normal use, say if you
sometime power OFF your machine, life
span can be easily doubled, or even
quadrupled.
As soon as we realize that working tem-
perature is the most long lasting factor,
it becomes easier to choose components
for their sonic attributes first.
Another factor, even less known but very
interesting, is that of sustaining bias
powering. A given component, being ac-
tive or passive, lasts longer if some volt-
age, however low it is, remains applied
to its terminals. For electrolytic capaci-
tors, this small "polarizing" voltage even
keeps their internal electrolyte in perfect
chemical working condition, greatly re-
ducing the "warming time" usually
needed with other gear.
All these reasons led us to keep the
darTZeel NHB-108 model one powered at
around 5 volts (instead of 60), even
when shut OFF, by pressing the Power
Nose. Your amplifier is then always gen-
tly permanently energized, extending
even further its life span, and attaining
much more quickly the full performance
the amplifier can deliver to your ears.
It is also the reason why you can still
hear some music through the darTZeel
NHB-108 model one even when it is
powered OFF. Incidentally, the fact that
the amp can sing with such a low voltage
demonstrates how simple the audio cir-
cuit really is…
In case you are worried about this, the
power consumption of the "power OFF"
mode is around 2 watts. It represents
around $5.33 per year, assuming that a
kilowatt/hour costs $0.33. This means
$160 after 30 years. It is not too high a
price to pay compared to changing the
capacitors more frequently! Bear in mind
that producing new capacitors pollutes
more than keeping them energized…
With all sonic benefits.
9.2. Long term availability
9.2.1. Spare parts
To own a darTZeel NHB-108 model one
must not only give you musical pleasure.
You must also benefit from a first class
customer service, whatever the problem
encountered. Whether it is a failed com-
ponent, or a broken heat sink due to an
unfortunate accident – not dropped on
your feet we hope – all parts need to be
available, at anytime.
If, as we think, your machine only re-
quires maintenance every 30 or 40
years, we will ensure that parts availabil-
ity will last far beyond that.
We at darTZeel, always stock all "non
perishable" components in sufficient
quantity for – very – long term opera-
tion.
Semiconductors and passive components
with no instable material inside are stoc-
ked, and will be available at any time, in
brand new working condition.
As for electrolytic capacitors, however,
their preservation is much more delicate
when one tries to stock them for 30 or
40 years in brand new working condition,
their life span being limited even when
not in use.
Fortunately, we have chosen industrial
models, of the highest quality, from one
of the world’s biggest and longest estab-
lished manufacturers. We can bet that
they will still be there in 100 years, and
that they will continue to offer equally
outstanding capacitors, or perhaps even
better ones.
Furthermore darTZeel keeps permanently
in touch with the industry, with the aim
of anticipating any shortage or ending of
production as regards every component
entering into the building of the darTZeel
NHB-108 model one. In the worst case,
"perishable" stock will be renewed ac-
cordingly in order to offer maximum
availability at brand new specifications.
Our wish is to be capable of offering you
true and full customer service for at least
120 years after your purchase date.
9.2.2. Self-preservation instinct
One hundred and twenty? Are they kid-
ding at darTZeel's? Or are they just being
pretentious?
Yes, we only said that it is our wish. But
here again, we have done our very best
to make our wish a reality.