[glpsace]

Nice, thank you guys for the input and suggestions. The V202, I believe is the newer version of the V220 as the V222 is the V280 updated version. I will keep an eye on the V281 and V220. Last resort, In case they are hard to find at decent prices, I can always go for the V202, if I find it discounted in the future.

 

[OptionTrader]

The RS-1x (F-cushion) pairs exceedingly well with Violectric HPA V281. This h/p/a had been on my list for quite a while - hard to find; it is my SS h/p/a destination. The sound is detailed, spacious, with a touch of tube warmth - perfect for the RS-1x.

How is the V281 different from the Flux FA-22 you had?

 

[dynavit]

If you get a chance, the Violectric V220 is just a stripped down V281. Less power and no balanced output, but the same sweet sound, from what I have read. I Love mine with Grado's.

Sweet sound is something I really don't associate with Violectric. Neutral , clear, dynamic and honest, that's what I have heart. Not my choice for Grados with harsh highs or chinese Dacs.

 

[You Kay]

The RS-1x (F-cushion) pairs exceedingly well with Violectric HPA V281. This h/p/a had been on my list for quite a while - hard to find; it is my SS h/p/a destination. The sound is detailed, spacious, with a touch of tube warmth - perfect for the RS-1x.

Thanks, I was asking as the V281 is considered to be a powerful amp so interesting to read that it’s not overkill on the highly sensitive grados.

I’m using the XI Audio Formula S and Powerman thinking of buying the RS1x…. Just for their killer looks really.

 

[jonathan c]

How is the V281 different from the Flux FA-22 you had?

Deeper rendition of spatiality, slight degree of tube warmth.

 

[jonathan c]

Thanks, I was asking as the V281 is considered to be a powerful amp so interesting to read that it’s not overkill on the highly sensitive grados.

I’m using the XI Audio Formula S and Powerman thinking of buying the RS1x…. Just for their killer looks really.

• The V281 has high voltage swing capability - which makes it a great choice for high impedance dynamic h/p. This also benefits driving lower impedance and efficient dynamic h/p.
• The XI Audio amplifier(s) are designed to accommodate / (man)handle power-hungry h/p such as Abyss AB1266 TC and Susvara. Whether that occurs with finesse, I cannot say. I have no opinion, therefore, on XI Audio h/p/a compatibility with Grado h/p .

 

[glpsace]

Sweet sound is something I really don't associate with Violectric. Neutral , clear, dynamic and honest, that's what I have heart. Not my choice for Grados with harsh highs or chinese Dacs.

I agree with you regarding the Chinese Dacs. I wanted to try and test some theory that they sound all the same but immediately, when comparing something as simple as a RU6 to the SMSL I have, I made my own conclusions. Too harsh / analytical for my taste. I don't care how well they measure. On one side I have one of the worst measuring devices available, double amping with the RNHP and therefore very far from ideal by most standards. On the other side I have the SMSL, connected via balanced connections to the RNHP. To my ears I prefer the less than perfect "mellow" sound that comes out of the RU6 / RNHP duo when compared to the very detailed, neutral and analytical sound (I think I understand the "digital" term seen in many threads) of the other Duo.

I was thinking of getting a Violectric V850 DAC and pair it with a Violectric Amp. I'm forced to use the Rupert Neve almost at minimal volume with my Grados because it doesn't have a gain system to compensate like the Violectric does. I love the Rupert Neve but this volume issue is bothering me, I have no room to "play" because of the very low Grado impedance. I wouldn't mind to pair it with a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 (they are supposed to have a great synergy together) but this volume "issue" would be the same, if not worse.

 

[Shane D]

Nice, thank you guys for the input and suggestions. The V202, I believe is the newer version of the V220 as the V222 is the V280 updated version. I will keep an eye on the V281 and V220. Last resort, In case they are hard to find at decent prices, I can always go for the V202, if I find it discounted in the future.

I would love to hear the results of a face-off between the V280/V281 boxes and the V202/V222 boxes. Are the new ones really as warm? Hmmmm.

 

[jonathan c]

I agree with you regarding the Chinese Dacs. I wanted to try and test some theory that they sound all the same but immediately, when comparing something as simple as a RU6 to the SMSL I have, I made my own conclusions. Too harsh / analytical for my taste. I don't care how well they measure. On one side I have one of the worst measuring devices available, double amping with the RNHP and therefore very far from ideal by most standards. On the other side I have the SMSL, connected via balanced connections to the RNHP. To my ears I prefer the less than perfect "mellow" sound that comes out of the RU6 / RNHP duo when compared to the very detailed, neutral and analytical sound (I think I understand the "digital" term seen in many threads) of the other Duo.

I was thinking of getting a Violectric V850 DAC and pair it with a Violectric Amp. I'm forced to use the Rupert Neve almost at minimal volume with my Grados because it doesn't have a gain system to compensate like the Violectric does. I love the Rupert Neve but this volume issue is bothering me, I have no room to "play" because of the very low Grado impedance.^^ I wouldn't mind to pair it with a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 (they are supposed to have a great synergy together) but this volume "issue" would be the same, if not worse.

^^ it’s not the low impedance that gives you “no room to play”, it’s the high sensitivity of Grado headphones (usually ~ 99.5 dB per milliwatt of power) combined with the Rupert Neve high gain.

 

[Shane D]

Sweet sound is something I really don't associate with Violectric. Neutral , clear, dynamic and honest, that's what I have heart. Not my choice for Grados with harsh highs or chinese Dacs.

Mine sounds very sweet, almost tubey (V220). I run it off a Schiit BF2. Very nice, warm sound. If I want to hear a bit more boom, I put them on my iFi and add a bit of bass boost.

 

[Shane D]

Thanks, I was asking as the V281 is considered to be a powerful amp so interesting to read that it’s not overkill on the highly sensitive grados.

I’m using the XI Audio Formula S and Powerman thinking of buying the RS1x…. Just for their killer looks really.

One of the coolest features in the Violectrics is the gain adjustment. And with them you can go into -minus gain. I use -6 or minus -12 to get lots of action on the volume dial with Grado's.

 

[jonathan c]

Sweet sound is something I really don't associate with Violectric.^^ Neutral , clear, dynamic and honest, that's what I have heard.** Not my choice for Grados with harsh highs or chinese Dacs.

^^ V2XX series have slight ‘tube warmth’.
** V3XX series, V5XX series are more in this mold.

 

[jonathan c]

I would love to hear the results of a face-off between the V280/V281 boxes and the V202/V222 boxes. Are the new ones really as warm? Hmmmm.

The V202/V222 are supposed to be the direct sonic descendants of V200/V280. The same amplifier circuits are used - two for SE, four for XLR.

 

[jonathan c]

…. saturday evening well underway ….

[I actually do other things during the day! … Chores, read, run, lift weights …]

 

[analoggrotto]

Recommendations to recable my Hemp Edition? Moon Audio?