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

[Ty89m]

Excellent, sounds like there's still a benefit to running my HD800S balanced via 281, if I wait on DAC investment. Would any of you consider the V281 end game for solid state, or at least nice enough to not gimp the HD800?

 

[project86]

Excellent, sounds like there's still a benefit to running my HD800S balanced via 281, if I wait on DAC investment. Would any of you consider the V281 end game for solid state, or at least nice enough to not gimp the HD800?

 
It's end game for me as far as SS amps go. Right up there with the HeadAmp GS-X mkII, Simaudio 430HA, and dual mono Questyle CMA800R. I have two of those three here now (and have had the other extensively) and V281 is definitely in the running for top honors.
 
I agree with whoever it was that suggested upgrading the amp first and then maybe the DAC down the road. Or just spend time enjoying the V200 as it is still a very nice amp!

 

[Fegefeuer]

It's end game for me as far as SS amps go. Right up there with the HeadAmp GS-X mkII, Simaudio 430HA, and dual mono Questyle CMA800R. I have two of those three here now (and have had the other extensively) and V281 is definitely in the running for top honors.

I agree with whoever it was that suggested upgrading the amp first and then maybe the DAC down the road. Or just spend time enjoying the V200 as it is still a very nice amp!

It will be my endgame as well. One day.

Then i only need a successor to the TH-900

 

[mulder01]

I've had my v281 for a year or so and don't really feel any need to upgrade. I think any upgrade is going to mean a lot of money and very small improvement.

 

[ken6217]

   
It's end game for me as far as SS amps go. Right up there with the HeadAmp GS-X mkII, Simaudio 430HA, and dual mono Questyle CMA800R. I have two of those three here now (and have had the other extensively) and V281 is definitely in the running for top honors.
 
I agree with whoever it was that suggested upgrading the amp first and then maybe the DAC down the road. Or just spend time enjoying the V200 as it is still a very nice amp!

 
The V281 has much more impact than the 430HA in my listening.

 

[yc1204]

Decided to get the V281. Still thinking about which end game headphones I need to get. Thinking about 2 in between the Abyss and LCD4...
 
Anyone heard both can share some opinion? Mainly piano violin musics and female vocal etc. 

 

[CoLdAsSauLt]

It's end game for me as far as SS amps go. Right up there with the HeadAmp GS-X mkII, Simaudio 430HA, and dual mono Questyle CMA800R. I have two of those three here now (and have had the other extensively) and V281 is definitely in the running for top honors.

I agree with whoever it was that suggested upgrading the amp first and then maybe the DAC down the road. Or just spend time enjoying the V200 as it is still a very nice amp!

I feel sad to not see the Taurus mk2 up there in your post

 

[Ty89m]

Thanks guys, I sold the V200, as I'm committed to stepping up to something a bit higher up the chain - have considered the GSX MkII but a wee bit more than I'm wanting to spend, and have been looking the Taurus MK II as well. Really fond of the Violectric stuff though, really dig the looks (which I know aren't to everyone's tastes).

 

[ken6217]

I had both the Taurus mk2 and the Sim 430HA in my house along with the V281. Only the V281 remains.

I know 3 other people on Headfi that sold the Taurus for the V281.

I haven't heard the GSX mk2 but I think it is brighter than the V281.

 

[Cobold]

No doubt for  me V281 is definetly better than the Taurus MKII.
Single ended and Balanced.

 

[CoLdAsSauLt]

  No doubt for  me V281 is definetly better than the Taurus MKII.
Single ended and Balanced.

Can you elaborate please? 
 
@project86: My earlier impression was that you preferred the V281's tonal characteristics over the Taurus MK2. Are you now saying, after owning them both a lot longer, that the V281 is technically the better device? 
(so technical capabilities vs tuning, of which the latter might be possible to correct with EQ - or am I getting this wrong?)

 

[Cobold]

I came from V200 to Bryston BHA-1.
 
I made the Comparision between V281, BHA-1 and Taurus.
Taurus in my ears had maybe more detail than Bryston but no pleasure to listen.
I sure would have stayed with the Bryston.
V281 is more musical and shows more room and fine information to me than the others.
Got the V281 end of 2014. Just made the update to the big remote because I think this is the one to keep.
At least for now. 
 
Headphones are K812 unbalanced and T1 balanced.

 

[ken6217]

I did not hear the Taurus single ended. But I believe that the Taurus balanced versus the V281 single ended is better. Idk about single ended versus single ended.

It is the V281 balanced where it shines as it then is basically 2 V200 amps in one. Maybe someone else can shine some light on the single ended versus single ended.

 

[CoLdAsSauLt]

I did not hear the Taurus single ended. But I believe that the Taurus balanced versus the V281 single ended is better. Idk about single ended versus single ended.

It is the V281 balanced where it shines as it then is basically 2 V200 amps in one. Maybe someone else can shine some light on the single ended versus single ended.

 
I'm running balanced. So how would Taurus mk2 balanced compare to V281 balanced according to your experience? 

 

[ken6217]

   
I'm running balanced. So how would Taurus mk2 balanced compare to V281 balanced according to your experience? 

What I had been referring to in my earlier posts that V281 balanced is better than the Taurus balanced.
 
When it comes to single ended, I have no experience.