[MaxMini]

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...

 

[Fegefeuer]

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.

 

[MaxMini]

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]

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.

 

[PinkyPowers]

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.

Damn! There's some features I'd like in my V281.

 

[geoffalter11]

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