CTH-8550 Integrated Amplifier
Until recently, integrated amplifiers only achieved distinction despite trade-offs in design. The CTH-8550 does not compromise.
Description
Most integrated amplifiers have been built under budget and pricing constraints that leave little room for high performance.
That’s why darTZeel is proud to present the CTH-8550, the first integrated amplifier without compromise.
With its dual-mono architecture, 50-ohm Zeel inputs, optional high-quality phono stages and remarkable versatility, the darTZeel CTH-8550 is the integrated amplifier of choice for audio enthusiasts.
A look inside the darTZeel CTH-8550 reveals a dual-mono design, including separate channel windings from both toroidal transformers.
Its sound image is revealed in an exceptionally pure expression.
The darTZeel CTH-8550 is equipped with a plasma control panel, offering excellent contrast when viewed from any angle. A range of menus allows you to individually configure all settings for each input source.
Volume control is handled by an optical encoder notched magnetically, for unrivalled touch and precision. Round steel buttons add to the unit’s appeal.
“Forget the debate about tubes v solid state. Amplifiers like the darTZeel transcend such things. Some amplifiers are just really, really good to listen to. It’s as simple as that. It surely has to do something with the ‘voices’ the amplifier can convey to us and musical tales they tell. It is harmonically rich, very clean, crazily textured and able to resolve everything from micro to large scale dynamics plus it is immaculately seated timing-wise, which is crucial. You don’t need constant examination and evaluation. It would be way too crass. The system just lives and breathes atmosphere. That’s what we have here. The CTH-8550 MkII is a wonderful amplifier because it brings you face to face with the art form called music, and you won’t find how it does it on any spec sheet. You just listen, get involved, and give it your trust. If you love music for its form and emotional power, the darTZeel will thrill you. I love it.” – Chris Thomas, Hifi+ Magazine
Product Specifications
Nominal Output Power
200 watts RMS (230 watts peak) @ 8 ohms
330 watts RMS (360 watts peak) @ 4 ohms
400 watts RMS (500 watts peak) @ 2 ohms (software limited)
Line Gain
0 dB nominal, up to + 12 dB (+22 dB custom)
Power Stage Gain
26 dB @ 8 ohms
Analog Input Impedances
1 x Zeel BNC 50 ohms
1 x RCA line > 30 kohms
1 x XLR > 30 kohms
Optional Phonos:
Phono MM = 47 kohms. Neumann RIAA 4th pole included
Phono MC = 1 kohms. Neumann RIAA 4th pole included
Line Output impedances
RCA = 75 ohms, darT BNC = 50 ohms
Speaker Output Impedance
< 0.33 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (measured under 8 ohms)
Frequency Response
2 Hz – 200 kHz, +0, -3 dB
Rise Time
< 0.8 µs
Slew Rate
> 88 V/µs, peak-peak
DC Output Voltage
< ± 15 mV max
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
< 1 % from 7 Hz to 77 kHz within the output dynamic range
Temporal Distortion
None, at any level and load, as specified above
Crosstalk
< – 90 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to noise ratio
> 115 dB (A) @ nominal power
Power consumption
3 watts Standby, 40 watts @ idle, 1000 watts @ maximum output power
Size in mm
440 x 350 x 170 (WxDxH). Total deep with handles : 415mm
Size in inches
17.32 x 13.78 x 6.7 (WxDxH). Total deep with handles : 16.4 inches
Net weight
28 kg