Violectric - DHA V590

This unit is V590 mk2 with the ESS9028PRO based DAC (and not AKM). I had some reservations about ESS based DACs known to be sharp sounding with strident treble on lesser implementations. The following are my impressions after over 120 hours on-time. Connected to a PC via USB the DAC section sounded detailed, incisive with a narrow soundstage (speaker-like presentation) and a good sense of depth. The tuning is polite and a touch warm/dark with a somewhat metallic timbre (it's biggest weakness IMO). Otherwise, sounds good though and synergies well with the amp section. Filters are selectable and I prefer the fourth filter (slow roll off/linear) rather than the default which shows sharpness. The highly regarded Schiit Gumby A2 by comparison is a clear step up: organic/natural sounding, wider and expansive soundstage and stronger bass. The build quality is great, it looks like pro equipment and comes in no frills packaging. The square shaped all-in-one form factor is convenient for small desks.The ability to mute the headphone/line-out is very handy and so is the remote. Channel balance adjustment is available. The only quirk is that the gain ("pre-gain") adjustment is via dip switches on the back. The mk2 also comes with a 4.4mm balanced pentacon socket. Now to the amp itself; this is my first time listening to a high end amp. What strikes me most is the authority and control with which it drives any headphone. The combination of detail, dynamics, refinement and intensity is not something that i have experienced at this level before. Bass is thunderous while not being elevated. The amp pairs superbly with the LCD-X 2021 and HD650. Unlike most mid-fi amps doesn't do anything less than good and with upto 6.4A at 50Ohm and 21V at 600Ohm it can literally power any headphone. Unfortunately, HD800S is _not_ a good pairing for this amp - sounding too artificial and bright. There is no arguing that this is an expensive Amp (though with the DAC it's still better value than the v550). In terms of quality/reliability the word online is that Violectric amps rarely go back for repairs.