Quote:

zombie_x said:

Hi,
 
For me changing the gain settings doesn't alter the sound at all and neither should it. I find the sound is the same no matter what setting is used.
 
Now on my V800 that seems to be a different matter.
 
 

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I've only got 60 hours on the Senn 800s, but it is sounding like -6 db is the way to go on the pre-gain settings.  The sound quality from V200 is getting pretty amazing . . .

Yeah i just leave my gain on normal.  All it does is change the gain on the input so the volume knob is in a different position.

How many people here runs the v200 with the Oppo BDP-95?
 
Could you give me some info on your findings?  Thanks : )

Quote:

esn89 said:

How many people here runs the v200 with the Oppo BDP-95?
 
Could you give me some info on your findings?  Thanks : )

Click to expand...

 
I believe Frank I was running his V200 that way, maybe he can chime in. 

I'm on my 3rd OPPO video player and I love them.  In addition to stunning BluRay video processing and 7.1 surround sound, the model BDP 95 has a high-end audio processor/DAC with separate XLR audio outputs.  The lesser OPPO models just have a stunning high-end Blu-ray player with RCA audio outputs!!  When I got into headphones a few months back, I immediately upgraded to the BDP 95 . 
 
Since I listen to  CD's and SACD's, rather than MP3 or other media, I went looking for a player with a built in DAC.  NAD makes several CD players that include good DACs, the NAD C 565BEE looked attractive since it has Wolfson processors and the ability to also process a signal from an external source through the player's DAC.   But, at the time, for the same money, the OPPO 95 had better audio stats with a "free" high-end Blu-ray player and 7.1 home-theater sound processing thrown in.   So the OPPO was easily the better choice and still is to this day.  It may be worth a call to OPPO to see if they will be coming out with a newer model with external digital inputs to their high-end DAC.  Here is what OPPO says about the BDP 95:   EDIT:  the BDP-95 has dual USB and an eSATA port so I presume one could use it as a stand-alone DAC.
 
"The SABRE³² Reference ES9018 from ESS Technology is the world’s best performing 32-bit audio DAC solution targeted for high-end consumer applications and professional studio equipment. With the ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE³² Reference DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR (Dynamic Range) of up to 135dB and THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy even the most demanding audio enthusiast." 
 
Now that I have the OPPO BDP 95 with very good balanced interconnects driving the V200, I am totally blown away by the sound quality.  The music I listen to is detailed and complex.  For example, with this setup I can more clearly hear (from a good recording) each of the 88 strings on a piano, or different instruments in an orchestra.  It would be hard for me to imagine a better sounding DAC / amp combination at this point.  I am just a little curious how much better the Apex Pinnacle might sound, but at 10 times the price of the V200?  I think I'll be satisfied with this setup for many years . . .  well, at least until the V282 comes out  . . .LOL . . .  
 
 
 
Originally Posted by project86 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

 

 
I believe Frank I was running his V200 that way, maybe he can chime in. 

Click to expand...

 
Quote:

esn89 said:

How many people here runs the v200 with the Oppo BDP-95?
 
Could you give me some info on your findings?  Thanks : )

Click to expand...

I don't know how many have done this, but I opened up my V200 and changed the jumpers from Ground to Lift and the volume pot from AC to DC. It made an immediate difference in sound for the positive. If you feel like tweaking the sound a bit to possibly get the most out of the sound I recommend trying it as it's pretty easy to do. I haven't had the opportunity to listen very much yet since I did the tweak 30 minutes ago, but first impressions are that the character of the sound has changed slightly. The sound appears more transparent with a bit more treble energy.
 
Can't say that this tweak would work best for everyone, but in my case I feel it did a positive thing. I like that all the possibility for tweaking is there with the jumpers and gain switches. I ordered a V800 dac the other day so soon I'll have a V200/V800 stack as well.

Quote:

themanko said:

I don't know how many have done this, but I opened up my V200 and changed the jumpers from Ground to Lift and the volume pot from AC to DC. It made an immediate difference in sound for the positive. If you feel like tweaking the sound a bit to possibly get the most out of the sound I recommend trying it as it's pretty easy to do. I haven't had the opportunity to listen very much yet since I did the tweak 30 minutes ago, but first impressions are that the character of the sound has changed slightly. The sound appears more transparent with a bit more treble energy.
 
Can't say that this tweak would work best for everyone, but in my case I feel it did a positive thing. I like that all the possibility for tweaking is there with the jumpers and gain switches. I ordered a V800 dac the other day so soon I'll have a V200/V800 stack as well.

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I've opened mine as well. I only changed the volume settings from AC to DC. I didn't change the Ground and Lift settings.
 
I feel that the bass is more transparent with the AC to DC change.
 
Are you using a Balanced connection from your Source component to the V200, or are you using the RCA connectors?

Quote:

themanko said:

I don't know how many have done this, but I opened up my V200 and changed the jumpers from Ground to Lift and the volume pot from AC to DC. It made an immediate difference in sound for the positive. If you feel like tweaking the sound a bit to possibly get the most out of the sound I recommend trying it as it's pretty easy to do. I haven't had the opportunity to listen very much yet since I did the tweak 30 minutes ago, but first impressions are that the character of the sound has changed slightly. The sound appears more transparent with a bit more treble energy.
 
