I do relish using Woo WA3 (OTL) to drive ZMFs - in this case Atrium LTD Cocobolo (300 ohms):
To my ears, a fantastic solid-state ‘stand-in’ h/p/a for Atrium is Beyerdynamic A2: especially when the output impedance is set for 100 ohms and the gain is set for +6 dB !!
The higher impedance setting in A2 allows Atrium sound to truly ‘blossom’: any sense of constraint or restraint is nonexistent !!
Is it a good choice for the price? I'm new to this hobby and look for a good simple ss amp for my AC. I've heard the brand heritage and build quality of Violectric, but I wonder whether the v281's design and tech hold up when compared with other modern amps.
Is it a good choice for the price? I'm new to this hobby and look for a good simple ss amp for my AC. I've heard the brand heritage and build quality of Violectric, but I wonder whether the v281's design and tech hold up when compared with other modern amps.
The design & technology of V281 definitely ‘hold up’. More importantly, V281 melds the virtues of solid-state and vacuum-tube sound reproduction, presenting the listener with a magically rewarding experience.
Is it a good choice for the price? I'm new to this hobby and look for a good simple ss amp for my AC. I've heard the brand heritage and build quality of Violectric, but I wonder whether the v281's design and tech hold up when compared with other modern amps.
I only heard the v281 briefly in my chain. @Pharmaboy brought his over to my house last year and I was impressed with it's sound I immediately tried to find a used one for sale, which was a fools errand. Eventually I opted for the v550 pro, which shares the same DNA of the v281, but it's more neutrally tuned and has better technicalities. I love my v550, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't want one of these v281 re-issues.
If money isn't an issue, I'd suggest grabbing one while you can. Trying to find a used one is damn near impossible, and when they do pop up in the classifieds they get snapped up immediately.
To Monsterzero’s point, my search for Violectric HPA V281 took just over two years before I located / purchased one in pristine / hardly used condition .
To Monsterzero’s point, my search for Violectric HPA V281 took just over two years before I located / purchased one in pristine / hardly used condition .
I have the IHA 6 as well. It's a versatile, powerful amp that can drive most every headphone out there. For it's price you can't go wrong, but the v281 and the v550 pro are on a different level IMO.
Is it a good choice for the price? I'm new to this hobby and look for a good simple ss amp for my AC. I've heard the brand heritage and build quality of Violectric, but I wonder whether the v281's design and tech hold up when compared with other modern amps.
I second the positives noted about the Vioelectrics (owned the V200 twice- excellent amp); another option in the price range of the V281 is the Ray Samuels Apache ($3K new, $2K or so used). It is also a bit tricky to find used (Ray can’t get parts for new Apaches anymore, I think), but a great fit with ZMFs.
Ray also makes the HR-2, which apparently has a lot of the same strengths of the Apache but is single-ended in design and lacks the preamplifier functionality- but it might be a good option for you.
I’m a recent owner (recent lucky grab of like-new model from another head-fier). They are very powerful, with crazy voltage (like 30V or more around 300 ohm).
They have a warm sound signature that is fun.
A side note, they have particularly good synergy with the upcoming Modhosue Tungsten headphones (I’ll publish a review around next week) and I can now recommend this amp for these as viable current option.
Last, small desktop footprint for those that value that.
before I located / purchased one in pristine / hardly used condition 
.
