The Violectric V100 is an A/B class amp with excellent German build quality. It’s sturdy, basic and has a very detailed finish. You can immediately recognize the Violectric brand by the gold colored classy feet. In my opinion that’s the way an amplifier should be, simple but good! A special characteristic of the V100 headphone amplifier is that it has double Neutrik headphone outputs on the front. I really enjoyed the double outputs for testing but I also found it to come in very handy when switching headphones between different music styles. No need to get up!
Just looking at the picture, you can really get a sense of the German tank-like built.
Balanced and Unbalanced inputs, as well as the pre-gain switches.
On the back of the reasonably small opamp based amplifier (W 170 x H 49 x D226 mm) you not only have unbalanced inputs (which can be used as non “pre-amped” outputs) but you also have balanced connectors for those having a balanced source. The opamps used in the V100 are placed on sockets so you can easily swap them for other ones should you desire it. Another great feature of the V100 are the pre-gain jumpers on the back. In “normal” mode as it is delivered, no pre-gain is applied but by flicking a combination of jumpers for both channels you can adjust the gain very easily according to your wishes or headphones used (-12, -6, 0, +6, +12). I really liked having this possibility, in a few seconds you can adjust it for each headphone and make it match with the amp, something most of the other amps don’t let you do this easy.
The absolutely dead silent amplifier has quite a lot of power as you can see in the overview so it can drive a whole range of headphones from 16Ω to 600Ω and with 2.2W at 50Ω, the orthodynamics are sure to be treated well.
After a lot of hours of listening, it just is that addictive, I would say the V100 is a fairly neutral sounding amplifier yet it has this warmish signature which I really appreciate. At the same time it gives you a wide and precise soundstage while it always stays fun to listen to. It never gets too analytical and it is very enjoyable with all musical styles and all headphones. Even the tube loving Sennheiser HD650 sounded really good with the V100 as did every other headphone I tried it with. I was most curious about how it would do with the big orthodynamics but I quickly found out it is excellent with both the Hifiman HE-500 and the Audez’e LCD-2. This amplifier no doubt has what it takes to drive orthodynamics, delivering great detail throughout the whole spectrum. Bass, mids and treble are presented in a lovely way. It is musical, it’s fast and with the pre-gain settings explained above you can to some limit influence the sound to your liking.
I can only note the V100 does everything perfect for the LCD-2. From bass to mids to highs, layering, detail, warmth,… it is all there. It’s like the V100 was developed with the Audez’e LCD-2 in mind and I have not heard my LCD-2 (Rev. 1) sound this well before. Until the V100 arrived, the Hifiman HE-500 was my favorite all-round headphone but it has been dethroned by the LCD-2, thanks to the V100. At this exact moment I am listening to “These Days” from The Foo Fighters and I’ve already hit repeat twice. The Violectric V100 and the LCD-2 is a match made in heaven to my ears. (+6db pre-gain setting)
Apparently, the V100 not only is an impressive match with the LCD-2 but also with the Sennheiser HD800. I haven’t tested this myself but I did find the following posted in a forum by Mr. Reid, CEO of Violectric, himself:
“Axel Grell is the developer of HD800. Sennheiser has got a so called “Hall of Fame” with some headphone amps inside. Since spring 2009 one of Mr. Grells favorites is HPA V100.
He personally handed over one of three HD800 (a laboratory sample) during 2009 Hi-End exhibition in Munich to be used on Lake People booth.”
In conclusion, the V100 is a great amplifier overall. It is clear some headphones will be a better match as others, yet you can never say the V100 doesn’t sound good. It is wonderfully clear and detailed and very enjoyable. If you’re looking for a (very) good, powerful all round solid state amplifier that does extremely well with the LCD-2 then I really do suggest you put this Violectric V100 on your short list.
It makes me wonder how the V200 version of this amplifier (with even better quality components) sounds compared to this already great sounding V100. I’m definitely going to try to get the V200 and then I’ll add my findings here.
The Violectric V100 amplifier costs around 600 to 650€ for European customers and around 550€/$800 for international customers. In my opinion it is certainly worth that price. More info about Lake People, Violectric, their complete range of amplifiers and DACs and all the specifications and features can be found on their website where you can also buy directly from them.
Gear used: Violectric V100, LCD-2, T70, HE-500, HD650, DT990, NFB3
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Any idea whether one can upgrade it into full Class-A biasing?
Gret review btw.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Any idea whether one can upgrade it into full Class-A biasing?
Gret review btw.
