[ken6217]

Was just about to paste the same pics.

 

[Shane D]

I am jealous of all the new owners! Congrats to all.

I do wonder how much better it would be than my V220? But I am not $2,699.00US curious.

 

[lauthoerer]

Hi all, I searched through the thread, but didn’t quite find a complete comparison between the V222, the V281, and the new V281 LE. I thought the 222 is already an „improved“ amp to the 281, if you’re using it solely as a headphone amp and don’t have use for the line out of the 281.

And apart from the volume poti, what improvements (in terms of headphone amp only) does the 281 LE now offer?

 

[Alfredo3001]

Hi all, I searched through the thread, but didn’t quite find a complete comparison between the V222, the V281, and the new V281 LE. I thought the 222 is already an „improved“ amp to the 281, if you’re using it solely as a headphone amp and don’t have use for the line out of the 281.

And apart from the volume poti, what improvements (in terms of headphone amp only) does the 281 LE now offer?

I had both the v222 and v281 at some point. The v222 only "improvement" is the noise floor. The v281 soundstage is wider, is warmer, have more power, have better midrange and timber. In my comparison I mentioned resolution. This one is hard to grasp. At that time I had the focal clear. Now, I have the focal Utopia. Because the utopia is more transparent I realize the v550 is 1-2 tiers above the v222. Other users say the v281 is closer to v550. So v281 resolution should be above the v222 and closer to v550.

People looking to get the v281 are not looking to get the most modern/better amp, they are looking to get one because of its unique tubey sound on a solid state amp.

Post in thread 'Violectric V222 and V202' https://www.head-fi.org/threads/violectric-v222-and-v202.963504/post-17659663

 

[Pharmaboy]

Hi all, I searched through the thread, but didn’t quite find a complete comparison between the V222, the V281, and the new V281 LE. I thought the 222 is already an „improved“ amp to the 281, if you’re using it solely as a headphone amp and don’t have use for the line out of the 281.

And apart from the volume poti, what improvements (in terms of headphone amp only) does the 281 LE now offer?

You haven't seen comparisons with the V281 reissue because no one has it yet. I ordered the reissue, despite already owning an original V281 (which I use incessantly). I haven't heard either the V202 or V222, but as they both share amplifier components with the V281, the sound should be fairly close. However, I can't be certain one of the V281's biggest sonic strengths--its large, expansive soundstage--will be replicated on the smaller amps. I would have to hear those to check that.

Beyond sonics, the V281 is a different design than the others: its case is larger (wider & taller), allowing a larger, stronger power supply. I haven't checked specs lately, but I'm pretty sure the V281 reissue (the internals of which are identical to my OG V281) has more WPC than the V202 or V222. Beyond power supplies & output power, the V281 has more I/O controls on the front and back panels, really granular controls that make a difference operationally. For example, the user can turn off/on the headphone output separately from the preamp output; has separate gain controls for both outputs; front panel switching of inputs; and remote control of volume and inputs/outputs.

 

[lauthoerer]

Thanks a lot, @Alfredo3001 and @Pharmaboy this is very insightful. I’ve been toying with the idea of exchanging my DHA V590² Pro for a V281 or V222 to save (at least) 1k on the DAC unit I don’t actually need.

When I got a separate tube amp (Cayin HA-6A) last year, I consequently added a separate DAC (Nuprime DAC-9) and quite enjoy the added versatility the 100 step volume control of the DAC-9 gives me in combination with the HA-6A.

Now, the idea is to run all inputs (Vinyl & Streaming via Linn Selekt DSM and CD-9) into the DAC and from there to the Violectric and an Icon Audio HP8 MK2 SE, replacing the HA-6A.

I have a V222 and a HP8 incoming next week but there’s also currently a chance to buy a 5-6 year old V281. Very tempted, but afraid I’m putting too many options on the table at once… but if I don’t try the 281 now, probably none will be available for the rest of the year

 

[lauthoerer]

Is anyone here from Germany who can tell me where the LE was available and what the € price was? Can’t see it neither on the Violectric page nor on CMA…

 

[Alfredo3001]

Is anyone here from Germany who can tell me where the LE was available and what the € price was? Can’t see it neither on the Violectric page nor on CMA…

The v281 LE is special request Arthur from Power Holdings (US audio store) made to lake people/Violectric. So far its a limited US run. I heard in Europe people can still buy the v281 on some stores. Also, the v281 LE as the other Violectric amps can be set to work for 220v or 110v.

 

[lauthoerer]

ah, ok, got it!

 

[ken6217]

Here are a few pics from CanJam NYC.

 

[Yoga]

Hey. I'm selling my V281 (original EU model, mint condition, original box etc) if anyone is intersted. Ping me a message!

 

[Vyyy]

Hey. I'm selling my V281 (original EU model, mint condition, original box etc) if anyone is intersted. Ping me a message!

Relays volume control installed? THanks.

 

[Yoga]

Hi. Non-remote version.

Update: Sold.

 

[ken6217]

Great news guys. I just received an update that they are shipping the first 50 units this week.

 

[KipFox]

Great news guys. I just received an update that they are shipping the first 50 units this week.

Sweet! Is that from the plant to US or US to customers?