darTZeel Audio NHB-108 B version - Manual (Page 19)

darTZeel NHB-108 model one
User Manual, version B 1.0 Page 19 of 35
End of the digital trip.
It is interesting to note that several manufacturers
offer digital amplifiers, with greater or lesser suc-
cess. The theoretical limits remain the same, even if
better managed than in the '80s. Analog fortunately
does not have to cope with such limitations.
After several months of deep thinking, circuit de-
signing, and circle squaring attempts, the project
was revived (in 1990) on brand new bases. The gear
would be fully analog, moderately powerful, and as
close as possible, philosophically speaking, to the
signal treatment used in its digital ancestor.
Two new prototypes were built on the basis of ex-
isting designs; even though heavily modified to suit
our tastes, they produced unexciting results. Then
we asked ourselves what is the point of producing
nice looking gear if the sonics bring nothing new
under the sun?
In 1992, we decided to develop a revolutionary
design from scratch. This ultimate quest (for ulti-
mate sound) lasted over 5 years, with more disap-
pointment than joy. But the fun was always here.
Countless schematics were studied, scrutinized and
hooked together until we obtained, in mid 1995,
what we could call the first theoretical design corre-
sponding to our aims.
From 1995 to 1999, on that first elementary circuit
basis, dozens of different versions were simulated,
some of them being built and listened to.
By 11 November 1999 the definitive circuit was
built and assembled. This was the very first
darTZeel
machine, the NHB-108 model zero.
The results, sonically speaking, were outstandingly
better than expected. It seems that this design was
the right one. So much so that most of our test lis-
teners said that this product must be put into pro-
duction, even on a very small scale.
The darTZeel NHB-108 model one was born.
T3. Criteria
Your NHB-108 model one is not an ordinary ma-
chine and this is no doubt one of the reasons why
you purchased it.
The entire concept is based on just three criteria:
- Simplicity
- Purity
- Reliability
These words can often be deceptive. Easy to pro-
nounce, conjuring up elegance and fascination, they
nevertheless constitute very tough technical chal-
lenges, since their respective meanings are not at all
easy to reconcile.
Nothing is eternal. As for the NHB-108 model
one
, not enough time has yet elapsed for us to as-
sert such a claim.
What we do assert is that everything has been taken
into account so that you can benefit from your ma-
chine for a long time. A very long time.
You will discover that more often than not, simplic-
ity means long lasting. Sometimes, it also means
purity, whether of sound or of form.
Welcome to darTZeel.
T4. Structural aspects
It would be all too easy to compare the darTZeel
NHB-108 model one
and wristwatches, both be-
ing made in Switzerland. There are no springs,
cogwheels, or hands in a NHB-108 model one.
Here, everything is a tad… bigger.
T4.1. The case modules
The case of your machine is exclusively machined
from AW-5754-ALMG3 alloy aluminum, offering
a remarkably even surface and hardness.
Every item is CNC machined from the billet in
order to ensure a very high density and outstanding
rigidity, thus considerably lowering all unwanted
resonances.
The elements are finished in the three hard ano-
dized darTZeel colors, namely Electric Blue, Blaz-
ing Red, and Gleaming Yellow. This unique finish
gives to the NHB-108 model one its inimitable
appearance.
The three main elementary modules are the mother
plate, the transformer platforms and the heat sinks.
They are tightly assembled together with non-
magnetic, stainless steel screws.
Each basic module is first carefully hand assem-
bled, and individually tested. Only then is it dated
and signed before being fitted.
If you dismantle your darTZeel NHB-108 model
one
, you will see that modules are not assembled in
a hurry. Some of them are installed with several
weeks elapsing between construction and assem-
bling.
In line with this non-stress approach, we take all the
time necessary to achieve the best job we can. If our
tests show that a component is out of specification
– this can sometimes occur after its assembling –
the entire module is dismantled, checked, and reas-
sembled before being tested a second time.
The NHB-108 model one housing features a 20mm
thick false bottom machined from the billet, and a