Violectric HPA V281 - Vorsprung durch Balanced (September 2023 Update: Limited Reissue Edition up for preorder!)
Dec 14, 2016 at 1:33 AM Post #2,446 of 5,825
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. 
 
Dec 15, 2016 at 3:41 AM Post #2,450 of 5,825
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). 
 
Dec 15, 2016 at 2:54 PM Post #2,452 of 5,825
  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?
 
Dec 15, 2016 at 7:44 PM Post #2,455 of 5,825
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.
 
Dec 25, 2016 at 12:09 AM Post #2,457 of 5,825
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.
 
Dec 25, 2016 at 2:08 AM Post #2,458 of 5,825
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. 
 

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