[joseG86]

I received my V281 yesterday. I left it on all night playing music to burn it in a little.

It's really good. I also hear the noise of the volume pot but I don't mind. I use a Freya S pre-amp anyways.

Compared to the clone, the real V281 is better, but the clone has about 80% of the sound quality of V281. The Real V281 has more features though and did come fully assembled lol...

The Real V281 has more features though and did come fully assembled lol...

lol, that was good.

 

[milkdudd]

It sounds like the clone may be built by Heathkit. Anyone remember them? Actually just kidding, Heathkit we're fine products

 

[PinkyPowers]

My V281 has been burning in all last night and all day while I've been at work. But the weekend has come, and any further burn in will all be from me simply enjoying the living hell out of this amp.

 

[Mezeamp990]

First impressions:

Great formfactor. Very solidly built. Buttons and knobs feel wonderful and of high quality. Sound is phenomenal!

Only complaint is that when turning the volume wheel, there is a subtle static/clicking/crackle. Not sure how to describe it, but is most audible from highly resolving headphones like the HE1000 Stealth. But I can also hear it, though to a lesser degree, from my powered speakers.

At first I thought it was because I was using the power cable from my NFB-28, which this is replacing. But after installing the Violectric cable, nothing changed. It is an unpleasant sound, though I doubt it will ruin the overall experience.

How is the V281 reissue sound compared to the pietus maximus? I was thinking of getting the maximus with my mojo2 as the dac.

 

[PinkyPowers]

How is the V281 reissue sound compared to the pietus maximus? I was thinking of getting the maximus with my mojo2 as the dac.

I haven't A/B'ed them back-to-back or anything, as the PieMax stays at work, and the V281 is for home, but the PieMax could easily be considered a little brother to the Violectric. They share the same DNA; the same intention. Which is to convey that tube-like sound from solid state. Both amps are warm, refined, and analogue.

There's ABSOLUTELY no question the V281 is superior, in just about every way. But that should come as no surprise, as its a fraction of the price. But at the price the Pietus goes for, I can't think of any amp I'd rather have. It sounds great!

 

[PinkyPowers]

Wow! You combine the V281, with binaural audio, and the Senn HD6xx actually has decent soundstage! I didn't think ANYTHING could open these up!

 

[Tsunzo]

Wow! You combine the V281, with binaural audio, and the Senn HD6xx actually has decent soundstage! I didn't think ANYTHING could open these up!

I was also surprised by plugging in my 6xx into the v281 with my Feliks Euforia as tube preamp. It sounded very good, probably the best I've heard from any gears I've tried paired with it, including the stand alone feliks euforia in full tube mode.

 

[Angel III]

It would be interesting to know your preference on a soundstage comparison between the HD650/6XX and the HD660S2 on the V281.

 

[PinkyPowers]

It would be interesting to know your preference on a soundstage comparison between the HD650/6XX and the HD660S2 on the V281.

I've yet to hear the HD660S2, so I won't be able to help you there.

 

[Mezeamp990]

Yes we did get it!

Ichos do you think the flux mentor or the v281 reissue is a better amp overall soundwise? Trying to see if the price difference of the V281 is worth it compared to the mentor.

 

[Ichos]

Ichos do you think the flux mentor or the v281 reissue is a better amp overall soundwise? Trying to see if the price difference of the V281 is worth it compared to the mentor.

Hi, I don't have experience with the V281 reissue. I used to own the V280 and I like the Mentor more. The Mentor is on the V550 level at least. Each one has its strengths.

 

[Mezeamp990]

Hi, I don't have experience with the V281 reissue. I used to own the V280 and I like the Mentor more. The Mentor is on the V550 level at least. Each one has its strengths.

Thanks

 

[IXOYE]

Violectric makes the best amps if you like a warmer type of tube sound with the solid states advantages imo, I have the V-222

 

[Tsunzo]

Not sure if its my unit, but it seem like the 4.4mm balanced connection doesn't sound as good as the 6.5mm and XLR connection. The sound becomes less detailed and transparent through the 4.4mm.

 

[PinkyPowers]

Not sure if its my unit, but it seem like the 4.4mm balanced connection doesn't sound as good as the 6.5mm and XLR connection. The sound becomes less detailed and transparent through the 4.4mm.

Don't want to open a can of worms here, but could be the cable. Less pure copper. Can you give us more details about the headphone and the different cables/adapters you may be using?