Dear all,
 
Who has direct experience with both the Grace Design M903 and the German built Violectric V281 head phone amps ? I’ve got a Sony R-10 and an ETHER (open), both in balanced wiring. But currently using the M903,  only unbalanced.
 
Specifically: Does it make sense to change to the V281 ? - operating in balanced mode of course.
 
I'll be using both the normal analogue inputs, as well as the DAC, hence the quality of the (USB) DAC-converter would be also an essential aspect.
 
Thanks for your suggestions
 
& Regards
Urs

Having heard both and owning the m903 I suggest going with the m903 because the build quality is more consistent and higher. I have had problems with the volume pot and noise getting onto the balanced line of the V281.
 
I do like the V281's single ended output as it is less noisy than the balanced out, which is strange because true balanced mode is supposed to reduce noise.

Are you looking for an all-in-one option? What inputs / outputs do you require? If you are primarily doing PC listening and thus USB or optical is going to be used 99% of the time perhaps the Schiit Bifrost ( which come stock with the 4490 board ) and the Eddie Current Black Widow which would be my top recommendation. The Black Widow is hard to find these days however.
 
Rest assured the m903 is amazing and the folks over at Grace are very helpful with questions or concerns.

NA Blur,
 
Thanks for your helpful Input !
 
I already  own the M903 – and before the M902 -and  I’m actually quite happy with its performance, including the many "Pro-type" Features.
As I indicated, the only reason  to change would be, IF indeed the V281 would sound  considerably better with the ETHER "O" on the balanced headphone outputs.
 
From your comments I understand, that this may not be the case at all.
 
Hence: I think I stick to my M903, and keep using the ETHER “O” in unbalanced mode.  (….don’t change a winning team…..

)
 
Regards
 
Urs