[Shane D]

I've got my gain switches on +12 while using a Rega Elicit amp/Ares II DAC. I use ZMF Eikon, VC, Aeolus & HFM HE-500 headphones. I'm a bit surprised I needed to put the V281 at +12. I keep the dial of the V281 at 12:30. I know it doesn't harm anything, but does anyone else run their unit at +12?

Most of my headphones are really efficient and I have another amp for "power pigs". And my V220 is the stripped down version with less power.

 

[jonathan c]

I've got my gain switches on +12 while using a Rega Elicit amp/Ares II DAC. I use ZMF Eikon, VC, Aeolus & HFM HE-500 headphones. I'm a bit surprised I needed to put the V281 at +12. I keep the dial of the V281 at 12:30. I know it doesn't harm anything, but does anyone else run their unit at +12?

I own a Violectric V200 to which the DAC is connected by XLR-terminated cable for highest voltage (5v). The only time I use the +12 setting is when I listen via Beyerdynamic DT880 600-ohm headphones.

 

[Angel III]

I adjust the PRE-GAIN based on the perceived volume. The perceived volume at 11 o'clock must be pleasant and not annoying. Turning the volume to 13 o'clock, listening should be almost tiring. To give you an example, I have fun beyond 12 o’clock, while listening to a drum solo. Indicatively this is the best condition of the PRE-GAIN setting, where the amplifier achieves the best balance between audio quality and perceived volume. Even with 16 ohm headphones I adopt this rule.

 

[FinHifi]

If someone in the EU wants to sell their v222, pm me

 

[Alfredo3001]

They are out!
Ship date this week (1st week of Nov)

 

[jjsoviet]

Violectric units have reached the US warehouse so I was notified that I could get shipping within a day or so.

 

[borkenarrou]

For folks that got the v222 any early impressions so far, is there any sonic changes noticed (for better or worse) vs the v280 / v281.

 

[Empyah]

For folks that got the v222 any early impressions so far, is there any sonic changes noticed (for better or worse) vs the v280 / v281.

There is a whole thread on the v226 and several reviews out for it already.

 

[borkenarrou]

There is a whole thread on the v226 and several reviews for it out already.

Not sure but is the v226 excatly same as the v222? I thought the v222 is the newer model and there can be some changes (whether for better or worse).
I am considering a pre owned v280, but as we know v222 is out now so if there are improvments trying to avoid any buyer remorse

 

[Ichos]

Not sure but is the v226 excatly same as the v222? I thought the v222 is the newer model and there can be some changes (whether for better or worse).
I am considering a pre owned v280, but as we know v222 is out now so if there are improvments trying to avoid any buyer remorse

It's to my understanding that the V226 and V222 share the same amplifier stage.

 

[Empyah]

Not sure but is the v226 excatly same as the v222? I thought the v222 is the newer model and there can be some changes (whether for better or worse).
I am considering a pre owned v280, but as we know v222 is out now so if there are improvments trying to avoid any buyer remorse

The V226 and V222 share the same amplifier and therefore sound identical. The difference is in the 226's DAC and preamp and the lack of XLR-inputs. Both are roughly on the same level as 280/281 in technicalities but improve on tone and a frequency response closer to neutral, a wider and deeper sound-stage with more clarity and black-ground while keeping the seductive sweetness the 281 had. And the form-factor is obviously better.
My Suggestion to you is to get the V222 if you want to pair it with a discrete DAC like the Bifrost 2 with XLR outputs, get the OG board for a slightly mellower, warmer sound or crisper with the 2/64. Same goes for Soekris DAC's like the 2451. I consider a combo with the Schiits or the Soekris as early, and before all - SANE endgame.
With R2R they are simply a joy to listen too, they mix like milk and honey. Thank me later.

 

[borkenarrou]

It's to my understanding that the V226 and V222 share the same amplifier stage.

Wave theory compared the v226 vs v281, he found the amp section of the v281 to be "slightly" superior to the v226, so I guess it will be likewise the v281/v280 will be too vs the v222?

. (12:00)

 

[Empyah]

Wave theory compared the v226 vs v281, he found the amp section of the v281 to be "slightly" superior to the v226, so I guess it will be likewise the v281/v280 will be too vs the v222?

. (12:00)

The V281 has a bit more power and can maybe "eek" out a few percent more performance with harder to drive headphones, but generally speaking
when I consider the whole soundpackage and the raised enjoyment the V226 brings me with it's heightened clarity/blackground, better reverb trails and bigger and more immersive soundstage, it comes - to my tastes - out as the clear winner of the two. Not to mention price and formfactor.
The V280 and V281 had it's time. But there are better options now with the new line.

 

[Empyah]

Please take especially this part of my comment up there to heart:

"I consider a combo with the Schiits or the Soekris as early, and before all - SANE endgame."

Edit: The whole time, while typing this, I am melting away listening to my 226 with HE500 out of my Yggi A2...

 

[Alfredo3001]

Please take especially this part of my comment up there to heart:

"I consider a combo with the Schiits or the Soekris as early, and before all - SANE endgame."

I have been watching the release of the V222 since it was announced. I want to get the V222 because I always wanted to have a V281. The only thing holding me back is my BF2 OG DAC. I currently own the BF2 + soloist 3xp and I found the sound to be a little polite or mellow compared to the BF2 + RNHP. Do you think the BF2 OG would be warmer leaning than the soloist 3xp?