[Ichos]

Has anyone heard the Elites with the Violectric HPA V550 (or 590)? I listened to the Elites when I went to CanJam London, driven by a Ferrum Erco+Hypsos, and I really enjoyed the sound of that system. I have the V550 and really like the amp. I was wondering if I can expect a similar experience with the V550 and the Elites. Has anyone heard the Elites with the Violectric gear or was even able to compare these amps to the Ferrum amps?

I like my Elite better with the V550 than the Erco when I reviewed it.
Better slam, more natural timbre, more musical and organic, more holographic.
Erco is slightly more technical but V550 is more engaging.
As far as I am concerned.

 

[Ichos]

Additionally I should add here that I am on the process of finishing the Violectric V380² review and the pairing with the Elite is awesome.

 

[betula]

I like my Elite better with the V550 than the Erco when I reviewed it.
Better slam, more natural timbre, more musical and organic, more holographic.
Erco is slightly more technical but V550 is more engaging.
As far as I am concerned.

I am going to review the Questyle CMA15 soon. Have you got any experience with that and perhaps comparing it to the V550? Thanks!

 

[Ichos]

I am going to review the Questyle CMA15 soon. Have you got any experience with that and perhaps comparing it to the V550? Thanks!

It's been a long since I reviewed the V550 and it wasn't present during my time with Questyle CMA 15 but I have compared it to the V380²

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/questyle-cma-fifteen-dac-amp.25594/review/28940/

 

[betula]

It's been a long since I reviewed the V550 and it wasn't present during my time with Questyle CMA 15 but I have compared it to the V380²

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/questyle-cma-fifteen-dac-amp.25594/review/28940/

There is only a 5% (£100) price difference between the V380² and V550. Do you think it is a toss between them based on preference or the V550 has some advantages? Thanks!

 

[Andrewteee]

Has anyone heard the Elites with the Violectric HPA V550 (or 590)? I listened to the Elites when I went to CanJam London, driven by a Ferrum Erco+Hypsos, and I really enjoyed the sound of that system. I have the V550 and really like the amp. I was wondering if I can expect a similar experience with the V550 and the Elites. Has anyone heard the Elites with the Violectric gear or was even able to compare these amps to the Ferrum amps?

I can't comment on the Violectric amps, but I can second that the Elites are fantastic with Ferrum--in my case, the Oor+Hypsos. I use a 4 pin XLR so I can use the more powerful balanced output on the Oor and it makes the Elite sing, even though they are efficient (low gain setting).

 

[Ichos]

There is only a 5% (£100) price difference between the V380² and V550. Do you think it is a toss between them based on preference or the V550 has some advantages? Thanks!

First of all there is a difference since the 380² is a complete all in one unit and the 550 is an amplifier only.
Then from 222 to 380 all models share the same amplifier stage.
In the V550 you get an upgrade to power supply and internal circuit.
I would say that the amp stage of the 550 is slightly more technically improved, more linear and transparent/reference while retaining the same musical and organic house signature.
TL;DR - If I was looking for a headphone only amplifier and could afford it, I would buy the 550.

 

[adrianm]

I can't comment on the Violectric amps, but I can second that the Elites are fantastic with Ferrum--in my case, the Oor+Hypsos. I use a 4 pin XLR so I can use the more powerful balanced output on the Oor and it makes the Elite sing, even though they are efficient (low gain setting).

I can third it

 

[cr11]

I like my Elite better with the V550 than the Erco when I reviewed it.
Better slam, more natural timbre, more musical and organic, more holographic.
Erco is slightly more technical but V550 is more engaging.
As far as I am concerned.

Great, thank you very much! And thanks to everyone else for their impressions, too.

 

[EMINENT]

Thanks! It definitely seemed like the Elites had a brighter treble (at least without any EQ) compared to the LCD-5's. The main reason I may look to sell the LCD's in favor of the Elites is mainly due to comfort. Although I've gotten used to the clamp force on the LCD-5's since I've owned them, at times it can still be bothersome, especially as I have a small head and can deal with pretty bad sinus issues during the month, so that extra bit of pressure can really add up in terms of discomfort during long listening sessions.

I just refuse to buy from any other high-end brand either due to comfort concerns and/or build quality at this summit-fi price range.

You're still bothered by the clamp of the new headband? If so, how big is your noggin?

 

[betula]

First of all there is a difference since the 380² is a complete all in one unit and the 550 is an amplifier only.
Then from 222 to 380 all models share the same amplifier stage.
In the V550 you get an upgrade to power supply and internal circuit.
I would say that the amp stage of the 550 is slightly more technically improved, more linear and transparent/reference while retaining the same musical and organic house signature.
TL;DR - If I was looking for a headphone only amplifier and could afford it, I would buy the 550.

And if it was between the V380² and CMA15? I know, in your review you said it is not easy to pick a clear winner.

 

[TheOnetoWin]

You're still bothered by the clamp of the new headband? If so, how big is your noggin?

Yeah, it's not horrible per se, but it's still something I notice, especially for the first few minutes that I wear the cans. And I don't know exactly, but to put into perspective, for every headphone I've ever owned, I usually had the headband at the lowest or second lowest setting on the slider (if that makes sense).

 

[Ichos]

And if it was between the V380² and CMA15? I know, in your review you said it is not easy to pick a clear winner.

Exactly, both are very good indeed and it comes down to personal preferences.
Can't really help more, you must audition both in order to decide.

 

[betula]

Loving it even after 9 months. Thank you, Meze.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Loving it even after 9 months. Thank you, Meze.

Still the best headphone on the market