[13713]

V280 has landed

Impressions?

 

[TokenGesture]

Impressions?

I can raise my eyebrow like Roger Moore if that helps?

(Too soon - not had enough time with it yet)

 

[sahmen]

Okay NOOB question (sort of) : So how much help are the pre gain settings on the back of the V281?:
 
At unity gain, this unit (v281) has enough juice to drive all my cans with aplomb, but this question is particularly about the Hifiman He-6. Most of you are aware of just how inefficient and power-hungry it is. The apparent good news is that I can get it to play loudly enough to my ears when the volume dial is set on 1-2 o'clock at unity gain.
 
I have been toying with the idea of setting the pre gain switches in the back to either +6DB OR +12 DB when using the He-6, but I haven't since I can get enough loudness from the unit with these cans at 1-2 o'clock at unity gain, as I have mentioned. However, I am wondering whether I am getting optimal performance from the v281 with these settings, which brings me to my question... Are the gain settings simply about loudness levels, or are they able to contribute to further optimization when switched to more "appropriate" settings for a particular set of cans? With the He-6's impedance and sensitivity ratings (50 ohms/83db), will I be able to squeeze better sq performance (better, as in better dynamics, better "air," instruments separation, sound stage etc. etc) by setting pre gain switches to +6 or +12db or will switching simply enable me to get desired loudness levels at lower volume dial settings than I am using now (1-2 o'clock)? If it just a matter of switching loudness levels, then the lazy part of me does not want to bother messing with the pre gain switches, since I can get the He-6 to play loudly enough at unity gain...
 
Any helpful insights would be welcome.

 

[PleasantSounds]

Judging from the circuit diagrams, the pre-gain is just another signal attenuation stage just past the volume pot.
Based on that I'd be very surprised if it had any other effect than adjusting the usable volume pot range.

 

[3083joe]

Judging from the circuit diagrams, the pre-gain is just another signal attenuation stage just past the volume pot.
Based on that I'd be very surprised if it had any other effect than adjusting the usable volume pot range.

Agree

 

[3083joe]

 

[Smileyko]

Hi Dear fan of Vio: I am in. I bought all my gear this year from reading Head Fi, impulse buyer. I am now living in HCMC Vietnam and I only go SE and never balanced so which model is best for me? Money no concern and I will also get the dac that they have with either the V280 or the V220? Any thoughts from you experts? Thanks so much. I will also get the Ether Flow to go with the Vio.

 

[Fegefeuer]

If money is no concern then make that Ether Flow balanced and get the V281 or V280. Definitely get balanced cables for all your headphones. 

 

[mulder01]

Well if money is no concern, you would just get the higher model, right?  The 280?

 

[Fegefeuer]

I seriously know a guy that is going to buy the V280 because he prefers the form factor to the V281's

 

[reklov]

I bought the V280 because I don't need the extra features a V281 offers - it sits right on my desk and fits nicely under my 2015 Mac (I use my AK240 as DAC). So the form factor (lower height) IS a plus. I'm eying the RS 06 (Lakepeople brand) as stationary DAC, optics don't match the V280 as nicely as the V850 does but it's has the same performance without features the features of the 850 that I don't need anyway. If money no problem I would match 280 with 850 though. And I also agree that balanced is betterfin SQ and soundstage. I tested it with my T1P.

 

[TokenGesture]

I went 280 as I don't need the 281 features. Still early days but loving it - neutral with a hint of warmth, allows all the detail and space in the recording to alcove through. Haven't had an opportunity to use ballanced out yet need some cables

 

[Fegefeuer]

yeah, the V280 is slightly warmer up top than the V281 from what I could hear with the HD800.
 
I really loved the transparent cover of the V280 they showed at the HE 2016 but it was purely for letting you see the insides. I wish it was offered with that design as it had HDVD800 vibes just more menacing and powerful. 

 

[reklov]

 

[Fegefeuer]

nice, did you buy the XLR cable for the T1v2 or mod the existing SE one yourself?