[SaddleSC]

Sorry if this has been mentioned before, but I've been looking at the V281 and V280 for my HD800S, and I'm wondering if anyone can confirm that there's no sonic differences between these two amps when connected with headphones. Is the difference mainly just the preamp function of the V281? Thanks.

I just ordered my V281 last week after going back and forth between it and the V280. From what I have been told (by Arthur) and read on the forums, they should sound virtually identical. You should choose the V281 if you want the preamp functionality OR the volume control options (with remote or stepped attenuator) OR the balance function. I don't really have a use for the preamp functions right now and I selected the standard volume control, but still chose the V281 because I just liked the looks of the bigger amp better and I also like the idea of the bigger knob

 

[tonyxiaoz]

I just ordered my V281 last week after going back and forth between it and the V280. From what I have been told (by Arthur) and read on the forums, they should sound virtually identical. You should choose the V281 if you want the preamp functionality OR the volume control options (with remote or stepped attenuator) OR the balance function. I don't really have a use for the preamp functions right now and I selected the standard volume control, but still chose the V281 because I just liked the looks of the bigger amp better and I also like the idea of the bigger knob

For the balance function, doesn't V280 also have a balanced out?

 

[SaddleSC]

For the balance function, doesn't V280 also have a balanced out?

Yes...I was referring to the balance control knob in the upper right of the V281 that allows the user to control the balance between L/R channels.

 

[tonyxiaoz]

Yes...I was referring to the balance control knob in the upper right of the V281 that allows the user to control the balance between L/R channels.

Oh I see. My bad

 

[PHC1]

I just ordered my V281 last week after going back and forth between it and the V280. From what I have been told (by Arthur) and read on the forums, they should sound virtually identical. You should choose the V281 if you want the preamp functionality OR the volume control options (with remote or stepped attenuator) OR the balance function. I don't really have a use for the preamp functions right now and I selected the standard volume control, but still chose the V281 because I just liked the looks of the bigger amp better and I also like the idea of the bigger knob

Congrats, you will love it.

 

[tonyxiaoz]

Did you buy the V281 from the official website or is there a seller you recommend?

 

[SaddleSC]

Congrats, you will love it.

Thanks...it should be arriving at the end of the week so I will post impressions soon!

Did you buy the V281 from the official website or is there a seller you recommend?

Yes sir, I ordered directly through violectric-usa. Arthur is the proprietor and he is absolutely fantastic. He and I communicated back and forth via email for a couple weeks before I made my final decision...just a great guy all around. Very patient and very knowledgeable about the product...I highly recommend dropping him an email if you have any questions that you can't find the answer to on the forum.

 

[tonyxiaoz]

Thanks for the help. I will definitely check the site out.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Thanks...it should be arriving at the end of the week so I will post impressions soon!



Yes sir, I ordered directly through violectric-usa. Arthur is the proprietor and he is absolutely fantastic. He and I communicated back and forth via email for a couple weeks before I made my final decision...just a great guy all around. Very patient and very knowledgeable about the product...I highly recommend dropping him an email if you have any questions that you can't find the answer to on the forum.

I predict the V281 will impress you greatly. And Arthur is tops, great to deal with...

 

[PHC1]

Thanks...it should be arriving at the end of the week so I will post impressions soon!



Yes sir, I ordered directly through violectric-usa. Arthur is the proprietor and he is absolutely fantastic. He and I communicated back and forth via email for a couple weeks before I made my final decision...just a great guy all around. Very patient and very knowledgeable about the product...I highly recommend dropping him an email if you have any questions that you can't find the answer to on the forum.

Yes, Arthur is great. Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.

 

[Luke Thomas]

Sorry for the repeat. I don't have a lot of luck with the search engine.
Do most on here think the balanced output is a more enjoyable sound?

 

[Pharmaboy]

Single-ended outputs are quite good (everything about the V281 is)--but the balanced output is a few degrees away, in endgame territory.

 

[Luke Thomas]

I've been going back and forth. I'm picking up a little more detail from the rythem guitar and key board. . The balanced might give a smidge more detail

 

[PHC1]

Sorry for the repeat. I don't have a lot of luck with the search engine.
Do most on here think the balanced output is a more enjoyable sound?

Yes but some headphones sound noticeably better while some just barely so.

 

[fixated]

Sorry for the repeat. I don't have a lot of luck with the search engine.
Do most on here think the balanced output is a more enjoyable sound?

I haven't used the SE output in a while so just basing it from memory, I remember thinking that the balanced output had more weight and better instrument separation.

I think most of the people who get the V281 get it for the balanced so it's probably a good indicator that the balanced is superb (at least that's what I think).