Violectric HPA V281 - Vorsprung durch Balanced (September 2023 Update: Limited Reissue Edition up for preorder!)

[PrTv]

I also observed that, the reissue's line out seems to have lower background noise comparing with the OG.

This shouldn't be the case, as it's not in the spec and the OG and reissue have the same circuitry. As I use the OG V281 as a pre-amp to my power amplifier driving the Susvara and my power amp has so much gain, when I first connected the OG V281 to it via XLR out, I could clearly hear background noise from the V281 (noise was gone when I turn off the pre amp (V281). I had to remove the cover and set the pre-gain to -12 to subside the noise.

Now with the reissue, I can settle with -6, where the background noise could not be heard. I don't know what caused this but it's a welcome change. Also observed that my Susvara sounds a bit better with -6 gain (has more weight in the low-end). Of course I did the A/B plugging in my OG V281 and could hear higher background noise at equal pre gain setting for line out. Anyone experience this?

 

[Kevintj604]

Truly and undoubtedly one of the best listening experiences I've ever had in the hobby.

If Caldera was the only synergy that worked with the V281 the amp purchase would still be worth it.

 

[G8torbyte]

Truly and undoubtedly one of the best listening experiences I've ever had in the hobby.

If Caldera was the only synergy that worked with the V281 the amp purchase would still be worth it.

Yes, I'll second that. It was a superb match when I received the CO back in 2023 and paired it to my Vio's, V222 and then later the V281LE, with the Bifrost 2/64 DAC.
Beautiful wood grain and finish on yours

 

[PrTv]

Hey hey… you guys have to stop right now!

This making me want to buy the CO Y_Y

FYI, I had Verite Open and currently have Verite Closed. For me in terms of synergy, the Euforia Evo hs slightly better synergy with the VC/VO. But I know that CO is different animal.

Been considering whether I should buy the CO or the Tungsten. Given that I already have Susvara / Utopia 2022 / VC… what you guys think? I wont have any problem driving the Tungsten as my other amp I made for the Susvara should also drive the Tungsten very well (probably more so than the V281).

 

[G8torbyte]

Using XLR from the Bifrost 2/64 to the Vio and then RCA to the HP8 since it only has RCA jacks.

I'd say the HP8 sounds better directly to the DAC especially if you are checking changes from different tube rolls.
Pre-amped from the Vio is not a bad change just a little different. What I like is the HP8's punchy delivery as my favorite output. I set the Vio's volume about 70-75% then use the HP8's smooth pot as the main volume. Then if you like you can switch the headphone to the Vio using the Head/Line buttons on the front (or remote) of the Vio. Such a handy feature, just be careful and turn down that Vio pot before switching back and forth.

Just to clarify in case "you want to feed a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, Variable-Out or Post-Fader (including level control) should be used. In this case, the line output provides the signal at the level set by the volume control." (excerpt pg. 21 of manual)
So this is what I've been playing around with the Icon Audio HP8 fed by the Vio 281LE. By using the Line out button you can switch between the fixed-out/pre-fader signal path or the variable out/post-fader. I switched it to post-fader setting by holding the LINE button till it flashes. The RCA2 (formerly DIG) LED light will turn on, press that RCA2 button then press and hold the LINE button again and it is set for Variable-Out/Post-Fader. I really appreciate the flexibility of this amp!

 

[shafat777]

Has anyone experienced any hum/buzz caused by their v281/LE when connected via rca? My Euforia Evo and v281 le are both connected to my yggy LIM dac using rca and there's an very audible hum/buzzing sound coming from the the evo otl amp when the v281 is not powered on. The buzzing goes away when the v281 is powered on. The buzzing is non existent when the v281 is connected via xlr (power or no power)

Any info would be helpful.

 

[Alfredo3001]

Has anyone experienced any hum/buzz caused by their v281/LE when connected via rca? My Euforia Evo and v281 le are both connected to my yggy LIM dac using rca and there's an very audible hum/buzzing sound coming from the the evo otl amp when the v281 is not powered on. The buzzing goes away when the v281 is powered on. The buzzing is non existent when the v281 is connected via xlr (power or no power)

Any info would be helpful.

I will check the grounding settings on your unit if you’re comfortable opening it up.
I'm attaching the settings from the old V281. Check the manual that came with the V281Le.

 

[shafat777]

I will check the grounding settings on your unit if you’re comfortable opening it up.
I'm attaching the settings from the old V281. Check the manual that came with the V281Le.

Am I supposed to change every single of these red highlighted jumpers? Or just the ones with arrow on them?

 

[Alfredo3001]

Am I supposed to change every single of these red highlighted jumpers? Or just the ones with arrow on them?

They serve different purposes. The first picture, for example, affects the main grounding of the unit, such as grounding the chassis. I'm not sure which one you need to change. I believe this has been discussed here before. Maybe @Fegefeuer can help you.

General Ground-Lift

XLR input Ground-lift

Line out:

 

[gonzfi]

Anyone else experiencing the 'blip' of loud volume for a split second every time you change the volume? It's becoming increasingly annoying and noticeable.....

 

[Alfredo3001]

Anyone else experiencing the 'blip' of loud volume for a split second every time you change the volume? It's becoming increasingly annoying and noticeable.....

Is that with the Violectric V281 LE?

 

[Metal-Fi]

Anyone else experiencing the 'blip' of loud volume for a split second every time you change the volume? It's becoming increasingly annoying and noticeable.....

It happens at times (I have the "regular" V281, later upgraded to stepped relay attenuator). I contacted Lake People's customer support and they explained me that some steps are indeed "louder" than others, whence the sudden and quick volume jump.

 

[gonzfi]

Is that with the Violectric V281 LE?

Yep sure is

 

[Alfredo3001]

Yep sure is

It's part of the newly implemented volume control (Similar to Niimbus Pro and v550 pro offerings). When I had my V281LE, it was a toss-up, some days, there were no 'blips', while on other days, it was too loud. I noticed that the hotter the amp got, the less it would occur. Also, there have been posts about the Niimbus Pro and V550 Pro where they recommend moving the volume knob (without playing music) back and forth from max to min about 10 times.

 

[PrTv]

It's part of the newly implemented volume control (Similar to Niimbus Pro and v550 pro offerings). When I had my V281LE, it was a toss-up, some days, there were no 'blips', while on other days, it was too loud. I noticed that the hotter the amp got, the less it would occur. Also, there have been posts about the Niimbus Pro and V550 Pro where they recommend moving the volume knob (without playing music) back and forth from max to min about 10 times.

Now I think it comes down to the question, whether this “new” volume is really worth it. With all these quirks and glitches (whether they will be viewed by you guys as such or not). I have both the OG and Reissue side by side now, but they sound practically the same (fed via XLR with good source and high-end cables worth more than the amplifier itself). Don’t know what benefit this new volume brings… but the quirks are so obvious.

In any case, I’m still happy with the Reissue and will keep it (not that I can return even if I want to). Plus with my VC/Utopia 2022, I can settle with -6 headphone gain and these noises and glitches aren’t very annoying. With higher gains e.g., +6/+12 these are surely more obvious and annoying.
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On a separate note, volume pot of my OG V281 started to get scratchy. This is the standard version and not the 128-stepped relay version. Is this something that can be fixed easily or the amplifier requires service? I have removed the case a few times and can manage if the fix is easy. Is applying contact cleaner a good way or it will make the problem worst down the road?