Lieven V
Thank you Rudolfs. I honestly have no idea, sorry.
I’ll email Violectric 🙂
Lieven V
Thank you Rudolfs. I honestly have no idea, sorry.
I’ll email Violectric 🙂
Lieven V
See above, your question was answered by Violectric
Spencer Chan
how do you think it compares to Burson’s HA-160?
I also see that there is the option of adding DAC to the unit for an all in one solution, any experience with Violectric’s DAC?
Lieven V
Hi Spencer, It’s been a while since I listened to the Burson, but from what I remember the V100 is the more refined, clear and detailed one imo. The differences aren’t huge and they are both very good amps but my personal preference goes to the Violectric V100.
You can indeed add a USB dac in the Violectrics but as you can see we didn’t have it in our review sample as the goal was to review the amp part. The V800 dac from what I’ve read is excellent though.
Lieven V
Hi Spencer, It’s been a while since I listened to the Burson, but from what I remember the V100 is the more refined, clear and detailed one imo. The differences aren’t huge and they are both very good amps but my personal preference goes to the Violectric V100.
You can indeed add a USB dac in the Violectrics but as you can see we didn’t have it in our review sample as the goal was to review the amp part. The V800 dac from what I’ve read is excellent though.
Spencer Chan
how do you think it compares to Burson’s HA-160?
I also see that there is the option of adding DAC to the unit for an all in one solution, any experience with Violectric’s DAC?
Guest
How would you set this up against the Burson HA-160DS?
Lieven V
Answered below 😉
Lieven V
Answered below 😉
Guest
How would you set this up against the Burson HA-160DS?
Lieven V
I’d like to add for those wondering that the amplifier’s overall gain is +8db, so overall gain with PRE-GAIN is: -4 / +2 / +8 / +14 / +20 dB
Lieven V
I’d like to add for those wondering that the amplifier’s overall gain is +8db, so overall gain with PRE-GAIN is: -4 / +2 / +8 / +14 / +20 dB
Shahrose
First time disagreeing with you Mike. I thought the V100 wasn’t very good. I sold mine last year, after comparing it with the M^3/Sigma11 and GS-1 w/DACT. Just not transparent enough…imbued its own thick warm, smooth sound signature over everything. Also wasn’t as dynamic and punchy as the others. I guess some people enjoy that consistently coloured sound, but it wasn’t for me. I gravitated towards the wire-with-gain type amps like the GS-1, GS-X, and Dynahi.
Shahrose
Actually, to be fair, I should add that the V100 sounded better than my more transparent amps with subpar recordings. It had a very forgiving sound signature, even though it was somewhat homogenous.
Anonymous
Yea I have yet to listen to the V100 myself. Lieven is like halfway across the world from me.
Lieven V
Hi Shahrose. The good news is you still agree with Mike as I wrote the review 😉
I said it was warmish, but I like warm ( and smooth and laid back sound) . So maybe the Violectric sound just isn’t for you, I still find it a great amp.
Anonymous
Ah you suck man. 😉
Just kiding. First this is Lieven’s writing. You can check the writer’s name below the title, next to the date.
Second, what headphone? I haven’t been a big fan of AMB (B22) and Gilmore (GLite) amps lately.
WarriorAnt
I’m using the V200 with the LCD-2 and a W4S DAC-2 as a source. The V200 is also wonderful with the LCD-2. Violectric is an excellent company to deal with and Fried will answer any question you have in detail and responds very quickly.
I know this is a V100 review but the V200 is the logical continuation of the V100 and I’d recommend the V200 for the LCD-2.
12345142
Why is this review filed under the “$300-500” section? Perhaps you confused Euros with dollars?
Anyways, great review – concise and to the point, just how it should be. I’m looking forward to reading more of Lieven’s reviews.
Lieven V
Thanks! I’ve modified the Tags, mi scusi
Lieven V
I contacted Mr. Reim concerning the A/B to A class upgrade and this is what he had to say:
The amps inside V100 and V200 have been refined over years to reach the current
quite perfect state. This includes the fine adjustment of the idle currents
to work with the quite high operating voltage and very different loads from
relatively low impedances (around 15 Ohms) to high impedances (about 600 Ohms)
with lowest distortion figures. Class-A is intended to lower cross-over distortions by raising the idle current. But in case of our amps changing the idle currents to have more Class-A operation would end up in thermal stresses and at last would raise distortions.As we have lowest possible distortion figures we feel no need to do so.
