Is there any comparison between V281 and V550 in this thread? The only thing I found on the Internet was the WaveTheory film, whose reviewer I appreciate. On the one hand, I know that V550 is a newer version, on the other hand, the WaveTheory opinion pointed to V281 as the winner...
Violectric HPA V281 - Vorsprung durch Balanced (September 2023 Update: Limited Reissue Edition up for preorder!)
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Fegefeuer
Headphoneus Supremus
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During the High End Show quite a few people tried to choose between both but it was never decisive and they couldn't make a decision. Best would be finding a place which has both and then listen for yourself.
The v281 is more colorful, the V550 departs towards a more neutral sound but stops comfortably before something dead neutral. I love the playfulness of the V281 but you still need to find a matching DAC that's also highly technical. I think an Yggy MIB could be a great pairing.
The v281 is more colorful, the V550 departs towards a more neutral sound but stops comfortably before something dead neutral. I love the playfulness of the V281 but you still need to find a matching DAC that's also highly technical. I think an Yggy MIB could be a great pairing.
blownfuse
New Head-Fier
I have both. I don't generally get into sitting down and writing flowery audiophile reviews, and I haven't had time to play the DAC and amp game of "musical chairs" yet. In a very non-scientific way, the V550 is "cleaner, more detailed and revealing, more technical, with better separation." The V281 is warmer and smoother, kind of like wrapping myself in a blanket on a winter day. The V550 leads to a deeper, more engaged listening, while the V281 beckons me to just keep listening longer. The V550 shows me the good, bad, and ugly in everything I've paired with it, while the V281 seems to make everything sound good. Very little has been AMAZING with the V281, but the V281 has made everything sound better somehow.
Overall, an absolutely different experience between the two, both good, just very different.
If I could only keep one, personally I'd keep the V550.
Overall, an absolutely different experience between the two, both good, just very different.
If I could only keep one, personally I'd keep the V550.
PinkyPowers
Reviewer: The Headphone List
Damn! There's some features I'd like in my V281.Whoa, have ya'll seen the upcoming releases from Vio? Posted recently on the V222 thread, check these out:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/violectric-v222-and-v202.963504/page-120#post-18113094
@Pharmaboy, warning, this may pop your rivets!
I'm liking how they moved the gain switching to the front.
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Hey all... Just posted a review of the V281 LE. I hope you enjoy...
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/violectric-hpa-v281.20048/reviews
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/violectric-hpa-v281.20048/reviews
For those who bought the V281 reissue. Does your unit have scratches on the top? I bought one and it had scratches on the top. I reached out to Arthur and the unit was replaced (took 5 weeks to get a replacement but that’s a different story).
I unbox the replacement unit today and it has the same exact scratches on the top.
I unbox the replacement unit today and it has the same exact scratches on the top.
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Alfredo3001
100+ Head-Fier
Mine have those too. I was frustrated when I saw them. I even thought I caused them myself. But I only moved it once I took it out of the box (I take really good care of my gear). I think it's part of the 'smooth brushed black anodized aluminum.' The first V222 models had them all over, but the V222 had straight lines. The latest V222 models don't have them anymore (smooth surface without the lines)
PinkyPowers
Reviewer: The Headphone List
I'm sure this comes as absolutely no surprise to anyone, but the ZMF Atrium pairs splendidly with the V281. They make for such a smooth, rich, and sweet tone! Like highly refined honey pouring into my ears. 
I got mine in yesterday and it has no scratches at the top.
Alfredo3001
100+ Head-Fier
I'm back to being frustrated.
Can any other V281Le owners confirm if their top covers have lines or scratches?
Angel III
100+ Head-Fier
If the amplifier is perfect, try asking L.P. if they can send a replacement cover, it's not difficult to replace it.
Talk to Arthur. He is one of the best dealers around. He might be able to help with replacing the cover.
After much frustration this is what Arthur is doing. He’s asking Violectric to send a non-scratched top cover and will ship that out to me.
My unit came with scratches. Was told that they will exchange it for a new unit. After 5 weeks of chasing them I finally get the replacement unit to ship. That too arrives with scratches on the top.
This will be the last Violectric I will buy.
It’s been 6 weeks of major frustration.
There is some sort of communication issue between Power Holdings and American Music & Sound (the warehouse that Violectric chooses to be their US warehouse). The classic case of one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing. So much so that I had to chase both companies to get my replacement and I had to be the middle man between them.
Definitely not the level of service you expect after spending almost $3k on an amp.
The amp sounds wonderful but it’s just poor customer service all around.
Angel III
100+ Head-Fier
I don't understand how those scratches could go unnoticed during inspection. My V200 is assembled to perfection, knob and connections perfectly centered. I increasingly think that even electronically the products made years ago were part of quality and not quantity (as I currently see), even on high-level items. Fortunately, the idea of selling my Violectric never crossed my mind, in fact I bought an old, unused (new) Lehmann Linear which works divinely well, not very complex in the components (as a good project should be), but with an amazing sound.
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