lauthoerer
100+ Head-Fier
I’m sure you’ll come to appreciate the pre gain switches once you rotate through a couple of headphones on the V281 and be able to keep the volume between 11 and 1 this way (which is how Fried is recommending it).
Violectric HPA V281 - Vorsprung durch Balanced (September 2023 Update: Limited Reissue Edition up for preorder!)
- Thread starter Fegefeuer
- Start date
jonathan c
Headphoneus Supremus
With another tremendous 300-ohm headphone, Nitsch/JAR 600, V281 is a fabulous match!
Pharmaboy
Headphoneus Supremus
I have a lot going on here, with multiple loaners to be heard and reviewed. At the moment my reissue V281 is burning in with one of the loaner headphones (convenient!).
Eventually I'll find the time to install the resissue in the same system as the OG V281 (my best & favorite SS amp), connect them to the same DAC with the same interconnects, then try to figure out if they sound exactly the same, or somehow different.
Eventually I'll find the time to install the resissue in the same system as the OG V281 (my best & favorite SS amp), connect them to the same DAC with the same interconnects, then try to figure out if they sound exactly the same, or somehow different.
Not a bad problem to have
!I'd be glad to come over and help test out the cool new loaner gear if I lived closer.
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Good evening V281's:
I have settled on -6db as my gain setting which enables me to achieve unity and keep the amp between 11 and 1. I learned recently from an amp builder friend that most if not all amps achieve unity gain when they settle in between 12 and 2. My friend @jonathan c will say that in this range you achieve greater dynamics. He couldn't be more correct. Is there a connection? I have no clue...haha. I am not an engineer, but I can teach you how to properly cook a french scrambled egg.
I am 24 hrs into my time with the V281, and have put about 8 hrs of solid listening time in. The amp already had 25-50 hrs before I got it, so I feel that while it may continue to improve or change, I feel confident that the major characteristics of the amp are already laying themselves bare. I am completely and utterly addicted to my ZMFs on this amp. It is definitely a high impedance dynamic headphone juggernaut. That being said, it is pushing a ton of current at lower impedances as well, and it seems that the amps slew rates are extremely fast which makes the amp capable of handling different frequency responses without issue. In addition, I am finding the amp to have little to no drift and achieves bias from cold rather quickly. However, I haven't turned it off for mosts of the day. But, I did turn it off to mess with the gain switches and start it up from cold and the amp biased really fast. Less than 10 minutes to reach peak performance. This is probably a subjective opinion, and some may feel the amp needs longer to warm up before it reaches its peak. It is also completely quiet and grain free. I hear nothing but clean music. It sounds terrific.
I love the form factor of the amp, and as I said yesterday the relay stepped attenuator gives me no grief. I can't hear the volume changing positions while music is playing and other than dropping the volume while switching gain with the amp off, I cannot hear the relays clicking over. I could hear them without music, but my Corda Soul MK2 has a very similar volume solution and so I am used to it and I don't mind it one bit. Others might, if they are used to smooth velvety volume pots. To my ears, the volume pot has no negative affects on the overall sound of the amp.
The amp itself sounds fantastic. It has a big bottom end, what the funk bass players would call "deep pockets", that is a touch bloomy for me at times, but 90% plus of the time it is no issue for me at all. Only when listening to certain live performances when I want more of a linear response do I really notice how much bass the amp has below 500khz. However, the amps total harmonic integration is so good that the bass folds nicely into the sonic whole and does not impede on the midrange. The midrange is absolutely sublime. The soundstage is really open and faithful to the recording with near perfect image specificity. Instruments are in their correct positions with proper tonality and timbral qualities north of neutral. While I say that, they aren't exponentially north of neutral, just a bit giving the amp lovely distortion qualities that make music sound lifelike and organic. As for the treble, I am still deciding on how to describe it. Piano, organ and cymbals have nice decay and beautiful tone. I love the way cymbals crash and then trail off. I can hear the drummer grab the cymbal, or the reverb as it trails off into the mix. However, the treble can also sound a smidge dark at times and so I am still deciding on how to accurately describe what I am hearing. I still have a long way to go....
All in all, I am loving the V281 and feel that it was a great idea to reissue this amp. As a buddy says to me about the Talking Heads song "City of Dreams" whenever he hears it covered, "some songs just deserve to be played". I echo those sentiments with this amp. Some amps just deserve to be still offered. There is just too much this amp does right for it to become something of audio lore. It deserves to be played. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy another few song before turning it off for the night.
Cheers!
I have settled on -6db as my gain setting which enables me to achieve unity and keep the amp between 11 and 1. I learned recently from an amp builder friend that most if not all amps achieve unity gain when they settle in between 12 and 2. My friend @jonathan c will say that in this range you achieve greater dynamics. He couldn't be more correct. Is there a connection? I have no clue...haha. I am not an engineer, but I can teach you how to properly cook a french scrambled egg.
