[JeffMann]

I own a V281 and find the difference with this amp between SE and balanced to be night and day. The difference is not subtle in the least. When I first unpacked the unit, I plugged in my HD800S into the SE jack and was pretty disappointed. Flat, small soundstage and lifeless. I switched to the Balanced output and the sound totally transformed. A broad soundstage appeared, the bass became much more extended and everything was just beautifully presented. The V280 and V281 were designed to be used balanced. If I was only going to run this amp SE, I would definitely have chosen a different amp. When running balanced, it is an end game SS amp without question.

I agree! I have both the V280 and the V281 and they sound much better in balanced mode.

Jeff.

 

[swmtnbiker]

From what I've read, you're only using half of the amp section when plugged into the V281's SE output.

 

[ArthurPower]

A big thank you to everyone who visited us at the NYC CanJam show. A few pics...













Cheers!

 

[Dukebb13]

Nice pictures, wish I could have been there! Instead I will listen to my 280 and dream of what it will sound like with the matrix x Sabre pro. Hope you all had a great show!

 

[ArthurPower]

It was a lot of fun with a fantastic turn out. The line to check in was insane though.

 

[JNOISE JA]

Hi
please guide me

If I want to choose between the two, what happens to the hd800s?
Because I'm really confused
Some say i choose v280.
But some others say i choose m9.
and RS 08

 

[Dukebb13]

I have had the V280 and HD800S’ for about a month now. Amazing combo! The combo just keeps gettin better for me. This is using a Plenue2 and DX200 as a source balanced into the V280. I love it. I know I can get better with a dac and I will eventually get there. I wholeheartedly recommend the V280. I don’t think you will regret it at all. Even SE this amp sounds amazing. Balanced takes it to another level though. It sounds amazing and is built like a tank. Buy it and be done with looking at amps!

 

[Arniesb]

Completeley agree here!!! Have it from October 2017 and couldnt be happier! Sound is very detailed, fast, airy, wide, holographic and BEST OF ALL POWERFULL AND NATURAL SOUNDING Unlike most high end amps!!! This amp ir very natural and analog sounding so i suggest any potential buyers to pair with very clean and detailed dac for best synergy and performance! No need additonal warmth from dac... Well not too much.
Cheers for Fried Reim!!!

 

[JNOISE JA]

Did you listen to m9 with hd800s?
Some friends have strongly suggested it to me.

 

[Malcolm Riverside]

Got one of these inbound right now. When it arrives I’ll have the chance to compare it directly to my SPL Phonitor 2 and Questyle CMA600i before I have to pick 1 unit to keep. Having only heard the Violectric at CanJam (actually the V281), I still think it’ll be the pick of the litter. Should be a long, fun weekend!

 

[weebull]

Has anyone tried the focal utopia on the v281? would be interested to know if it's a good pairing

 

[novicez1]

@weebul

I personally didn't like it. Then again, I feel the Utopia doesn't warrant the 4k price tag since it does not sound special.

 

[weebull]

@weebul

I personally didn't like it. Then again, I feel the Utopia doesn't warrant the 4k price tag since it does not sound special.

thanks, interesting point of view. I'll make sure to try and audition them!

 

[Svatopluk]

I have the V280 and Utopia, great combo in my opinion as long as you avoid setting the V280's gain too high. I've used both Gumby and Yggdrasil with the two with no complants.

 

[Blueshound24]

Got one of these inbound right now. When it arrives I’ll have the chance to compare it directly to my SPL Phonitor 2 and Questyle CMA600i before I have to pick 1 unit to keep. Having only heard the Violectric at CanJam (actually the V281), I still think it’ll be the pick of the litter. Should be a long, fun weekend!

@Malcolm Riverside I was verily impressed with the amp function of the Questyle CMA600i when I auditioned it and have been considering getting it. Have you had a chance to put together a few words of comparisons?