Your darTZeel audio instrument can now be raised to a new level of performance, while avoiding your equipment becoming obsolete, in the purest darTZeel tradition.

The company states that this will put your equipment "another decade ahead of the competition".

To ensure that your upgraded instruments will perform as brand-new ones, these upgrades will only be processed at the factory in Geneva.

Also, darTZeel make a point of saying that going direct to factory won't cut out your lovely retailer as they will get a bonus reward for their work and that they will even be happy to help you ship your equipment (naturally, this will cost you) should you not want to handle this job by yourself.

Now, relying on the fact that nothing is damaged or needs replacing, here are the upgrade options.

NHB-18NS preamplifier upgrade program steps

• Step One: CHF 6,500.00 Basic upgrade
• Step Two: CHF  10,000.00 Step One included
• Step Three: CHF 12,000.00 Steps One and Two included

Step One

New front plate, including:

• A fully redesigned micro-controlled circuit board with a new CPU, reuniting all control functions on a same and unique layout.
• A new, gorgeously minimalist display with its 24k golden plated glass, indicating volume level, as well as giving access to several menu layers for enhanced features like volume presets, source sensitivity, battery handling, etc.
• A new Pleasure Control encoder with magnetic detents guided by a custom-made ball bearing bridge, for ultimate smoothness.
• A new infrared receiver (IR) for much wider reception angle and improved sensitivity, allowing for better comfort when using the remote control.

New battery technology inside

After more than three years of extensive testing of different batteries, darTZeel has retained LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry.

These batteries are the very best for audio use as they offer a very low output impedance (tighter bass response), and minimal self-discharge rate. Additionally, this battery type allows for thousands of cycle charges, they cannot explode (a bit important), and they are quite compact — no more battery ageing hassle. And the day you will need to replace it, the new compartment and connector will help you do this easily.

Main audio board modifications

Existing transformer coupled XLR outputs are replaced by active balanced circuits, for more linear frequency response (read: no more phase shift, improved slam and greater transparency).

Entirely revisited end modified key components to fully integrate the new LiFePO4 in terms of current charge, thresholds, and so on.

New silver wire cabling from the main audio board to input cards, for additional, global sonic improvement.

XLR input VI cards are replaced by the new, fully active interface for matching new XLR output performances.

Step Two

This step comprises Step One, plus:

Existing phono stages are replaced by the brand's latest, state of the art phono stage version 8.

Higher gain up to 72 dB, more comprehensive set of loads, Neumann 4th pole, disable option, even lower noise floor, and a smart, newly designed rumble filter. All features are controlled by a microprocessor for perfect "zero contact path" yet without the need to play with an iron solder.

Note: if your existing preamp is equipped with two phono inputs, you can choose if you want to get one or both upgraded - the latter at an additional cost of course.

If you have one phono input and need an additional one, you can also ask what your options are.

Step Three

Comprising Step Two, plus:

The external power supply will be replaced by darTZeel's newly designed one.

The new version does not only look closer to the preamp itself, but it also has a more significant current capability for a faster charge, cooler operation and higher efficiency.

Last but not least, the sound is improved even when in charging mode during listening sessions.

When choosing Step Three, the company will need the old power supply back. If you want to keep both power supplies, just let them know, and they'll tell you the revised pricing.

Note: In case you would want to skip Step Two simply because you do not listen to vinyl, then Step Three will cost you CHF 8,500.00.

NHB-108 model one upgrade program

CHF 12,000.00

The NHB-108 model one has only one possible step upgrade: fully upgrading to the magnificent sound of the NHB-108 model two.

This upgrade consists of replacing audio circuits by the new ones, which are the same present in the NHB-108 model two: extended frequency range offering deeper bass, even silkier and smother voices and treble, all this combined with a 50% increased power output.

What is replaced/upgraded:

• Left and Right audio circuits, with re-cabling with new silver wires.
• Left and right monitor circuits, if the amp is of an earlier version still with its older circuits.
• Orange Eyes are replaced by the new fashion, yellow ones.

The front and rear panels are not replaced. However, if you want to replace both panels, it will cost an additional CHF 2,000.00

NHB-458 model one upgrade program

CHF 25,000.00

This major upgrade is the most significant improvement that darTZeel can offer to your already great NHB-458. By upgrading it to the level of the NHB-468, you will then get the best of the best.

What is replaced/upgraded:

Full audio and monitoring circuits, with same parts than in the NHB-468.

Totally new internal software, with improved peak power metering accuracy.

The front panels are not replaced as part of this upgrade but, again, should you want to replace front panels to reflect the "NHB-468" change, it will cost an additional CHF 3,000.00

For more information, go to darTZeel.

For any question, details, upgrade schedule, or anything you have in mind, please contact rehve@darTZeel.com