Something German Comes My Way

[j3brow]

This looks like a SERIOUS headphone amplifier. It’s loaded. Looking forward to your thoughts. [emoji1303]

[PHC1]

Why does a relay make sense when switching power ? Amplifiers generate unwanted output signals when applying or removing power, which can damage the connected headphones. The relay breaks the connection between amplifier and headphone and thus protects the latter until electrical conditions have stabilized.

[PHC1]

Some words about the different digital input options. At the moment there are 6 different digital inputs for the V281. These offer coaxial, optical or USB inputs and accept up to 24 bit digital data.

Coax & Opto 96 accept sample rates up to 110 kHz, the USB 96 accepts 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, please note: NO 88.2 kHz. The USB 96 input is compatible to the USB 1.1 and 2.0 standard. All the above modules own a D/A converter which we would judge to be “upper middle class” with a dynamic range of 110 dB and THD+N at 100 dB.

Coax & Opto 192 accept sample rates up to 210 kHz, the USB 192 accepts 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz and supports the so called “asynchronous mode”. The USB 192 input is compatible with the USB 2.0 standard. It requires a proprietary driver, which can be downloaded from www.violectric.de. The above modules are equipped with a top notch D/A converter with a dynamic range of 115 dB and THD+N at -103 dB, along with significantly improved analog output circuitry.

Which USB devices can be connected to the HPA V281 ? Connections can be established to table-top or laptop PCs. MP3 players or similar gear cannot be connected.

[PHC1]

Why does 100% host volume setting make sense ? Volume control within the host is always accomplished digitally, i.e. bits are removed from the data stream. This may affect the signal quality because the resolution will become lower and the distortions may rise. In practise those effects will appear at such low levels which will not allow a valuation of the signal quality

[PHC1]

Phew....


Quite a bit of material to cover but I thought it would be helpful for the "techies among us".

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by j3brow

This looks like a SERIOUS headphone amplifier. It’s loaded. Looking forward to your thoughts. [emoji1303]

It is a very serious headphone amp. They say good things come to those who wait and I was drooling over it for quite some time. When Violectric USA announced a 25% Black Friday sale, I could not resist.

[PHC1]

I ordered it loaded with the custom ALPS RK27 High-Grade motorized volume control. The remote control is very nice, I'm constantly rolling or getting out of my chair to adjust the volume but not anymore! The other advantage is the Motorized ALPS replaces the RK27 with a custom made 128-step relay-based unit, with .75dB intervals between each step.

Designer Fried Reim states this version "produces the best channel balance, step precision, absence of distortion, and minimized crosstalk."

[PHC1]

The other option on my V281 is the 24/192 XMOS USB DAC module. One can never have too many DACs around for comparison and it would allow me to have the V281 function as a complete, remote listening station with a Roon endpoint device feeding the USB input if I decide on that.

[PHC1]

All cabled up and fired up. Let's see what this German Tank (Panzer? Tiger? Violectric???) of a Headphone amp can do.

Stay tuned...

[PHC1]

Time