Can't say that this tweak would work best for everyone, but in my case I feel it did a positive thing. I like that all the possibility for tweaking is there with the jumpers and gain switches. I ordered a V800 dac the other day so soon I'll have a V200/V800 stack as well.

Click to expand...

 
I have opened mine and made the same adjustments as you have and share your sentiment wholeheartedly. Besides your impressions, I would like to add that the V200 is a slightly faster sounding as well. Leading edges sounding much cleaner. 
 
You will love the V800 once you receive it, I have been enjoying stack for nearly two months now. 
 
Look forward to more of your thoughts!!! 

Out of curiosity, how easy is it to do this tweak?  I haven't opened up the V200 and don't have any soldering experience.  
 
Any theories on how these tweaks help?  And if so, why does Violectric not choose these "settings" from the start or is at as you say, for some DAC/amp/headphone combinations the tweak may not result in any advantages.  
 
Thanks for teaching us electronically challenged head-fiers 
 
Quote:

themanko said:

I don't know how many have done this, but I opened up my V200 and changed the jumpers from Ground to Lift and the volume pot from AC to DC. It made an immediate difference in sound for the positive. If you feel like tweaking the sound a bit to possibly get the most out of the sound I recommend trying it as it's pretty easy to do. I haven't had the opportunity to listen very much yet since I did the tweak 30 minutes ago, but first impressions are that the character of the sound has changed slightly. The sound appears more transparent with a bit more treble energy.
 
Can't say that this tweak would work best for everyone, but in my case I feel it did a positive thing. I like that all the possibility for tweaking is there with the jumpers and gain switches. I ordered a V800 dac the other day so soon I'll have a V200/V800 stack as well.

Click to expand...

The Oppo BDP95 and the V200 was an excellent combo balanced. The Oppo is a pretty amazing machine on it own an plays any disc and does it well. The V200 was very enjoyable balanced with the Oppo when I owned the v200. Highly recommended

Quote:

wnbc said:

Out of curiosity, how easy is it to do this tweak?  I haven't opened up the V200 and don't have any soldering experience.  
 
Any theories on how these tweaks help?  And if so, why does Violectric not choose these "settings" from the start or is at as you say, for some DAC/amp/headphone combinations the tweak may not result in any advantages.  
 
Thanks for teaching us electronically challenged head-fiers 

 

Click to expand...

 
This is real easy to do. If I can do it, then anyone can........
 
With regards to lifting the grounds, this makes sense as it takes away the grunge and consequently a purer signal.
 
All these tweaks are performed at the owners own risk?! I think Violectric had the V200 on the chosen default settings for liability reasons, especially with the AC to DC on the volume pot, not good when expensive headphones goes pop after a DC surge from a not so well designed source. Personally, I didn't change the internal settings until I had received the V800.

I'm using balanced connections. To do the tweak unscrew all the screws on the back of the amp, then the top screws on the front. This will allow the top part of the cover to slide back to be removed. On the second to last page in the V200 manual there is a chart showing where the jumpers are and the positions they should be in to be in Lift and DC mode. Just take take the jumpers off and insert them in the positions the manual says and then you're done. Slide the cover back on, put the screws back on and that's it.

Thanks will give this a try soon
 
Quote:

themanko said:

I'm using balanced connections. To do the tweak unscrew all the screws on the back of the amp, then the top screws on the front. This will allow the top part of the cover to slide back to be removed. On the second to last page in the V200 manual there is a chart showing where the jumpers are and the positions they should be in to be in Lift and DC mode. Just take take the jumpers off and insert them in the positions the manual says and then you're done. Slide the cover back on, put the screws back on and that's it.

Click to expand...

While trying out various tracks in my library I managed to find a track which is borderline sibilant with the LCD-2, but not with the HD 800! That took me by surprise as the HD 800 is generally considered the more treble heavy. Anyway, the DC tweak did not affect the HD 800 negatively in any way I could notice. The V200 style of sound which mellows out the treble a bit is still intact. Like with the LCD-2 it now just seems like the audio presentation is a bit more transparent across the entire range. I used to prefer the Auditor with the HD 800, but with this tweak it's not as clear cut anymore. The Auditor still has its huge soundstage, but the V200 is a compelling alternative since it makes loudly mixed music with hot treble easier to stand, and now it does so with a "higher resolution" if you will.
 
I have to say the compact form factor is a huge deal for me with the V200. It just makes it much easier to integrate it with whatever kind of setup I feel like doing for the computer. The Auditor is humongous in comparison for example and is large enough that it probably affects the sound coming from my speakers if I'm not careful about how I place it. The V200 has no such issues.

Quote:

themanko said:

 
I have to say the compact form factor is a huge deal for me with the V200. It just makes it much easier to integrate it with whatever kind of setup I feel like doing for the computer. The Auditor is humongous in comparison for example and is large enough that it probably affects the sound coming from my speakers if I'm not careful about how I place it. The V200 has no such issues.

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Agreed. The funny thing is - though we count this as a benefit, I bet some people do not take this amp seriously just due to the size. Like when I had the DarkVoice 337SE which was a huge tank compared to the V200. The 337 was massive, heavy, and had tubes - seemed much more substantial for the same $1,000 price. But the V200 was by far the better amp. V800 suffers the same issue in the DAC realm - I consider it a benefit, but I'm sure that some people are put off by the small size. Especially when using it with a speaker setup where every other component is huge.