[Tony1110]

What is the V281 like? I have heard only good things so far

I've only had it a couple of days and I'm only using the built in 24/192 USB DAC in single-ended mode so I haven't heard it at its full potential yet. I'm expecting a balanced cable to arrive tomorrow so that should give me a better idea of what it's truly capable of. Even with all these limitations taken into account, it's still better than any set up I've heard previously. The dynamics are startling coming from a Burson Soloist. I'm noticing things in recordings that I always took to be minor details coming right to the forefront. There seems to be more emphasis on treble extension and sound-staging/imaging - everything the V200 didn't do particularly well has been put right with the V281 and it doesn't lose any of the full-bodied sound you'd associate with a Violectric amp. I haven't heard any of the top drawer amps being discussed here, but I'm pretty confident the V281 could give them all a run for their money.

 

[magiccabbage]

. I'm noticing things in recordings that I always took to be minor details coming right to the forefront. 

I like the sound of that and I love when it happens. I cant wait for My DNA Stratus - any day now 

 

[purk]

Would you say the treble was significantly different between the X-Sabre and M51, then?
I'd say vocal position is just right. Not too close like the Black Diamond could be, but not too far. Both the GS-X mk2 and Ragnarok have great vocal positions. As far as vocal quality I'd have to give an edge to the Black Diamond with Ragnarok just behind, though they are presented differently and will be a matter of taste.

I'm not going to say a night and day difference but the treble on the M51 is smoother and more relaxed to listen to.  Can you please quantify the soundstage b/w the three amps?  That one of the area that the GS-X MKII can improved upon.  

 

[Maxvla]

How do you mean? I mentioned the size and shape in the review.

 

[bada bing]

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]Very nice review, but it may cause some unintended spending on my part.
Thanks very much for taking the time to post it up, it's useful.
I currently use a x-sabre > GS-XmkII > HD800 as my dynamic set up.

I'd be curious on the opinions of the three amps driving HD650 and using
classical material. I've been enjoying the GS-X for several months now, but
I think it does it's most impressive work with the HD650 and with naturally
miked material. I have heard the same treble stridency on the HD800 playing
"hot" mastered material like some electronica. My usual cure is to swap to
the HD650 for that type material. I attributed the the issues with the HD800 &
GS-X combo being overly revealing and honest with material used. The only
other top end amp I've run head to head with the GS-X is my old trusty B-22,
so I'm lacking on personal comparisons. The GS-X is more revealing, while
being less treble aggressive than the B22, so i'm guessing the Rag is even further
from the B22 presentation than the GS-X.

I may go ahead and get a Rag to hear it for myself. I'm also close to complete on a
SUSY dynalo and SUSY dynahi project. Both should be up and running before
months end. It might be worth it to get a Rag to throw into the mix.

 

[Androb]

Interesting read. I'm planning on getting the HDVA 600 to pair with my Hegel HD20 dac. Would Ragnarok be a better pick than HDVA 600 maybe for my LCD-3?

 

[purk]

How do you mean? I mentioned the size and shape in the review.

Sorry about that, I do agree with what you are saying on the soundstage.  Still, I am never bothered by the GS-X MKII treble response.

 

[DutchGFX]

At this price I would have hit up the Auralic Taurus or a Sennheiser HDVA600, but that's just me

 

[zeissiez]

Great review, I enjoyed reading it! These are indeed the top SS contenders. M9 maybe another one, and the HD800 specialists like CMA800R too.

 

[62ohm]

Great review, I enjoyed reading it! These are indeed the top SS contenders. M9 maybe another one, and the HD800 specialists like CMA800R too.

 
He (Maxvla) said in the HD800 thread that according to the ears he trust the CMA800R dulls the HD800 too much.

 

[TooPoor]

I may have missed it, but have you (Maxvla) tried the HD800 with the Taurus MKII? The Rag sounds awesome at it's price point, but also curious to hear it against the Master 9...

 

[Maxvla]

The only amps I have extensive experience with HD800s have been discussed in the review. The only other amp I have sufficient experience with is the Decware CSP2+ which is great, but certainly a tier below these three.

 

[zeissiez]

   
He (Maxvla) said in the HD800 thread that according to the ears he trust the CMA800R dulls the HD800 too much.

 
The HD800 sounded less lean on the CMA800R compared to many SS amps I have tried. It corrected the tone of the HD800, sounded pretty engaging. Treble was fine for my ears, kind of tamed. But in the imaging department, I would like better front to back layering, and better air between instruments.  

 

[musicinmymind]

  To be honest this puts a lot of gsx2 buyers in a bit of uncertainty because the poster has owned  a gsx2 for a while  and he has high praises for it . then comes this schiit ragnarok which is so much cheaper and less wait time and the poster prefers its sound to the gsx2,

 

 

[xxxfbsxxx]

any chance for comparison between schiit rag vs agd master9 paring with hd800?
really curious as i doubt theres another ss amp that could have better synergy with hd800 like the m9