2. amps-preamps
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Douk Audio. Any experience with any of their products?

I've seen several products under this name on eBay in recent history, including a tube preamp board that looks pretty impressive. Especially for the money.   They reference a pretty exotic Audionote preamp in the title.  

Douk Kondo Audionote

I noticed the url on the board, and decided to find out more. Turns out the entire website is blank. Assuming this was an error, I messaged the seller.

"Hi,
I was interested in learning more about the Kondo board, and tried the website to see what info was there, and I get a blank page. Just fyi."

I thought they might appreciate the heads up about the error. Instead, I received this response:
 
"Hi dear customer
wish you have a nice day
the amp board designed by our designers
so you cant find it
best regards
Douk-Amy :)"


Not exactly a confidence builder. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has had direct experience with these folks.
pixelriffic
pixelriffic's avatar
pixelriffic OP
26 posts
 
This is one of several pieces that interested me.  For a single ended tube amp of this sort, the price is dirt cheap.  I did notice that what appears to be the same amp on Amazon, received several good reviews.  

One thing that did put me off was the response from Douk when asked for more info.  I wasn't necessarily looking for their deepest design secrets.  Although they claim the preamp I was looking at is based on an Audionote design, which is also puzzling.  You could not buy the raw parts alone for these prices, so it is tempting.  
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
I got their DAC on Ebay.  Quite impressive.  I'm very satisfied.  Integrates well into my all-Herron Audio electronics.  I use an Onkyo CD player as a transport, co-ax works better than optical.  Intend to integrate a PC as a streaming source to the DAC.

I understand they made some recent modifications to their DAC power supply, so their current performance might not be the same as previous. 
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
I bought from Douk on eBay an integrated amp with an LED dot matrix display - I think the same (or similar) to the ones found on Mark Levinson preamps.

It’s a hybrid unit - 70W rated power output with a 5670 preamp tube in the front end.

Just 2 analog inputs and one USB in.

It says "A.Audio" on the front - no other model numbers shown.

I’ve had it for a few months now, and it works fine, and sounds decent (at least to me).

I mainly got it because I’m into equipment that has LED displays that I can modify.

Overall, I’m pleased with it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFI-Power-Integrated-Amplifier-GE5670-PCM2706-PGA232-USB-2-70W-Remote-Contr...
audiocus's avatar
audiocus
13 posts
 
Hello. I have a DOUK AUDIO USB DAC. It replaces my previous Muse DAC.
In comparison, the Douk sounds much less congested and the music comes alive with lots of detail, a solid base and great imaging. 
I did have a problem with the driver that came with it.
I was getting TICS and TACKS at random while the music was playing but not on pause.
I tried everything under the sun to get rid of it but could not find the problem as I thought the problem was with my Dell D-630 when in fact it was with the Xmos drivers.
I did an update and now the problem is solved. 
This DACsounds great.

jaynewt
17 posts
 
I bought their Dartzeel NHB-108 Clone. It's nothing short of amazing, by FAR the very best amplifier I've every owned ( and I've had Krell, Spectral, MBL etc, etc). The build quality is extraordinary. They also shipped super fast too. Couldn't be happier, in fact I like it so much I may well buy another one.
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