The Darkvoice 336SE is undoubtedly one of the more popular OTL headphone amplifiers out on the market due to its high sound quality. If you like the sonic traits and sound signature of the 336SE tube amp, you can further bring it out by using speakers instead of a headphone. This way, you can share your music listening experience together with your loved ones. We have listed some of the best speakers which you can choose and match with the Darkvoice 336SE OTL amp. Firstly, you should learn more about how to connect the speakers.
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How to connect speakers to Darkvoice 336SE
You can use the RCA output located at the back of the Darkvoice 336SE to connect to a pair of speakers. You should only do so if the speakers have their own built-in amplifiers. This is because the Darkvoice 336SE doesn’t have a dedicated power amp to drive loudspeakers. And if you directly connect the 336SE to passive speakers, you might damage the OTL amp or speakers or both. In our list of matching speakers, you will find some active speaker models which you can pick and pair with your Darkvoice 336SE.
If you prefer passive speakers or already own a pair of them, then you will need to get your hands on a power amplifier. The power amp must be powerful enough to drive your passive speakers with ease. You should only go for dedicated power amplifiers as they will have a lesser influence on the sound quality. If you choose an external amp with its own preamplification then you will be bypassing the Darkvoice 336SE sound signatures. We highly suggest you audition the amps first before deciding on one. This is to ensure you like the sonic traits which the potential power amplifier is putting on the table.
Any other audio components (e.g. DAC) in connection with Darkvoice 336SE and the speakers will affect the overall sound quality, so do take some precautions when matching them. If you have decided what type of speakers (active or passive) to go for, then please take a look at the best speakers list that we have prepared for you below.
6 Best Speakers for Darkvoice 336SE
Let’s start off with active speakers, the Kanto YU6 is one of the best powered speakers to partner up with your Darkvoice 336SE OTL amp. The Kanto YU6 has a musical sound quality with a touch of warmth and these sonic traits would be a suitable match for the Darkvoice 336SE. The treble is smooth and easy on the ears while the 5.25″ Kevlar drivers could pump out ample bass which belies their size. There is also a subwoofer output for Darkvoice 336SE owners to connect to an active sub for more powerful bass performances.
See more details of Kanto YU6 on Amazon
Klipsch The Fives is one of the premium level active speakers made by the American speaker company. You will find their iconic horn-loaded technology on this pair of Klipsch active speakers. The treble is livelier than the Kanto YU6 but not too bright. This makes Klipsch The Fives an ideal choice for Darkvoice 336SE owners who want more lively highs without sounding harsh. The rich and deep bass performances of the OTL headphone amp would help to add more weight to the overall sound reproduction.
More Information about Klipsch The Fives at Amazon
The Audioengine A5+ is another amazingly musical-sounding pair of powered bookshelf speakers to go for and pair with your Darkvoice 336SE. It has plenty of power, up to 150 Watts, and is enough to fill a small room with rich sound. Audioengine A5+ uses the dual Class AB monolithic power amplifier type so as to ensure high sound quality and is capable of delivering detailed music presentations without sounding clinical. There is also a way for Darkvoice 336SE owners to connect to a subwoofer for even deeper bass response.
More Details of Audioengine A5+ at Amazon
For passive speakers, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is definitely one of the best choices for your Darkvoice 336SE headphone amplifier. This pair of bookshelf speakers have won many accolades over the years. This is due to its high sonic performance at an affordable price. There is warmth and smoothness in the speakers’ music delivery, well-suited for Darkvoice 336SE. Wharfedale Diamond 220 has a surprisingly weighty bass response which will complement well with the 336SE’s low-end performance.
More Info about Wharfedale Diamond 220 at Amazon UK
The Q Acoustics Concept 20 is another award-winning pair of passive bookshelf speakers to get your hands on. Like the Diamond 220, the Concept 20 speakers are modestly priced and well worth every single penny invested in them. They are able to deliver plenty of music details in an organized and musically refined way. The Q Acoustics Concept 20 would certainly be a worthy match with your Darkvoice 336SE OTL. They have pleasing sound quality as well, making it easy to listen to all the music at any volume level without worrying about them sounding cringe.
Find more details of Q Acoustics Concept 20 on Amazon
For passive floor-standing speakers, if you want an enjoyable music listening experience then the Tannoy Revolution XT6F is an exceptional choice for you and your Darkvoice 336SE. The OTL amplifier’s warmth and the energetic performance of the Revolution XT6F will keep you engaged throughout the listening session. The Tannoy floor-standing speakers are also able to efficiently deliver the powerful low ends of the Darkvoice 336SE as well. You do need a good power amplifier to drive the Tannoy Revolution XT6F floor-standers.
More Info on Tannoy Revolution XT6F at Amazon
To Conclude
The fun part of using the Darkvoice 336SE will be the tube-rolling option. You can further alter the sound to your liking by changing the tubes. This also means if you have chosen a pair of speakers now because you like their sound quality, you can further fine-tune it in the future. Do take your time to audition these speakers like how you have auditioned your headphones before buying.
