[CoLdAsSauLt]

I totally agree with that assessment of the Taurus. It's a beautiful piece of equipment but these days there are plenty of good alternatives to consider.

I suspect the V280 would be a good choice for a similarly priced, similarly powerful amp that gives a somewhat less bright signature. 

You make me curious for some other alternatives...

 

[zeissiez]

I hope this is as high fidelity as the v281, fully balanced solid state amp<->tube amp at a flick of a switch, priced at USD1699 is very reasonable

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/pro-ican/

 

[socks mk2]

[redacted]

 

[mulder01]

I had the idsd micro.  Was fairly respectable next to the v281.  Just a bit more fatiguing for me.  A bit brighter.

 

[Mist3rLao]

Better late than never! This thing turned my HE-500 into a completely different beast!

Hoping a good burn-in and the incoming Level 5.2 AntiCables would take it a notch higher.

 

[YugiRider2]

Anyone know how I can measure the loudness (in DB) of the music I'm listening to?
Apparently I listen to music too loud and so I fear for my hearing.

 

[project86]

You make me curious for some other alternatives...

 
 
Cayin iHA-6 is very, VERY close to the Taurus. Like 95% of the sound signature. For $999. More power too, despite the smaller size. It has a few drawbacks in comparison but they aren't sound related. My review should be up at InnerFidelity in the next week or so.

 

[CoLdAsSauLt]

Cayin iHA-6 is very, VERY close to the Taurus. Like 95% of the sound signature. For $999. More power too, despite the smaller size. It has a few drawbacks in comparison but they aren't sound related. My review should be up at InnerFidelity in the next week or so.

Looking forward to it. Gonna be an entertaining read as usual. You spoke in plural... any other amps that come to mind?

 

[project86]

Potentially but I'm still on my initial listening, so I want to be sure before I make any declarations. 

 

[phonomat]

Anyone know how I can measure the loudness (in DB) of the music I'm listening to?
Apparently I listen to music too loud and so I fear for my hearing.

There are apps that you can download on your phone and place it inside your headphone's cups. While presumably not the most precise form of measurement, it might give you a general idea about how loud you really listen.

 

[Mist3rLao]

I currently have a Hugo feeding my V281, do you guys think that pairing it with either the Hugo TT, Auralic Vega, or Violectric V850 provide a significant improvement?

 

[mulder01]

  Anyone know how I can measure the loudness (in DB) of the music I'm listening to?
Apparently I listen to music too loud and so I fear for my hearing.

 
I suppose you'd need to buy an SPL meter to get an accurate figure

 

[Sinarca]

And the threshold to avoiding ears damage is.... .I don' know..

 

[phonomat]

Like with all good things in life, it's the length that matters. Or shall we say the amount. Sola dosis facit venenum. If you listen loudly, do so for a short timespan. There are charts on the web that demonstrate reasonable ratios as a rough guide.

 

[project86]

Like with all good things in life, it's the length that matters. Or shall we say the amount. Sola dosis facit venenum. If you listen loudly, do so for a short timespan. There are charts on the web that demonstrate reasonable ratios as a rough guide.

 
This.
 
Here's a link to my article from InnerFidelity a few years back, covering the basics. Personally, I use a Radio Shack SPL meter to get a decent idea of what my levels are.