Dared Audio DV-6C Hybrid 5.1 Amp (Strong Reviews)

So, this is a $350 piece of audiophile gear that has received (1) a very favorable 6Moons 35 page review, (2) a Blue Moon Award (2010), (3) can yield quality 2ch(L/R) or 3ch(L/R with center speaker) or 4ch(L/R with two paired center speakers) or 5.1ch(L/R/C/SL/SR+Sub), and thus support multi-channel playback of multi-channel SACD's, etc.

The three 12AX7 tubes of this attractive, diminutive six channel integrated amplifier drive its output transistors for 35/65 watts into 8/4 ohms (5ch + sub).

Your best bet is to actually read the 6moons review (Jan 2010) by Davis Kan if you have any interest in this Dared DV-6C. Among other things, you'll discover that it is a surprisingly decent sounding amp for its price.

The Dared DV-6C is an attractive hybrid Integrated amplifier which, by the way, includes a compact remote and a three tube frontend. The remote (and/or the chassis proper controls) allows quick and easy transitions between 2ch/2.1/5ch/5.1 configurations along with easy remote volume adjustments.

In my case, I used the Dared DV-6C to accept (1) the true 5-ch analog from my OPPO multi-channel SACD outputs and I also (2) utilized its ability to simulate 5.1 channel output from traditional 2 channel analog input (based on its built-in L+R/L-R block (ie. poor man's simulated 5 ch [but often rather enjoyable]).

If you're considering this Dared, you may also wish to explore my LEXICON MC-1 listing (very inexpensive). Utilizing the LEXICON as a frontend to the Dared will allow you to achieve very high quality expanded 5.1-ch sound (from 2-ch inputs) for not very much money.

The Dared has been so much fun that I've continued to pursue considerably more expensive multi-channel setups (Lexicon, Conrad-Johnson, etc.). So the poor Dared is feeling neglected and would, I believe, like to enjoy a new, more attentive home. Perhaps a congenial bedroom or den setup?

Included are the clip-to-banana speaker lead adapters shown in one of my Dared pictures. PayPal preferred. Buyer pays shipping. I have original box and will ship.