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Product Description
A revamped version of Vioeletric’s highly regarded HPA V280 headphone amp, the HPA V280 Final Edition delivers endgame performance with more power and less distortion than its predecessor. These improvements are owed to an updated circuitry and four built-in amplifiers, which Violeletric optimized based on internal testing, as well as outside tests from award-winning audio brands Lake People and Niimbus Read More
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If you're considering a Violectric then chances are you're already aware of their extreme performance. The V280FE has more than enough authority to drive anything I could throw at them, including the HE6se (though you will want to adjust the pre-gain and should really use the balanced inputs in that case).
Compared to the THX 789 it is distinctly better at opening up the soundstage while preserving details, letting you distinguish individual components and the transients of a live performance and giving you that "whole new song" quality. While the THX 789 definitely punches (hah) well above its price, I find it extremely fatiguing when paired with my dynamic headphones, whereas the V280FE simply disappears. I can (and do) listen to this thing all day.
The V280FE pairs well with my Mr. Speakers/DCA orthodynamics and HD800. In the case of the HD800, it's able to offer a soundstage that rivals tube amps, which is a talent that I'd only ever heard the purpose-built HDVD 800 performing in the solid state category. Very impressive.
My only complaint is that, if you're like me and have a diverse collection of IEMs and headphones that you like to switch between as the mood strikes, the V280 does not offer an effortless experience. This is due to the fact that gain adjustment is performed:
* independently for each channel
* using tiny dip switches
* at the back of a very long amp
If you plan on tinkering with gain settings often, do not even think of placing the amp anywhere but out in the open. Thankfully, the amp is tuned well enough that the vast majority of headphones ever made will work well without fiddling with the gain at all. IMHO this procedure is really only necessary if you plan to drive IEMs or the very least efficient headphones, so it may not bother you at all. Nevertheless, Violectric should definitely consider making these controls a first-class feature in future designs.
At $1450 it certainly is not something that anyone should purchase on impulse. If, however, you're already familiar with the place that the V281 and its derivatives have in the HiFi community, and the price isn't too dear, then I'm pleased to report that the sound definitely lives up to the hype. I look forward to spending many quality years with mine.
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P.S. I feel the need to call out my satisfaction with Drop's customer service with this purchase. The first unit I received had a dead right channel, but I was able to obtain an RMA, drop it off at UPS, and have a replacement dispatched from their warehouse the same day. Can't remember the last time I had a return experience this painless.