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Violectric V280 Headphone Amp
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Violectric V280 Headphone Amp
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922 requests
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66 Sold
Product Description
Designed to amplify any pair of headphones with ultra-low distortion and rich articulation, the Violectric V280 headphone amp is one portable amplifier that doesn’t cut corners on performance. German-engineered with the goal of driving low-, medium- and high-impedance headphones with symmetrical amplification, the V280 can output an impressive 5.3 watts at 100 ohms Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downSaxelrod92
163
May 22, 2020
Just throwing this out there, I have the first North American sold v281 back when it first came out. Its the big brother to this v280, basically the same thing but it has two circuit boards stacked on top of each other plus a pre amp out. Otherwise same parts, same sound, almost the same power output.
I mention that because this is a ridiculously good price for these amps. This amp in particular is legit end game level stuff. In the sense that it genuinely will power anything, has all the ins and outs you need, extremely well built, and doesn't really color the sound at all aside from being like a hairline fraction on the warm side of a balance beam. It just means it isn't like those overly analytical sharp sounding amps, but don't assume it's warm or tubey at all. It's clean, really really clean, and smooth without loosing any detail at all. It won't make bright headphones sound smoothed out or warm, if your headphones are bright and sibilant this amp will not change that, it just won't enhance it either.
This is a buy it and stop thinking about amp upgrades kind of amp. Before I had my v281, I tried a bunch of different amps on different headphones, and I always liked some aspects and disliked others making me always want a different or better amp. I got the v281, and everything just worked how I wanted it too. It no longer felt like the amp was in the way, instead it felt like it got out of the way and just provided the power while adding that slightest bit of smoothing that makes things sound pleasant (again we're talking a really tiny amount, without loosing any resolution). I've been using my v281 since around 2015 maybe 2014? I don't remember lol. I look at pricier amps and don't see any feature that they do better than this amp can. Just get a decent dac, and focus on getting better headphones after you get a violectric amp. Also I'm not sponsored by them, or anything like that, I'm just tough to please and a nitpicker. So when a product I like stops making me care about upgrading or changing it, that makes me want to talk about it.
Oh and if you have high impedance headphones like 300-600 ohm, this is the only brand of amp on the market that puts this much voltage and wattage into that impedance range while still being dead quiet for sensitive low impedance headphones. I've tested it both ways, it's really cool to experience it because it makes you feel like just plug whatever in, and it'll work without needing to mess with anything. Anyways if anyone wants to know more, I can help answer questions since I have 5+ years with the v281 which is close enough to the v280 in the ways that matter.
davehg
16
May 27, 2020
Saxelrod92I’ve been eyeing the V281 for a while. I have the Woo WA22 and their wonderful WA5 and wondered whether the Violetric would be a suitable solid state amp with a more natural tone.
Saxelrod92
163
May 27, 2020
davehgIt's definitely going to be much less colored than any tube amp will be. The violectric gear goes for dead neutral first, then slightly smooths it out, and then pushes the needle a fraction over the line into warm. Basically exactly what you'd want from a good solid state amp, retaining natural neutrality, but avoiding becoming overly sharp and bright/analytical.
AmJosh
128
May 30, 2020
Is there any point having headphone amplifiers more than $400 when THX 789 is available?
Dragify
21
Aug 11, 2020
Audio is subjective to everyone so if you don't see a difference in what you hear and enjoy something else that is fine and I respect your opinion fully.
If you can't agree with what I said on the THX then that is fine as well, that is what makes the audio hobby so interesting, everyone's different takes and opinions on equipment and how they perceive it. Cheers. :D
AmJosh
128
Aug 11, 2020
I agree up to certain levels that amps can be more subjective than DACs. Also agree to the point of voltage range. I have Aune S7Pro amp (listed for $600+) as well. Got for a good deal on Drop warehouse, as I was not ready to get it for full price. To my surprise, I like it better than 789. It’s just as quiet and dark but the sound signature is warmer and somehow more relaxed and pleasant. They don’t mention about voltage output though.
I have also heard that tube amps provide higher voltages. How would this amp compare to tube amps? I have DarkVoice as well. But it does not beat Aune by any means. Also tube amps work only with high impedance dynamic headphones.
