darTZeel NHB-18 NS

darTZeel NHB-18NS Preamplifier – One-Owner, Pristine Condition (Not MK II)

Up for sale is a darTZeel NHB-18NS preamplifier — the original, highly regarded version (this is not the MK II). This unit comes from a single owner who maintained it meticulously in a smoke-free environment. It has no visible cosmetic flaws, performs perfectly, and represents the pure, musical sound that made darTZeel famous.  If you ever dreamed about owning one of these, this is the one to get!  Looks brand new!

Key Features & Highlights

• True “No-Switch” (NS) Architecture: Each input has its own dedicated gain stage — no relays or mechanical switching in the signal path.

• Battery-Powered Audio Circuitry: The NHB-18NS uses dual, isolated battery banks to power the audio section, fully separating the signal path from the electrical grid during listening. This dramatically reduces noise and preserves signal purity.

• Intelligent Power Management: The preamp automatically manages its charging cycles, ensuring the audio stages receive clean, stable DC power at all times.

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Battery supply eliminates AC ripple and provides an exceptionally low-noise background, contributing to the preamp’s renowned transparency and musicality.

• Hand-Built Craftsmanship: Machined aluminum chassis, boutique components, and darTZeel’s signature analog design philosophy.

• Zeel 50-Ohm BNC Connectivity: Allows direct, matched-impedance connection to darTZeel amplifiers for the purest signal transfer.

• Minimalist Control Layout: High-precision volume (“Pleasure Control”) and source-select (“Enjoyment Source”) knobs with a high-quality machined remote.

Specifications

• Inputs:

  • RCA

  • XLR

  • Zeel BNC

  • MC Phono

• Output Impedances:

  • RCA: 75 Ω

  • darT BNC: 50 Ω

  • XLR: < 600 Ω

  • REC Out: < 150 Ω

• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 500 kHz (±1 dB)

• Rise Time: < 0.5 µs

• Slew Rate: > 24 V/µs

• THD: < 1% (10 Hz – 100 kHz)

• Crosstalk: < –80 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

  • Line: > 92 dB(A)

  • Phono: > 70 dB(A)

• Power Consumption: 7 – 77 W depending on mode

• Dimensions: 440 × 335 × 170 mm (with handle depth 415 mm)

• Weight: 24 kg main chassis + 3 kg outboard power supply

Condition

This NHB-18NS is in excellent, collector-grade condition with:

• No visible marks, scratches, or discoloration

• Fully functional controls

• Stable operation of battery and charging circuitry

• Clean interior and well-maintained connectors

It has been owned by a careful audiophile and kept in a dedicated listening space.  Rated 8/10 due to age.  Should be 9/10. 

Included

• darTZeel NHB-18NS preamplifier

• Factory outboard power supply

• Machined remote control

• Power cable

• Original manual

Shipping & Payment

• Local pickup preferred

• Shipping available with original factory box. 

NO TRADES PLEASE.

The Audio Association is an authorized dealer for the following lines