[project86]

Hi John, how do u compare the V281 and the iCan Pro in soundstage width/depth, separation, imaging, detail retrieval and naturalness, particularly for the HE1000?

Thanks

 
 
That's not easy to answer because the iCan has so many variables. SS mode, Tube mode, and Tube +, all sound different. Then there's the bass enhancer and the crossfeed-like feature they have..... you can really tweak the sound to your liking. 
 
For HE1000 I prefer SS mode, while Tube is better with HD800 and HE-6. See where I'm going with this? It's very possible one of the configurations iFi offers will sound better to your ear than the V281 does. That didn't quite happen for me, but it still made a big impression, enough to where I miss it already. 

 

[novicez1]

@project86

That said,how does the V281 stack up against the pro ican SS mode?

Edit: my bad, you already stated your verdict.

 

[Mist3rLao]

project86 What's your ideal headphone pairing with the V281?

 

[project86]

Hard to say. Probably my favorites are the HD800 (the original, I'm still forming an opinion on the HD800S), as well as the Dharma and LCD-3. All balanced of course.  

 

[Fegefeuer]

I'm also with the balanced HD800, though french flavoured mes amis. It really improves upon an already masterful headphone, really recommended. Just be careful when performing the mod, do a clean install.
 
Other headphones I really love are the TH-900, HD 650, HE-6 (don't own them). 

 

[project86]

Yes, forgot about the good old HD650 - I use the Massdrop HD6XX but still, same result. It's quite good via the 1/4" jack but knocks my socks off with balanced mode. And HE-6 balanced is very very good too. 

 

[Badas]

  Yes, forgot about the good old HD650 - I use the Massdrop HD6XX but still, same result. It's quite good via the 1/4" jack but knocks my socks off with balanced mode. And HE-6 balanced is very very good too. 

Are balanced cables for the HD6XX easy to get?

 

[13713]

Are balanced cables for the HD6XX easy to get?

Custom or make your own.

 

[Badas]

Custom or make your own.

Custom. I can't make anything.

 

[ab_ba]

I have been VERY happy with the balanced cable I bought from ebay seller Venus Audio:
 
http://www.ebay.com/usr/venus_audio
 
The price was great, it has a nice weight and texture, and it's been really durable. Just be aware they can be slow sometimes.

 

[socks mk2]

[redacted]

 

[ecva]

Hi guys,
 
Wanted to get your opinions.  I currently have a good old Lake People G103 powering my HD800.  Do you think it would be a good step up to the V281? Or at least is it justifiable for the price jump?  I want an option to go full balanced down the road and from what I was reading about the V281 is that it pairs well with HD800.  I am using Chord Mojo btw as a DAC.  Thanks in advance.

 

[PleasantSounds]

I have no experience with the G103, but your intended chain Mojo -> V281 -> HD800 (balanced) is what I have been using for nearly a year and it sounds fantastic.Whether the upgrade is justifiable to you only you can decide. But this is definitely one of very few SS amps that can be really considered end-game. 

 

[ecva]

Thanks for the response.  Do you find the combination not too overly warm?

 

[PleasantSounds]

Too  warm? Not to my taste anyway. Feels pretty much just right. 
Just make sure you go balanced asap - it really makes a huge difference, especially in dynamics.