I recently bought a DARKVOICE 332 from China (five days delivery) for 200 UK pounds. I wasn't expecting that much to tell you the truth (you know all the usual prejudices about Chinese hifi), I just wanted it as a back-up for my MF X-CAN V3, which out of necessity and curiousity I've extensively modded over the years. As soon as I hooked up the DARKVOICE, I knew I was listening to something special: bass was very deep and well defined; midrange was open and airy; and the top-end was clear, if not a little harsh (perhaps the result of the stock Chinese tubes?). As the days passed, the DARKVOICE became better and better: the top-end smoothed off, although to tell you the truth it remained a bit glassy; the midrange opened up even more; and the bass remained very deep and articulate. At first, the DARKVOICE was simply better than the ordinary X-CAN V3, then, gradually, it out-shone the modded one.
It drives the SENNHEISER HD650s effortlessly, better than either the stock or the modded X-CAN V3. How they will cope with lower impedience cans like the GRADOs remains to be seen.
I suspect if the tubes (2x6J1s and 2x6C19s) were changed the sonics would improve even more. Through this site, I know that the DARKVOICE 336i responds well to better quality valves, so hopefully the 332 will do the same. There are a number of 6S19P-Bs on E-Bay as well as some 6J1Ps, and all at a reasonable price.
The DARKVOICE 332 was a revelation to me. At the price, I suspect there would be few to touch it. I certainly won't be buying any more over-hyped, over-priced British headphone amps.
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