NHB-18 NS Mk1

About the NHB-18 NS Mk1

The darTZeel NHB-18 NS Mk1 preamplifier is designed with a unique circuit board layout that activates each optical input separately and avoids global negative feedback, resulting in an uncompromising listening experience. It uses discrete components with only 7 silicon junctions from input to output, including an 11 dB full discrete gain stage, and a phono stage adding 6 junctions for up to 77 dB total gain. The unit is powered by LiFePO4 battery banks providing about 8 hours of listening time, with automatic charging when off, eliminating hum and power noise. The chassis is crafted from solid aluminum blocks, hand-finished and anodized, emphasizing build quality and exclusivity. It offers multiple inputs including 1 MC phono, 1 XLR, and 4 RCA/BNC 50-ohm Zeel inputs, plus outputs including balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and three 50-ohm darT BNC outputs for multi-amping. The volume control uses passive attenuation with 192 steps in 0.5 dB increments via optical couplers, ensuring signal purity. The NHB-18 NS Mk1 is noted for its extreme clarity, transparency, and dynamic speed, making it a benchmark preamplifier in its class.