I have owned the Darkvoice 336SE for a while now, and consider myself a discerning listener/audiophile. My listening setup consists of two KRK RP-5 studio reference monitors, and a KRK RP-10S, and for private listening I use a pair of Sennheiser HD 650 cans.
I purchased the Darkvoice 336SE through Amazon, and it arrived from the seller in perfect condition. I had better tubes on the way, but I decided to try the stock tubes. Well, they weren't bad (as bad can be) but they weren't very good either. I replaced them with a NOS RCA 6AS7G and a new Electro-Harmonix 6SN7. Initially I had a loud hum from the 6SN7, but did the tube burn-in that was suggested in other threads and that took care of the hum in about 40 hours. Keeping the 6AS7G out of the loop while doing the burn-in of the other tube allowed the amp to run cool.
I listen to a variety of music genres, from Mozart to Meatlof, Rolling Stones to Rachmaninoff, Hawaiian Slack Key to Nickelback, EDM (electronic dance music) to ... you get the point by now, I'm sure. I draw the line at Rap / Hip Hop - sorry, just personal preference. I have also played guitar, transverse flute and piano.
So when I say this is a very good amp, and not just for it's price point, there's something there to back up my statements.
I find this amp to be very pleasing to listen to, at any volume level. I haven't had to go much further than 1/4 throttle with the volume POT as it's got more than enough power to drive my cans, and provide good input to my KRK system. The lows are deep and rich, the midrange is spot on, rich and detailed. The highs are spectacular without being in-your-face bright. Very well balanced sound. I would suggest that anyone doubtful of the quality of this Chinese amp really give it a try with your favorite listening setup and good tubes before writing it off. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised, as I did.
I purchased the Darkvoice 336SE through Amazon, and it arrived from the seller in perfect condition. I had better tubes on the way, but I decided to try the stock tubes. Well, they weren't bad (as bad can be) but they weren't very good either. I replaced them with a NOS RCA 6AS7G and a new Electro-Harmonix 6SN7. Initially I had a loud hum from the 6SN7, but did the tube burn-in that was suggested in other threads and that took care of the hum in about 40 hours. Keeping the 6AS7G out of the loop while doing the burn-in of the other tube allowed the amp to run cool.
I listen to a variety of music genres, from Mozart to Meatlof, Rolling Stones to Rachmaninoff, Hawaiian Slack Key to Nickelback, EDM (electronic dance music) to ... you get the point by now, I'm sure. I draw the line at Rap / Hip Hop - sorry, just personal preference. I have also played guitar, transverse flute and piano.
So when I say this is a very good amp, and not just for it's price point, there's something there to back up my statements.
I find this amp to be very pleasing to listen to, at any volume level. I haven't had to go much further than 1/4 throttle with the volume POT as it's got more than enough power to drive my cans, and provide good input to my KRK system. The lows are deep and rich, the midrange is spot on, rich and detailed. The highs are spectacular without being in-your-face bright. Very well balanced sound. I would suggest that anyone doubtful of the quality of this Chinese amp really give it a try with your favorite listening setup and good tubes before writing it off. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised, as I did.
I have used a La Figaro 336C for several years. Apparently they are both based off the same design.
I agree with your comment on the stock tubes, I find NOS tubes sound better than the stock tubes.