Norman Audio

DarTZeel CTH-8550 Integrated Amplifier

The CTH-8550 embodies everything that an integrated amplifier should be:
Compact, practical, versatile, musical, elegant and powerful.

Until recently, integrated amplifiers only achieved distinction despite trade-offs in design.

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.

CTH-8550: at the heart of the music

With up to nine analogue inputs for RCA, XLR and Zeel 50-ohm cables, all sources including turntables are accommodated.

Boasting ample power reserve capacity, a wide range of functional features and unrivalled ease of use, the CTH-8550 is the most complete integrated amplifier in its field.

Sound at your fingertips

The remote control is machined and milled from pure aluminium ingot, offering premium build quality and technology to enhance the user experience.

Dual-mono design

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.

Style and functional features

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.

Ease of use

Volume control is handled by an optical encoder notched magnetically, for unrivalled touch and precision. Round steel buttons add to the unit’s appeal.

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 BNC Zeel 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 ohm from 20Hz–20kHz (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:28kg

Downloads

Videos

More info