Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Dussun V6i Amplifier (SS) by bullethead

Model:	V6i
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1200
Description:	150WPC Integrated Amp
Manufacturer URL:	Dussun
Model Picture:	View

Review by bullethead on September 30, 2006 at 17:19:23
IP Address: 71.125.32.122

Add Your Review
for the V6i

Dussun v6i Review
Before I start the review, I should describe the components in the system
CD Player - Musical Fidelity A3
DAC - Bel Canto Dac2
Digital Music Player - Slimdevices Squeezebox v3
Interconnects - Audioquest Coral
Speaker Cable - Analysis Plus Oval 12
Fiber Cable - Analysis Plus (Squeezebox -> DAC)
Digital Cable (RCA Type) - Analysis Plus (Musical Fidelity A3 -> DAC)
Speakers - Audes Excellence 1
Integrated Amp - Dussun v6i w/ Jena Labs Amp- Here's a picture of the room setup, please note that a Musical Fidelity Integrated Amp is present in the picture
http://www.stevevarga.org/pad-7-30-06.jpg
Let's start with some pictures of the amplifier hooked up:
This is the front of the unit http://www.stevevarga.org/images/front.JPG
This is the back of the unit as seen from the right http://www.stevevarga.org/images/back-power.JPG
This is the back of the unit as seen from the left http://www.stevevarga.org/images/speakers.JPG
Now on to the experience.
I have ordered the Dussun v6i from acousticsounds.com which is widely known for their audiophile music selection. They also sell equipment, and I purchased the v6i as a demonstration unit for $1000 even. The official price new is about $1200.
Build Quality - Picking this thing up is a chore, it weighs about 70 pounds and it was extremely difficult lugging the integrated amp around. Once the sweat wore off it was sitting firmly in a Sanus EuroRack shelf with just enough space for ventilation. I decided to examine this unit. It's aluminum shell and connectors are top notch. The only complaint I have is that the amp and preamp connection terminals seem to be standard RCA female types. The rest of the female RCA connectors for the five available sources and single output seem to be of extremely high quality. One could assume that a DIY person would just solder the amp-> preamp sections together but that would void the warranty. I chose instead to use Jena Labs Dussun Jumpers to connect the preamp-> amp stages of the integrated together. Also the power cord the v6i comes with is extremely low budget, I went with a Cardas 4ft "Cross Power" power cord. It's an inexpensive but highly functional power cord and serves its purpose well here.
Thoughts on the sound
Well one word "POWERFUL". I don't know how Dussun did it but they packed an extreme amount of power into this integrated. It's rated at 150 watts at 8ohms, 300 at 4ohms and 600 at 2ohms. I believe that the amplifier section measurement is extremely conservative. As I haven't turned the volume up past number 4 in fear of blowing my eardrums and speakers out.
"Powerful synthetic movements move the listener". Listening to various experimental and electronic music compact disks and FLAC files I have come to the conclusion that this amplifier sounds like it is from a distant land. Synthetic, detailed, a layer of metallic coating alongside a completely neutral sound. Bass and Upper frequencies shine with this unit, the midrange is full and present as well. It's not bright and it's not colored at all. Due to the absence of coloration I have noticed a lack of fluid and warm feeling. Perhaps this can compare to a Bryson military grade amp. That is indeed what it seems like, but more powerful. The Dussun is a military grade Nuclear generator of some sort that just happens to create sound.
The amplifier is extremely detailed in its presentation. I've heard the full commentary on the first track of "The Orb's - UF Orb". I haven't heard such detail since I have been to the high end shop listening to $100,000 equipment. This amplifier for $1200 seems like it's a great deal for the money. Be forwarned that the amplifier is BIG and HEAVY. It's not a Flying Mole amplifier by any means. This is some serious audio equipment and should be matched with good jumpers and a decent power cord.
I am keeping this amp.
bullethead

Product Weakness: preamp-> amp female RCA plugs are standard type
Product Strengths: build quality, power

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Dussun V6i - 150WPC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Squeezebox v3, Musical Fidelity A3
Speakers:	Audes Excellence 1
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus, Cardas, Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Experimental
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	preamp-> amp female RCA plugs are standard type
Product Strengths:	build quality, power