Violectric HPA V324 Headphone Amplifier
The only amplifier a discerning headphone lover will ever need…
Origin
Violectric is the consumer-facing arm of highly respected pro-audio electronics manufacturer Lake People, producing a range of analogue headphone amps and DAC/amps from the company’s HQ in the Lake Constance region of Germany.
With prices starting at £700 and extending to over £5000, Violectric devices are a statement of top-class head-fi engineering, inside and out – designed without compromise and built to last.
The HPA V324 is Violectric’s latest pure-analogue headphone amp, a reference-level desk or tabletop device with a 17x25cm footprint. While smaller headphone amps exist, none deliver the consummate quality of the V324; this is a compact amp with gargantuan ability.
Technical summary
The HPA V324 features a ‘true balanced’, fully differential circuit topology, incorporating four distinct amp stages – two for the left channel and two for the right. This ensures both channels are fully separated with their own dedicated amp circuitry and each channel benefits from two separate signals of equal level but opposite polarity (positive and negative), cancelling out noise in the signal path.
This high-end, zero-compromise design utilises first-rate components fed by sophisticated power supply circuitry including an ultra-low-noise 25W toroidal transformer, banishing noise and distortion from the audio signal whilst delivering exemplary power and precision.
As well as a headphone amp, the V324 can be used as a high-performance preamplifier to connect to a power amp and speakers (or to a pair of active/powered speakers). The benefits of the amp’s ‘true balanced’ design also extend to this mode; the amp’s output can be switched between headphones, preamplifier, or both simultaneously.
Power
The HPA V324 delivers prodigious power to drive all manner of headphones – up to 5000mW into 50 ohms, with voltage of over 21V into a 600-ohm load – making it one of the most powerful headphone amps available. (See the attached PDF for details of output into different impedance loads.)
The amp’s high output power and voltage, low output impedance and high damping factor ensure excellent control of even the most demanding headphones – ideal for high-impedance designs requiring high output voltage swings, whilst delivering ample current for superior performance with low-impedance headphones. Noise-free sound is assured with even the most sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), thanks to minimal internal gain.
Multiple protective circuits shield connected headphones from unwanted transients when powering on/off, as well as DC voltage, excessive operating temperature and overload. A front-panel LED signals any triggered protection status.
Connectivity
The HPA V324 has three headphone outputs at the front: balanced four-pin XLR (Neutrik), balanced 4.4mm (Pentaconn) and single-ended 6.35mm.
XLR (balanced) and RCA (single-ended) inputs for a DAC or analogue source are around the back, as are XLR and RCA outputs to connect a power amp or active speakers. The volume control can be bypassed to provide a fixed-level line output if required.
Build and controls
The HPA V324 is built to last for decades, inside and out. Its enclosure is fashioned from 3mm- and 4mm-thick black anodised aluminium, with a 6mm-thick laser-engraved front panel.
A pair of VU meters display the input signal level for each channel – true to the amp’s analogue pedigree, these are classic coil instruments with adjustable backlighting. The VU meters’ sensitivity can be calibrated via DIP switches on the rear panel.
All controls are entirely analogue, operating via tactile switches and dials. A high-quality Alps RK27 potentiometer controls volume, motorised to enable the use of IR remote controls (these can be paired with the amp via a button at the back).
A front-mounted, six-step pre-gain control utilising Violectric’s patented circuit provides adjustment of the input signal level before it reaches the volume control. This enables source output level matching and tailors the action of the volume control to suit the connected headphones – for example, set pre-gain low for sensitive IEMs or higher for over-ear dynamic driver and planar headphone types – thus optimising sound quality and listening comfort.
As with all Violectric products, the V324 is designed, built and tested at the company’s Lake Constance HQ and its production facility in Gauting, Germany. Rigorous quality control and the use of premium components ensure exceptional performance, longevity and reliability.
Sound quality
The HPA V324 delivers class-leading transparency and clarity, without sounding the least bit dry and clinical.
It presents a soundstage that is deep and broad, conveying instruments and voices with timbral realism that is utterly convincing. Its sound is fast and nimble, with arresting snap and attack when the music requires it, coupled to captivating weight and scale, and just the right amount of tonal warmth to please one’s ears without masking fine detail.
Whichever headphones you connect it to, this amp will unlock their full capabilities – it’s the only amplifier a discerning headphone lover will ever need.
Price and availability
Brought to the UK by Violectric distributor Electromod, the new HPA V324 is now available in limited quantities from selected retailers, at an RRP of £2,240 inc VAT.
Web - https://www.electromod.co.uk/
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