[Roasty]

Can someone enlighten me? If the v550 is the v590 minus the dac, how come the v550 is listed more expensive than the v590 on the power holdings website?

 

[SQ13]

i guess v590 is 10% off and v550 is the pro version. yes, v550 is v590 without dac. i think drop also has non pro v550

 

[Fegefeuer]

Yep

PRO nomenclature means reed relais volume pot or +600 Dollars compared to the non-PRO version.

Except for the current deal. Absolute no-brainer. Get the best version for the same price.

 

[SQ13]

don’t flame me, i remembered Drop was selling V550 for $2.5k without pro upgrade. So it’s the same cost when you factor in the upgrade

 

[buzzlulu]

Yes - and no
One could buy the V590 PRO for $3749 - Headphone Amp AND DAC
or
V550 PRO for $$3399 Headphone Amp ONLY
so

ONLY +$349 to also include the built in DAC

It seems like the Headphone Amp only version is priced on the high side
or they are figuring that the included DAC does not have much value???

 

[attilais]

It's easier to compare retail prices due to different promotions going on.
I remember drop V550 (standard) page has list price as $2799 and discounted price as $2499; the list price matches pre-orders above.

Based on prices on both sides, DAC value is
3500 - 2800 = $700 using retail prices
3150 - 2500 = $650 using discounted prices

So it depends on how important each feature is to you: AIO w/ DAC, the relay volume.
Although I chose V550, I actually quite like the standard V590 - you get a decent DAC (assuming it is), save all the mess of an extra device w/ a power cord and a pair of signal cable, all at $700.

 

[buzzlulu]

Yes - and no
One could buy the V590 PRO for $3749 - Headphone Amp AND DAC
or
V550 PRO for $$3399 Headphone Amp ONLY
so

ONLY +$349 to also include the built in DAC

It seems like the Headphone Amp only version is priced on the high side
or they are figuring that the included DAC does not have much value???

Actually I stand corrected (did not apply the promo code) - so today prices are :

V550 Pro $2800 - AMP only
V590 non Pro $3149 - AMP + DAC

 

[project86]

Yes it's a little confusing initially, because the V550 has the promo code (which reduces the posted price) while the V590 instead is listed under the reduced price already. Once you figure that out, the disparity between them makes a lot of sense.

I still think the cost of getting the DAC part of V590 is absolutely worth it for most people... the exception would be those who already own a really high end DAC, or those who intend to buy one in the near future. And by "really high end DAC" I'm talking stuff in the $2-4k range (or beyond). And even some of those wouldn't compete with the V590 DAC imho.

 

[buzzlulu]

 

[jlbrach]

the 550 will be a very interesting product, the 281 was an outstanding amp that stayed popular for a long time and a product that is indeed quieter with a black background a bigger soundstage could be a huge success

 

[Fegefeuer]

V550 Pro and V550 are now available in Europe

 

[Rob the Comic]

Would like to hear this, a Niimbus US 4/4+, and Luxman P-750U for an ulitmate amp comparison.

I’d include the Phonitor XE in the line up

 

[vonBaron]

Would to hear compare GS-X mini to V550.

 

[buzzlulu]

Would to hear compare GS-X mini to V550.

Give me some time. My Mini is still here having vanquished all competitors (with the exception of my Stax rig) - even the V281.
UPS will be delivering my V550 Pro on Monday

 

[jlbrach]

I would expect the 550 pro to best the mini fairly easily