I am 24 hrs into my time with the V281, and have put about 8 hrs of solid listening time in. The amp already had 25-50 hrs before I got it, so I feel that while it may continue to improve or change, I feel confident that the major characteristics of the amp are already laying themselves bare. I am completely and utterly addicted to my ZMFs on this amp. It is definitely a high impedance dynamic headphone juggernaut. That being said, it is pushing a ton of current at lower impedances as well, and it seems that the amps slew rates are extremely fast which makes the amp capable of handling different frequency responses without issue. In addition, I am finding the amp to have little to no drift and achieves bias from cold rather quickly. However, I haven't turned it off for mosts of the day. But, I did turn it off to mess with the gain switches and start it up from cold and the amp biased really fast. Less than 10 minutes to reach peak performance. This is probably a subjective opinion, and some may feel the amp needs longer to warm up before it reaches its peak. It is also completely quiet and grain free. I hear nothing but clean music. It sounds terrific.
I love the form factor of the amp, and as I said yesterday the relay stepped attenuator gives me no grief. I can't hear the volume changing positions while music is playing and other than dropping the volume while switching gain with the amp off, I cannot hear the relays clicking over. I could hear them without music, but my Corda Soul MK2 has a very similar volume solution and so I am used to it and I don't mind it one bit. Others might, if they are used to smooth velvety volume pots. To my ears, the volume pot has no negative affects on the overall sound of the amp.
The amp itself sounds fantastic. It has a big bottom end, what the funk bass players would call "deep pockets", that is a touch bloomy for me at times, but 90% plus of the time it is no issue for me at all. Only when listening to certain live performances when I want more of a linear response do I really notice how much bass the amp has below 500khz. However, the amps total harmonic integration is so good that the bass folds nicely into the sonic whole and does not impede on the midrange. The midrange is absolutely sublime. The soundstage is really open and faithful to the recording with near perfect image specificity. Instruments are in their correct positions with proper tonality and timbral qualities north of neutral. While I say that, they aren't exponentially north of neutral, just a bit giving the amp lovely distortion qualities that make music sound lifelike and organic. As for the treble, I am still deciding on how to describe it. Piano, organ and cymbals have nice decay and beautiful tone. I love the way cymbals crash and then trail off. I can hear the drummer grab the cymbal, or the reverb as it trails off into the mix. However, the treble can also sound a smidge dark at times and so I am still deciding on how to accurately describe what I am hearing. I still have a long way to go....
All in all, I am loving the V281 and feel that it was a great idea to reissue this amp. As a buddy says to me about the Talking Heads song "City of Dreams" whenever he hears it covered, "some songs just deserve to be played". I echo those sentiments with this amp. Some amps just deserve to be still offered. There is just too much this amp does right for it to become something of audio lore. It deserves to be played. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy another few song before turning it off for the night.
Cheers!
Great review. All nuances covered nicely. If I did not already have Mjolnir 3 I would strongly consider this amp for sure.
PinkyPowers
Reviewer: The Headphone List
I've predominantly listening to the V281 from the HE1000 Stealth, but I'm relaxing into the evening with a lovely warm pairing, with the LCD-3F.
jonathan c
Headphoneus Supremus
One attribute, among many, of a great headphone amplifier is that it makes a variety of headphones sound fantastic. V281, take your applause 
!!
!!
Gave in and grabbed one. Was thinking of waiting for the 2nd batch of 50 but spoke to Arthur this morning and he said that there's no timeline on the next batch of 50. So its not clear when that would happen. So if anyone is on the fence might wanna grab it while there's still units in stock.
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Pharmaboy
Headphoneus Supremus
This is 100% true.One attribute, among many, of a great headphone amplifier is that it makes a variety of headphones sound fantastic. V281, take your applause
I'm hard pressed to remember any headphone that didn't sound at least very good on the V281. And a number of them sound their absolute best on the V281.
milkdudd
500+ Head-Fier
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Curious if you or any others reading this have experience with the DCA Ether 2/V281 pairing. That's what I have (using the 4 pin XLR connection). While it sounds very good I don't really have anything to compare it to. I can't help but think there's more to be heard with more expensive headphones. As someone who uses my V281 far more as a preamp/hub for my stereo room, right now I can't see spending a fortune on cans. That however, may change at some point in the future
Pharmaboy
Headphoneus Supremus
I only heard the Ether 2 a couple times at shows. I remember this planar design being compact, attractive, and very light on my head. But hearing accurately during show conditions is impossible. Never had this headphone in my system or powered by the V281.
But ... I currently own 3 wonderful planar headphones (ZMF Ori; ZMF Caldera open; Final D8000), and in the past owned 7-8 other planars. My experience has been that all of them sounded their absolute best on the V281. The amp just lifts up every planar I try it with.
