Darkvoice just released 332 - Page 120

Maybe...

Maybe... sometimes the interconnects can make a bit of a difference in the sound. I use some CT Cryo-Silver ICs - which have a bit cleaner / leaner sound, than some copper cables do.

I used the various CDPs / DACs in my signature - and the DV332 had almost a SS sound it was so detailed, clear and bright. Though... it did have strong, dynamic bass - it was not overpowering, or flabby / boomy in any way.

Thanks for the input.

Btw, I've had my 332 on for just 2 hours, but can feel heat emanating from the amp (the entire chassis, not just the tubes) from about a 5cm distance.

Is this normal?

I apologise for all the noob questions... This is my first tube amp.

Yes...

Yes... the DV332 gets pretty warm. Its case acts as a heat sink to dissipate the heat of the internal components.

Not that you have to... but... I cooled mine with a 3" portable desk fan I purchased at WalMart (metal by Massey). Its small enough to fit on a shelf / table beside the amp. Its fairly quiet and keeps it nice and cool. It may help to extend the life of the internal components - if you plan to keep the amp for several years. Though... you may not find fans at WalMart until next spring.

Thank you again, Gradofan2.

Lastly, how many hours a day should the DV332 to be left on? What kind of usage should it see?

I was told no more than 8 hours by one forum member. I also understand that it is best to turn it off when not in use (not left on overnight). Would it be alright to leave it on for long intervals then? ie. On for 6-8 hours, 1-2 hours off to cool, then on for another 6-8 hours?

Only When You're...

I'd leave it on, only when you're planning to use it for extended periods (a few hours) - even though, it will sound better after its warmed for 2 or 3 hours, or so. For example... leave it on over the weekend... but... not through the week, if you're not going to be home, during the day, to use it. I often leave mine on Saturday and Sunday, when I'm home and using it.

I would not leave it on for extended periods (4-8 hrs, etc.) when you won't be home, using it intermittently. You don't want to run the risk of an incident of some kind, while you're away.

It will likely take about 400+ hrs to burn in and settle - but, I would just accumulate those through normal, intermittent, recurring use, as suggested above.

Just an update: Finally got some Tung-Sol 6AK5 to play with - cooking as we speak, initial thought, quite bright compared to the Mullards. Whats a good partner tube?
Also, these weren't a balanced pair (i got 5 from ebay) is the best idea to burn them all in for a few hours, then mix them around to find a good balance?
I do love this amp!

Burn them in for a good bit longer than a few hours. Tonally, the TUNG-SOLs are on the richer side of the spectrum, but they are not as lush as the MULLARDs. A good tube to partner the TUNG-SOLs would be the SVETLANA 6S19Ps. Richer than the ULYANOVSKs, so should take some of the sharpness away from the 6AK5s.

Yes...

Yes... you'll need to burn them in.

I ran them with my Svets, not my Ulys. The Svets are a little more mellow. They're a great complement to Senns, which are a bit dark. The Svet / Tung Sol combo has a very solid, impactful, tight, smooth sound, with good extension in highs and lows - the typical Tung Sol sound.

The Ulys are a better complement to the Mullards - they're a bit brighter, and more airy, than the Svets.

But... whatever tube combo... the DV332 is a superb amp, especially with Senns.

Ok, running Tung-Sol with my Svets, wow!! what a difference in sound, very bright, almost SS in presentatiom, but lovely bass and top end. Lost the luxury chocolate gooieness of the Mullards, but a real change, much more than i expected - a bigger sonic step then anybody other tube combination. I think i'm about to slide into the depths of tube rolling! Well cheaper than new amps/cans!

Again thanks for all your help !

I received a pair of Tung-Sol 5654 a couple weeks back and they sound great with the Svets, they have a very nice and full sound..

Now I can't decide what I like better, to me the LM403B sounds more magical and adds its own atmosphere to the music but the TS 5654 sounds more realistic.. oh well, glad I have both.

Now is 3322

Not sure I like the on/off switch placement or the fact the shorter tubes are hidden at the back. Also with the two dials, does this mean it's dual-mono or is one an input selector?

I've got my pair of Tungsol couple months ago (mine is 6AK5W) and paired it with the Svets. Within 1 hour of listening, I know that I prefer it to M8100, as Tungsol gives me more bass and fuller vocal. However, after comparing it with LM403B, my choice is still LM. IMO, with my setup, LM produces less, yet better quality bass, as Tungsol's bass is too much and a bit bloated for me, whilst LM produces tight and a bit deeper bass.

By the way, I've just got Herbie Tube Damper today and found that it helps make this amp sound even better.

Initially, I hesitated to try as I didn't have any Microphonic issue (my amp was dead silence without the hum whatsoever), but after reading many positive results, I decided to order 2 pairs of Ultrasonic 7 and 2 pairs of Ultrasonic 9 to see if they're really that good.

After the installation, I must say, WOW!
Bass is tighter with a bit more impact. Vocal is fuller. And I can no longer hear any noise when I tap casing of the amp.