The bad news is the V200 wont get to us before january, but we will be comparing both in 2012!
Anonymous
That’s very interesting to hear, since the common wisdom is Class-A is always better than Class-AB.
The good news is (from what I’ve heard), you get to keep the V100 till january. 😉 May as well start paying installment to Violectric for the V100, L! 😉
Lieven V
How else could I compare the V200 to the V100 😉
Very happy I get to borrow it some longer
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Ah, just got to read this! Interesting, to say the least. Because really, as Mike said, Class A has always been a no brainer for amps, if heatsinking permits, that is.
I guess leave it to Germans to come up with something like this.
john
Great review Lieven! I really enjoyed reading it.
I’ve got both the V200 amp and the V800 DAC, and in my opinion they are some of the best gear you can buy at each of their respective price points. You wouldn’t think that such a little box (as nice as it may look) would put out such amazing sound, but they do.
Lieven V
Hi John, thanks for the compliment. That V800 is on my “to review”- list for sure!
Great gear you have 🙂
Loevhagen
I bought the V200 some time ago on pure speculation from Lake People, and since then, some other headphone amps have been bought to benchmark them to the V200. All lost and the V200 is still here and used every day. The one that came closest to the V200 was HA-160D from Burson, but the Burson had to go.
LCD-2, HE-500, HE-300, AKG K702, HD-800 and even HE-6 all sounds amazing from the V200. HE-6 sounds better from a speaker amp, but surprisingly good just with 18.5V / 2.7W 50ohm from the V200.
If the V100 is near the V200 – The V100 is indeed good. Thanks for the review, Lieven V.
Lieven V
My pleasure. The T70 review is coming up this week, you might be interested in that one as well 🙂
Spencer Chan
Any thoughts on the V100 vs WA6? (or more specifically in my case V200 vs WA6-SE)?
Anonymous
Hi Spencer,
Don’t think we can do that comparison for you. I did the WA6 review and Lieven did the V100 review. Two different places too. 🙂
Benjamin Grundy
Great review Lieven, the Violectric amps are definitely on my radar now although I just don’t know if I could live with the case design.
The front panel looks so busy with that ridiculously huge font and the long lines around the volume control. The headphone symbol below the outputs is completely unnecessary too.
Maybe it looks better in person. In the end ears will win out over eyes though so I’m still keen to hear one 😉
Lieven V
I like the faceplate actually, doesn’t bother me one bit.
And as you say, the internals are the most important 😉
WarriorAnt
Perhaps you have been misled by the photos. The V100 and the V200 are the same size and are actually small units. Most people say the unit is smaller than they realized it would be. That being said it is hard to imagine a V100 or a V200 that is ridiculously huge. The front plate is rather small and nothing on it seems disproportional or out of place not even the headphone symbol which actually seems like a tasteful touch.
Benjamin Grundy
Maybe you misread my comment. I said the “font” was huge, not the front.
I’m still keen to see these in person, although I’d be tempted to mod the front panel to my liking 😉
Chiparus
Hello great review.
I want to buy it !!! But I have a problem may be you can help me…
I have a HD 800 and a Hifiman 602 …How can I do with the cables… For the earphone no problem but with the Hifiman or an another MP3 what kind of cable can I get …too put into the Violetric!
If you have a link … to get this cable ??
Sorry for my poor english…
All the best.
Mike
Hi,
You would need a cable that goes from your Hifiman HM-602’s line out (3.5mm jack) to an XLR jack.
Like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Stereo-design-accomodates-smartphone/dp/B004YEBK66/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323045550&sr=8-2
Chiparus
Hi,
Thanks Mike for your answer and the link.
Have a nice day.
All the best.
Sickdrummer182
Hey, do you know if the V100 or V200 can drive the HE-6 well?
Does it sound better or worse than with the RSA SR71b driving it?
Lieven V
Haven’t tried the HE-6 with the Violectric, but from what I have read it works really well
Mike
FYI the SR71B isn’t that good in driving the HE-6.
Paul
Good review. Will you review the smaller model V90?
Lieven V
No plans sorry, the V200 will be reviewed in the coming months though
Charles Tort
Hi Mike, refering to the “gear used” precision:
What do you think about the pair Audio GD NF3 + Violectric 100 ? I’m considering these to drive my Beyer T70 and T1.
Any idea? Do you have a better pair in mind for less than 1K€?
In advance, Thanks
Mike
Hi Charles, the review was done by Lieven and personally I have no experience with the V100 or the NFB-3. I think Lieven should be able to help you out.