Saxelrod92
163
May 22, 2020
I haven't heard the 789, only read all the praise it gets. That said the few criticisms I've seen of the 789 are that it can get a little analytical and sharp sounding. Which makes sense given the tech driving it and it's price. Violectric gear tend to be neutral first, and then a tiny bit nudged towards smooth/warm, but like really a tiny nudge. The two reasons they are so pricey is first they use high end parts and lots of them. For example to achieve the smoother sound there's 8 high end capacitors per channel alone, which is not cheap to just shove in there for the sake of smoothing out the signal. That trend for parts is in every section of the amp from the volume pot to the op amps, etc. The other reason is that they are made by hand in Germany slowly by a small team of people who get paid full wages and benefits. I talked to lead designer of the amps back when I bought mine and that's what he told me about why the price is so high. If these amps were made in China they would be a good deal cheaper, since it's not so much their circuit design that makes them expensive. They have crazy good QC and you can confidently know some well paid German worker was paying close attention when putting your amp together, and that costs a price. The 789 is really good for it's price it seems, but if you want a more refined overall sound then violectric is a great end game step. Depends on how much money that's worth it to you.
MattRG
41
May 22, 2020
Saxelrod92That's a great point and one I had read about before but forgot until you just mentioned it. Seems like I read an interview with someone from Lake People (Violectric is a Lake People brand) a while back where they mentioned their process and how they make sure they use the best stuff and that their people are paid well.
Lake People / Violectric has always been pricey but there's some solid reasons behind that and they do make good stuff.
ArthurPower
158
May 24, 2020
First a shout out to Saxelrod92 for buying the first V281 in North America!
The V280 is the no frills version of the V281. Same sound signature in a more compact case. It has enough power for even the old HiFiman HE-6 (notoriously needing a huge speaker amp). An internal DAC can be added at anytime (user install-able). If ordered with the amp it will be pre-installed before shipping. For the best possible sound quality I would recommend an external DAC but for value and convenience you can't beat the internal option.
If anyone has any questions just holla at me. :)
(Edited)
Saxelrod92
163
May 25, 2020
ArthurPowerThanks for the shout-out man! You're the guy who sold it to me back then, we talked briefly through emails at the time. You told me outside of review units sent out that my order of the V281 was the first consumer order placed in North America with you. Just wanted to say the amp is still holding up as if it's brand new, and that for anyone wondering about customer service, Arthur does a fantastic job.
ArthurPower
158
May 26, 2020
Saxelrod92I remember telling you that you were the first in North America. Little did I know the V281 would become my biggest seller ever.
slenny
15
May 23, 2020
The V280 is warmer, less harsh and clinical than the THX amps. Hearing a big orchestra go at it is more enjoyable & gratifying on the Violectric than my SMSL THX amp.
(Edited)
TARUKAJA
3
May 24, 2020
Does anyone match HD800/800S with this amp? How about is it compared with HDV820/HDVD800/HDVA600?
I want to know if I can replace my HDVA600 (matching with HD800S) by this amp.
(Edited)
boyd.media
70
May 29, 2020
TARUKAJAFWIW, I own the HD800 (no SDR) and recently paired to a Bottlehead Crack w/Speedball. It greatly, greatly helped the HD800. Much more warmth and mid-range, the detail in the treble is still there, and the bass received a much needed boost.
I can't say enough about how an appropriate tube setup can make the HD800 endgame.
Mr.AnnoyingKnowItAll
192
May 26, 2020
Holy moly this should come with an official "More Money Than Sense" certificate, christ.
That is electrostatic class money for a simple headphone amp for crying out loud.
thecrow
41
May 28, 2020
Mr.AnnoyingKnowItAllThere’s nothing like a well informed opinion (after trying the item yourself). And that’s nothing like a well informed opinion.
time for me to move on
esmneuhof
77
Jun 22, 2020
Wondering if shipment of the V280 is going to be on time. Better still would be an early shipment!!
esmneuhof
77
Jul 14, 2020
Hey @DROP & @ARTHURPOWER, could you inform us why there is a delay in shipping these units. Is the issue with the U.S. Distributor or is it with Lake People in Germany, if so what specifically is the hold up? Are these units even built or do they still need to be built?
I'm sure everyone is interested in knowing what's up. We have all paid a good chunk of change (in advance) for these amps yet we have NO IDEA when or if DROP intends to fulfill these orders. Why the secrecy? I think it's time that DROP provides some answers. Thank you.
(Edited)
Wesley88
61
Jul 14, 2020
esmneuhofAgreed. You can't just say shipping has been delayed and not give a reason why.
Njychen
27
May 25, 2020
@ArthurPower How does the unbalanced line in/out work? Does line out work passively? Thanks.
SpeleoFool
675
May 29, 2020
Thank you. That makes sense, but phrasing about “levels matching” had me overthinking things. I appreciate the clarification.
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