[background: I own a V281, purchased used, which has both a remote & a 128-step volume pot]
Prompted by your post, I checked Violectric USA to figure out what "v1" and "v2" mean. I'm guessing v1 (@~$295 add'l) = just remote control (of non-stepped/std volume pot); and v2 (@~$590 add'l) = remote control of the upgrade, 128-stepped pot.
You would only really "need" these:
- (remote) if your V281 would be out of arm's reach or in an awkward place to be constantly adjusting volume by hand
- (remote+stepped pot) if you're into pursuing ultimate sonic quality...stepped pots are said to have somewhat better channel balance and tracking across their range than non-stepped pots. They also cost more to make, and this is reflected in their price.
If I "had it to do all over again" (ie, was ordering the V281 new), I'd get the remote option (my V281 is just out of arm's reach) but not the stepped pot. Why no stepped pot? Because my stepped pot has been glitchy from day-1 in ways only a stepped pot can be glitchy. It really needs diagnostics & repair (I keep meaning to send it to Violectric USA for that). Anyway, take my comments about the stepped pot w/a grain of salt.
In fairness, there's a stepped pot on my other Violectric product (Lake People G109-A...I believe it has 43 steps), and it works extremely well. True, I sometimes wish there were more steps, but that's the nature of stepped pots.
As for waiting for a new top model, can't advise you there. Not aware of any scuttlebutt concerning an upgraded V281. I will say the V281 is the most competent, powerful, well built, flexible/easily adjusted desktop product I possess. Its sound is never less than excellent, and in some ways is spectacularly good...