darTZeel LHC-208 MkII Integrated Amplifier, Streamer & DAC
darTZeel has opened up a new world of digital audio reproduction possibilities with the LHC-208 which is an integrated amplifier, network player and ultra-high-resolution digital converter in one modern and elegant chassis.
This is an exciting move by the Swiss high-end audio manufacturer as it makes the darTZeel sound accessible to a wider community of music lovers. Venturing into the world of digital reproduction, on offer here is unparalleled sound reproduction through a ground-breaking approach to signal processing.
Before it could offer an unforgettable musical experience, the darTZeel LHC-208 was developed gradually over more than three years where attention was paid to every last detail. For the first time, you can listen to very-high-resolution music with non-PLL clock distribution, for an unparalleled analogue listening experience.
With an active Ethernet connection, the LHC-208 decodes and reproduces digital audio files, including DSD256 and 24/384 formats. It can be operated using its remote control or any DLNA-compatible UPnP application.
The LHC-208 offers excellent digital conversion quality, ease of use, a compact and elegant chassis, powerful output stages and development potential with its modern interface. With five analogue inputs, six digital inputs, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and a touch screen, along with analogue circuits modelled on the NHB-458, the LHC-208 really has everything.
Owners have peace of mind because darTZeel have made the LHC-208 to be future-proof. It offers regular software updates, a single cooling system, a ground-breaking clock system and an upgradeable digital platform. Sonically, this is a true high-end experience and has never before been available at this pricing level. The sound is liquid, with detail and flow, life and energy, realism and effortlessness.
Imagine the convenience of having an integrated amplifier, a streamer and a DAC all in one box produced by one of the world’s most respected and accomplished brands! If you desire to have an ultimate minimum box system that will deliver audio bliss, the LHC-208 makes a strong case for a smart investment.
Audio bliss did you say? Just add a pair of speakers and your music library!
Videos
Reviews
Absolute Sounds.com (Hi-Fi News), John Bamford, 2015
"Fed high quality recordings, the LHC208 proved capable of tremendous fine detail retrieval and bewitching image dimensionality. There is an impressive naturalness in the way it presents images of musicians in space and the soundstage always appears deep and wide. The sound is charming and inviting in its overall balance – with thrilling dynamics when the music commands – and as others have observed with darTZeel’s costlier amplifiers, its tone is vibrant without ever appearing ‘coloured’. It seemingly never fails to draw you in, making you want to relax and listen to the music rather than analyse its constituent elements."
Product Specification
Type
One chassis integrated amplifier, Streamer and DAC
Nominal Output Power
200 watts RMS (220 watts peak) @ 8 ohms
300 watts RMS (330 watts peak) @ 4 ohms
Line Gain
0dB nominal, up to + 12 dB
Power Stage Gain
26 dB @ 8 ohms
Analog Input Impedances
1 x Zeel BNC 50 ohms
3 x RCA line > 30 kohms
1 x Aux 3.5 mm front panel jack > 10 kohms
Digital Inputs
1 x RJ45 Network
1 x USB
2 x SPDIF (RCA 75 ohms)
2 x TOS Link
Analog Line Output
1 x Headphone 6.35mm front panel jack
Speaker Output Impedance
< 0.33 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (measured under 8 ohms)
Frequency Response
7 Hz – 170 kHz, +0, -3 dB
Rise Time
< 0.8 µs
Slew Rate
> 100 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
< -60 dB @ 1 kHz
Signal to noise ratio
> 105 dB (A) @ nominal power
Power consumption
2 watts Standby, 40 watts @ idle, 900 watts @ maximum output power
Size in mm
440 (W) x 350 (D) x 130 (H)
Size in inches
17.32 (W) x 13.78 (D) x 5.12 (H)
Net weight
16kg (35.3lbs)
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