L.
I seem to have missed this. sorry. The NFB3+V100 is my actual main rig. If you like the beyer sound then I am sure this is a great setup, me personally I prefer using a tube amp to take the edge of the bright Beyer sound, but this combination won’t disappoint you as the NFB3 is musical, a tad on the dark side and has great bass. The V100 synergy with the NFB3 is great as it partly counters these characteristics and makes it not too dark or bassy but very musical and fun. You can’t go wrong with this.
the V100 in combination with the Rein Dac gets very neutral, analytical an detailed. the fun/musical aspect is less present but the detail level is sublime!
8043350051
Will IEMs like ER4, EX1000, TF10, DBA-02 benefit from this amp? And what about when if they are recabled to balanced?
Mike
Very little. Maybe the EX1000 and the ER4 would benefit. But I’ve tried the ER4 balanced from a Beta22 and it was not impressive. I think they scale up to a certain point, then everything else from there would be a diminishing return.
Chen Sun
any plan for the V200 review?? and the potential comparison??
L.
I’m still waiting for the V200, might have more news this month
Chris Legako
How does the V100 fare with low impedance cans? I’d like to make the jump to this but I’d like to know how my modded SR325is and D5000 will react to it, among others.
L.
The only low impedance cans I’ve got are 3 orthos, and the Violectric brand does great with those as everyone knows by now.
Chen Sun
I can report that they are beautiful with my RS2i, very tamed and clean sounding.
Mike
I really need to hear the Violectric one day. 🙂
Bookaboo
I am using the v100 with my sr325 magnums and my ms pros and it is a great match. Especially if you set the pre gain to -6db.
L.
Thanks for the info!
tre54321
Quick, L, get us your review on the V200! 🙂 Should be getting mine soon too.
L.
Haven’t got it yet :p
L.
V200 has been confirmed btw 😉
Spencer Chan
Any leads on where to audition/buy the v200 in Frankfurt/Prague?
Thanks, L! =)
L.
I will check with Violectric for you
Zombie_X
Nice review! I have both the V90 and V100 coming so I can review them! I own a V200 and it’s a really good amp but has some slight issues.
My review is here: http://www.thezxdomain.com/2012/03/review-violectric-hpa-v200.html
L.
Thanks Zombie, I’ll read that for sure after I did my review so I won’t get influenced 🙂
Bookaboo
Hi lieven, what gain setting did you use for the hd650?
L.
I didn’t add any extra gain for the HD650.
L.
V200 is in my hands right now 😉
Bookaboo
c’mon Lieven, we’re waiting in anticipation for the big V100/V200 comparison
L.
I know, I’ve just been a bit (too) busy. sry
Hai Nguyen
Hey Lieven compare the v100 to the the lafigaro 339 which one you prefer for the hd 650.
I know one is tube one is ss but just want your opinion 🙂
Cheers
L.
I will be posting a full 339 review soon. For the HD650, the 339 is the better choice
Hai Nguyen
thanks I’m looking forward to that review since the poll you posted on fb 🙂 can you give some comparison with the crack,too?
Sorry btw it seem that I’m like a spoiled kid demands too many things at once 😛
L.
there is a small comparison to the crack in it, but not too big. Not giving any spolers yet 😉
Stas Ka
Some pics=)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stakatch/7963418534/in/set-72157631236637494/
Mike
Excellent photos and superb bokeh. Too bad the Vio shots are mostly from the rear side, and it would be better if you had clean up the headphone pads (use tape to pull the dust) and the amplifier.
Stas Ka
Thank you for your reply =)
P.S. All photos taken with film camera
Mike
Yea, keep us updated if you have more photos. 🙂
Rogier Schreurs
Nice Review Lieven, I’m pretty curious how it fared with the DT990
L.
Bedankt! The violectrics do really good with the DT990. I had the 600ohm version of the DT990 and it was my fav amp with this headphone. It makes the DT990 best at what it is supposed to do, and the bass and midrange was perfect.
Rogier Schreurs
Haha Nederlandstalig jongen? Alright I’m scoping the internet for some Dacmagic as the combo with the dt990 pretty much blows out everything I’ve ever listened to. I think it pairs up with the Musical Fidelity V8P quite good as well, have you ever tried that combo?
L.
