[Ernst Queller]

Hi all new to the forum.

I am considering replacing my Musical Fidelity V2 headphone valve amp with a

darkvoice model.

Which is the best sounding model of the range, ie 337, 336 classic, THA 3322 etc?

and which is the best value for money (in terms of sound) ?

Thanks

 

[Godkin]

The top of the DARKVOICE range is the 337SE which is basically an upgraded version of the 337. Down from that is the 3322 (which I own) and then the series of 336 models - the 336i, the 336SE and the 336 Classic. The 336SE is the same amp as the 336i only in a nicer case; the 336 Classic has some upgraded components and so can be expected to sound better.

All these amps, both from personal experience and from what I have read, sound excellent. It just depends on what you want to spend and what kind of sound you like. The 336 range has a warmer, typically tube-like sound and, for the money, offers good value for money: the 337 and 3322 are more dynamic and neutral in presentation and offer world class sound quality.

I may be bias, but the 3322 would possibly be the best option: it gives you 90% of the sound quality of the 337SE at half the cost.

The above, however, comes with one condition: the DARKVOICE amps sound at their best with high impedance headphones, ideally SENNHEISER HD650s (or HD580s and HD600s) or BEYERDYNAMIC DT880s. The exception would be the 337, and early tests with the 3322 report that it also sounds good with lower impedances.

 

[Happy Camper]

What is your source and what headphones are you using?

Welcome to Head Fi and may your God have pity on your wallet.

 

[Skylab]

I have the standard DV337, and it sounds TERRIFIC. I have been using it for several years now, and I continue to enjoy it tremendously. Great sounding amp. I also have the 336SE, which sounds great for the money.

 

[Ernst Queller]

Thanks guys I have a marantz cd player with audiolab DAC and AKG 701 Reference headphones.

 

[Happy Camper]

Sorry for the 20 questions but is there anything you like or don't like about your current setup? Do the 701s sound bass light or boring, bright, artificial, etc.?

There are tubes, hybrids and solid state amps with their own sonic +/- based on the load. Depending on what you like and don't, you can match an amp to strengthen the weaknesses of the headphone.

Will you want to get other headphones? That will make other demands on the amp. What sounds good with a 64 ohm load may not sound good with a 300 ohm load. Grados are around 24-32 ohms and Beyers make a 600 ohm version. You can match the load with an amp and it will work great for that setup but when you start using different loads, that magic gets lost if the amp doesn't have enough power supply to handle it.

 

[Ernst Queller]

I am looking to upgrade the headphone amp, hence the Darkvoice range.

I am very happy with the headphones and the source,but will sell off my current amp.

 

[Ernst Queller]

I am looking for a smoother less dry sound, to answer your question with a bit more bass.

Thanks for replying, I fancy the new 336 classic darkvoice (luckyfrog audio) but I am open to suggestions.

 

[Happy Camper]

I'll let those with your combination comment on which is better for your needs. A tube amp will give you that smoother, more organic sound as opposed to the dryer, more analytical sound of SS amps. The amount of power supply will be important in handling the 701s.

Bass is a tricky thing with the 701s. Unless you voice your rig for the 701s, bass impact and full weight will be subjective. Tweaking the tubes will get some impact and the bass is always detailed and accurate. Get the 5998 power tube for the 701s if you go after the 336. Here is a thread on tuberolling the 336.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/dar...partii-348833/

 

[fdhfdy]

DV has something new called 337 which is updated version of 337se. The amp looks so pretty.

 

[Ernst Queller]

Thanks do you have a link for this DV 337?

 

[Happy Camper]

Darkvoice earphone amplifier THA 336 332 337 FIGARO Liangyinfang Workroom

 

[Ernst Queller]

cheers guys, just ordered a 336 classic, can you advise on tube replacement to get the best out of it?

 

[musicmind]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdhfdy /img/forum/go_quote.gif DV has something new called 337 which is updated version of 337se. The amp looks so pretty.

It's the other way around, the 337SE is the "upgraded" version on the 337

 

[Happy Camper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernst Queller /img/forum/go_quote.gif cheers guys, just ordered a 336 classic, can you advise on tube replacement to get the best out of it?

I'd drop in a 6sn7 to 2c51 adapter with a 2c51/396/5670 in the front slot and a TS 5998 in the back. That is getting too far into fine tuning though. The link I gave above will give you hours of reading on tube combos. Type in K701 in search in either 336 tuberolling thread and it will pull up matches.

The Ken Rad vt-231 (6sn7) in front and TS 5998 or Bendix 6080WC would be a good start. The front tube will have the most change in sound but that back tube helps with bass foundation and soundstage openness. If these are out of price range, the TS 5998 can be replaced with a RCA 6as7 and the KR with any 6sn7.