Dartzeel CTH-8550 MkII Integrated Amplifier
SKU: 40737318689

Dartzeel CTH-8550 MkII Integrated Amplifier

Sale price$34492.50 Regular price$38325.00
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Description

Dartzeel CTH-8550 MkII Integrated AmplifierCTH 8550 MkII Traditional thinking suggests that when looking to go all out in a quest for ultimate sound quality, the only choice is to stay with a separate preamplifier and power amplifier(s). However in recent years, darTZeel has turned that thinking on its head with the release of the CTH 8550 MkII integrated amplifier. This is a no compromise, dual mono design, including separate channel windings from both toroidal transformers. With its 50 ohm

CTH-8550 MkII

Traditional thinking suggests that when looking to go all out in a quest for ultimate sound quality, the only choice is to stay with a separate preamplifier and power amplifier(s). However in recent years, darTZeel has turned that thinking on its head with the release of the CTH-8550 MkII integrated amplifier.

This is a no compromise, dual-mono design, including separate channel windings from both toroidal transformers. With its 50-ohm Zeel inputs, optional high-quality phono stages, all sources including turntables are accommodated. 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.

The quality and design of the volume control is paramount to the sonic performance of an integrated amplifier and in the case of the CHT-8550 MkII, that is handled by an optical encoder notched magnetically, for unrivalled touch and precision.

However, as much as we invite you to peruse the specifications and technology, this amplifier is all about digging out the emotional expression in music. This is where the darTZeel sound separates itself from virtually all other brands, with a musicality, liquidity and flow that is a benchmark for integrated amplifiers around the world. Keep listening, and you will also hear immense detail & resolution, slam, grip and natural tonality. Unbelievable.

The creator of darTZeel instruments Hervé Delétraz infuses his sense of humour into his creations. The volume control is labelled the ‘Pleasure Control’ and in our experience, it sure is! This amplifier has an uncanny sense of communicating the heart of the musical message and ultimately, that is why music lovers and audiophiles pursue the hobby of music reproduction.

It is beyond a simple ‘recommendation’, we say that if you want the ultimate integrated amplifier experience, you simply MUST audition this beauty. Enjoyment guaranteed.

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Reviews

Hi-Fi+, Chris Thomas, 2021

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.

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The Sound Advocate, Howard Milstein, 2021

The amplifier manages to establish a full-size surge of musical dynamism -that being the variation in loudness between notes being one of its most special virtues. It has a huge, 3 dimensional open sound while still maintaining the most absolute stereo locational effects of the program sources it displays… this is an amplifier that can initiate and reproduce a remarkable scope of the music and sound that emanates before you. Recognizing the above, the darTZeel in most cases will bring many audiophiles to a supreme state of musical heaven.! It simply is an amplifier that begs you to keep listening to the music of your choice, forgetting everything else going on, while only having to reach for another piece of source material to continue on the fantastic voyage.

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Part-Time Audiophile, Rafe Arnott, 2016

Whenever I got someone to dismiss sticker-shock from the equation, and talk to me about the amplifier’s merits based solely on performance after hearing it in my system, they spoke of musicality, and how right it sounded regardless of the genre it was tasked with playing… the 8550 as something that brings people together – as it did in my home – to enjoy the experience of fantastic music playback… musically, the 8550 is a sonic knockout, full stop.

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Stereophile, Wes Phillips, 2009

We proponents of the High End are fond of citing “intangibles” such as pride of ownership and the satisfaction of knowing you own The Best. These are real and quite considerable—and the darTZeel CTH-8550 delivers them in spades. It is a genre-defining product: a contender for The Best by anyone’s definition of the term….It was about as transparent a window onto recordings as I have ever heard… I was floored by the CTH-8550’s quality, performance, and convenience. It is a dream component.

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Product Specification

Type Integrated amplifier
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, 1,000 watts @ maximum output power
Dimensions in mm 440 (W) x 350 (D) x 170 (H)
Total depth with handles: 415mm
Dimensions in inches 17.32 (W) x 13.78 (D) x 6.7 (H)
Total depth with handles: 16.4 inches.
Net weight 28kg (61.7lbs)
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 40737318689

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robaq06
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
FIRST use of ziruma french press
This is a great, clean French press with no plastic parts at all. The filter mesh is excellent, and the brew comes out very clean with minimal sediment. Quality: Good but not superb. There is visible welding on the handle (see attached picture). I was expecting it to feel heavier overall — especially the lid, which weighs only about 180g (6.3 oz). Thicker walls would make the pot heavier and give it a more premium feel. The lid could really use a lock or twist mechanism to hold it securely in place. With this one, you have to hold the lid down when pouring out the last bits. All in all, it’s a solid French press that works well for daily coffee use.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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Brennen
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Definitely worth the money, Great Product!
Looks great, well built, very solid! Easy to use. I’ve used the glass French press coffee makers in the past and decided to switch to this one. I’m glad I did, the coffee stays hot and there is very, very, very little sludge at the end!! I just wish that I didn’t wait as long as I did to make the purchase! Definitely worth the money! Great buy!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
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marie
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
AWESOME!
This is my first time using a French Press for coffee, and I chose Ziruma for its looks and durability. It's beautiful and works even better. No coffee grinds, just smooth, robust coffee that stays hot due to its double-walled design.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2026
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pjp
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful grinder:
Color: Silver
This is one little powerful grinder. It holds 30 grams in the glass jar which is perfect for 2 cup 10oz cups. It has a dial to adjust the grind. Great for two! It works great. Really good purchase. It is a labor of love. l
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
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SDFamily
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great grinder! Fun to use. :)
Color: Silver
Wow, very well constructed, grinds all sorts of things perfectly. Completely happy. Looks great, super easy to use, nice size, little glass jar, very quiet, love that it's true ceramic. Handle comes off easily to store. Nice! :)
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026

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