Belg 😉 I haven’t tried that one yet. A lot of people prefer the NFB2/3 from Audio Gd over the Dacmagic. I did 🙂
Rogier Schreurs
Haven’t heard about that one before, site seems to be pretty badly written… anyways bought an X-can V8P yesterday, paired it up with my E17 and it’s very magical indeed. In time I hope to find a good DAC, preferably 192kHz to complete my set-up.
socks mk2
I’ve decided on buying a V100 as a standalone amp without the optional dac. I’m looking for a good usb dac to pair with it. I’ll be using the pairing with my PC exclusively. My budget is between $300-$500 for the dac. If there is something substantially better for just a little more than $500, I may consider it. A few options would be preferable. Thank you.
Headfonia_L.
Resonessance Labs!
socks mk2
The Concero HD looks sooo goood. $850/$900 new. Hmmm… if I can find a used V100 then I just might be able to afford it.
Any cheaper alternative or is the ESS Sabre chip really just that good? Burson Conductor was on my radar originally, but too expensive. Lol.
Headfonia_L.
Even the Herus is awesome!!
socks mk2
Thanks. Now to read up on Herus. ^^
Dave Ulrich
According to my Violectric guy, the G109 by the Lake People should sound identical to the V100, and I can vouch for how well that paired with the Concero HD
socks mk2
I noticed you have also reviewed the matrix mini-i pro. In terms of sound, are you able to recall how they sound different from eachother? I was looking at the mini-i pro for the potential balanced connection to the V100. RCA unbalanced is just fine as well I suppose. Price isn’t too steep for the mini-i pro and you get more inputs/outputs than either the Concero HD or Herus. If it’s been too long to recall that’s alright. Thought I’d ask just in case. Thanks in advance.
Dave Ulrich
In my Concero HP review, I do compare the sound between the two. The Concero HD (and HP) have sharper detail and better bass than the Pro. It is simply the better DAC.
socks mk2
Ah. I had missed the HP review entirely. My bad. Thanks for the reply. I think I may still go with the mini-i pro due to budget and inputs even if it’s still only mid-fi sounding. If I didn’t have speakers as well, my decision would be much easier. Still way better than my schiit modi or fiio E18. Lol.
As always I appreciate the input. Thanks.
Dave Ulrich
It is a fine unit
socks mk2
I purchased a Matrix Mini-i Pro “Plus” (Revision for 2015) and Violectric V100; I received both on Friday of last week. I’m still shocked how much better both of these are compared to my Schiit Modi and Asgard 2. Improvements in every aspect from a technical and musical standpoint. This is especially true at lower listening volumes. I’ve been caught teary-eyed listening to some of my favorite music my new gear. Money well spent. I’ll be enjoying both for a good long while until I can afford headphones and a dac in the $800+/ea range; even then I’m not sure I’ll bother right away.
Thanks for doing the reviews and replies. They helped me out a lot with regard to making a (good) decision. ^_^
Dave Ulrich
Glad you like it! It is some good sounding gear.
digitldlnkwnt
I’m using this amp with a Resonessence Herus and Alpha Dog – sounds awesome. Sound like my Herus grew a larger amp section – perfect.
Headfonia_L.
the Herus is sublime, isn’t it? The V100 is great also
digitldlnkwnt
Herus is seriously worth it’s weight in gold and the v100 is powerful and transparent. I’ve used my HD600 with it and listed to AC/DC Back and Black and it’s amazing. I’ll also try using my DX90 with it next.
Johan
I’m looking for a n amp for my Sony Z7. Since Sony is not popular with audiophiles, I think I need to explain how it sounds so you may come up with some suggestions for me. Since my Grados practically drove me deaf, I went for the darkest headphones that I could find when I decided to get rid of my Grados. Its sound is very powerful with thick base and laid back mids. I though amps that you suggested for HD650 or LCD2 might be good for my headphone too but there are amps that you really like but I don’t think they would be good matches for my Sony (like Crack or LaFigaro). In general, I think I should avoid amps which add more to the lower end since they might make the sound too thick. What do you think about pairing amps like V100 or A20 with dark bassy headphones like mine?
Thanks
Lieven
The A20 would be too dark. the V100 is the most neutral of the Violectric line but honestly I would go for the EL AMP or the O2
JOHAN
Thank you very much for the quick reply. What do you think about Herus since I want to get a DAC to retire my sound card? Wouldn’t it be a good match for my headphone?
Cheers
Lieven
Actually I was about to add the Hers. Excellent
JOHAN
Thanks
BJ
Thanks for this review, how’s the pairing of Mojo + V181 + Senn hd600?
BJ
My bad, I mean V100 (not V181) typo