Is there any comparison between V281 and V550 in this thread? The only thing I found on the Internet was the WaveTheory film, whose reviewer I appreciate. On the one hand, I know that V550 is a newer version, on the other hand, the WaveTheory opinion pointed to V281 as the winner...
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Violectric HPA V281 - Vorsprung durch Balanced (September 2023 Update: Limited Reissue Edition up for preorder!)
- Thread starter Fegefeuer
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Fegefeuer
Headphoneus Supremus
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During the High End Show quite a few people tried to choose between both but it was never decisive and they couldn't make a decision. Best would be finding a place which has both and then listen for yourself.
The v281 is more colorful, the V550 departs towards a more neutral sound but stops comfortably before something dead neutral. I love the playfulness of the V281 but you still need to find a matching DAC that's also highly technical. I think an Yggy MIB could be a great pairing.
The v281 is more colorful, the V550 departs towards a more neutral sound but stops comfortably before something dead neutral. I love the playfulness of the V281 but you still need to find a matching DAC that's also highly technical. I think an Yggy MIB could be a great pairing.
During the High End Show quite a few people tried to choose between both but it was never decisive and they couldn't make a decision. Best would be finding a place which has both and then listen for yourself.
The v281 is more colorful, the V550 departs towards a more neutral sound but stops comfortably before something dead neutral. I love the playfulness of the V281 but you still need to find a matching DAC that's also highly technical. I think an Yggy MIB could be a great pairing.
oh I think there is no shortage of highly technical DACs all around these days
blownfuse
New Head-Fier
I have both. I don't generally get into sitting down and writing flowery audiophile reviews, and I haven't had time to play the DAC and amp game of "musical chairs" yet. In a very non-scientific way, the V550 is "cleaner, more detailed and revealing, more technical, with better separation." The V281 is warmer and smoother, kind of like wrapping myself in a blanket on a winter day. The V550 leads to a deeper, more engaged listening, while the V281 beckons me to just keep listening longer. The V550 shows me the good, bad, and ugly in everything I've paired with it, while the V281 seems to make everything sound good. Very little has been AMAZING with the V281, but the V281 has made everything sound better somehow.
Overall, an absolutely different experience between the two, both good, just very different.
If I could only keep one, personally I'd keep the V550.
Overall, an absolutely different experience between the two, both good, just very different.
If I could only keep one, personally I'd keep the V550.
PinkyPowers
Reviewer: The Headphone List
Damn! There's some features I'd like in my V281.Whoa, have ya'll seen the upcoming releases from Vio? Posted recently on the V222 thread, check these out:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/violectric-v222-and-v202.963504/page-120#post-18113094
@Pharmaboy, warning, this may pop your rivets!
I'm liking how they moved the gain switching to the front.
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Hey all... Just posted a review of the V281 LE. I hope you enjoy...
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/violectric-hpa-v281.20048/reviews
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/violectric-hpa-v281.20048/reviews
For those who bought the V281 reissue. Does your unit have scratches on the top? I bought one and it had scratches on the top. I reached out to Arthur and the unit was replaced (took 5 weeks to get a replacement but that’s a different story).
I unbox the replacement unit today and it has the same exact scratches on the top.
I unbox the replacement unit today and it has the same exact scratches on the top.
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Alfredo3001
100+ Head-Fier
Mine have those too. I was frustrated when I saw them. I even thought I caused them myself. But I only moved it once I took it out of the box (I take really good care of my gear). I think it's part of the 'smooth brushed black anodized aluminum.' The first V222 models had them all over, but the V222 had straight lines. The latest V222 models don't have them anymore (smooth surface without the lines)For those who bought the V281 reissue. Does your unit have scratches on the top? I bought one and it had scratches on the top. I reached out to Arthur and the unit was replaced (took 5 weeks to get a replacement but that’s a different story).
I unbox the replacement unit today and it has the same exact scratches on the top.