- Only in the past 1-2 years, after I got the Icon Audio HP8 (a TC-tube amp) have I gotten planar sound that is close to equal of the V281 (but different in certain tube vs SS ways).
PS: the V281 is a superb preamp IMO
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Hi all, still really enjoying the V281 Reissue. I have entered my phase where I start to compare components. I am using my Black and White Ebony VC for comparisons since the V281 has such a strong affinity for high impedance dynamics.
I am comparing against my Eddie Current Aficionado. The ECAF is extremely fast and due to the tertiary windings and Craig's secret sauce, the amp is incredibly fast. Also aided by the 2A3 DHT tube, which isn't as powerful but has incredible clarity.
Impressions:
1. My ECAF is my favorite amp. I love it more than my CFA3 and my Pure BiPolar MK2. Both are two of the best SS amps on the planet and possess smooth, buttery tones with more power than any sane person needs. Yet, I go for my ECAF most days. I just love how fast, clear and grain free it is with the perfect amount of tube distortion where things sounds so organic and lifelike.
2. The V281 sounds remarkably similar. Actually the ECAF is slightly faster, but the V281 has an incredible color palate. It gives the same feeling as my ECAF and sounds come at you from all 4 angles while anchored in the center by the rhythm section and pocket.
3 I wrote in my AO review that the headphone's depth allowed you the ability to listen from the inside out. The V281 does this as well, with piano lines floating above the melody in perfect unison with the guitar lines and I can hear both drummers perfectly right in the back of my head. The main drummer in center back, and the percussionist, back right. They are distinct and clear.
As a chef I often compare what I hear to the smells, textures, colors and flavors of food. Another pursuit of the senses where to master any technique you must find its center. The V281 reminds me of 1/2" thick fluffy pancakes with butter from Normandy with flakes of sea salt for crunch and perfect maple syrup. A taste and color palate that makes you feel like you are home and eating from the inside out. The V281 is a beautiful sounding amp, and if you are on the fence, I invite you to join me on this tour of musical wonder. I will most certainly be buying my review sample. It is the last thing I need, but sometimes it is good to get the things you want, not just the things you need. I am generally very utilitarian about my audio purchases. Extremely strategic and I don't make hasty decisions. After 20 or so hours of intensive listening, this will not be a hasty decision. And I am just getting started. I don't think I have unlocked all that this amp can do yet.
Exciting times ahead.
I am comparing against my Eddie Current Aficionado. The ECAF is extremely fast and due to the tertiary windings and Craig's secret sauce, the amp is incredibly fast. Also aided by the 2A3 DHT tube, which isn't as powerful but has incredible clarity.
Impressions:
1. My ECAF is my favorite amp. I love it more than my CFA3 and my Pure BiPolar MK2. Both are two of the best SS amps on the planet and possess smooth, buttery tones with more power than any sane person needs. Yet, I go for my ECAF most days. I just love how fast, clear and grain free it is with the perfect amount of tube distortion where things sounds so organic and lifelike.
2. The V281 sounds remarkably similar. Actually the ECAF is slightly faster, but the V281 has an incredible color palate. It gives the same feeling as my ECAF and sounds come at you from all 4 angles while anchored in the center by the rhythm section and pocket.
3 I wrote in my AO review that the headphone's depth allowed you the ability to listen from the inside out. The V281 does this as well, with piano lines floating above the melody in perfect unison with the guitar lines and I can hear both drummers perfectly right in the back of my head. The main drummer in center back, and the percussionist, back right. They are distinct and clear.
As a chef I often compare what I hear to the smells, textures, colors and flavors of food. Another pursuit of the senses where to master any technique you must find its center. The V281 reminds me of 1/2" thick fluffy pancakes with butter from Normandy with flakes of sea salt for crunch and perfect maple syrup. A taste and color palate that makes you feel like you are home and eating from the inside out. The V281 is a beautiful sounding amp, and if you are on the fence, I invite you to join me on this tour of musical wonder. I will most certainly be buying my review sample. It is the last thing I need, but sometimes it is good to get the things you want, not just the things you need. I am generally very utilitarian about my audio purchases. Extremely strategic and I don't make hasty decisions. After 20 or so hours of intensive listening, this will not be a hasty decision. And I am just getting started. I don't think I have unlocked all that this amp can do yet.
Exciting times ahead.
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Just love reading these reviews!
Pharmaboy
Headphoneus Supremus
I always found that any good tube amp will put me in an alpha state: calm, focused, thinking magic carpet thoughts. Very few SS amps do this.
But my OG V281 is one that usually does. The whole warm/cold sound dichotomy fails to explain this. The V281 has a soothing, chill vibe, yet is dynamic as can be and not even close to overly warm (a wonderful paradox).
But my OG V281 is one that usually does. The whole warm/cold sound dichotomy fails to explain this. The V281 has a soothing, chill vibe, yet is dynamic as can be and not even close to overly warm (a wonderful paradox).
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