This is not a review but a guide to the Violectric legacy products and their current lineup.
I have so far written two reviews of Violectric amplifiers, the V200 and the V281. Although they are discontinued they are indeed still relevant. As you will see, Violectric stays true to the original V200/220/280/281 design principles and technology.
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THE VIOLECTRIC BRAND
Violectric saw the day of light in 2009 and is a sub-brand of Lake People which is a professional audio equipment producer. Lake People and Violectric are both creations of chief engineer and CEO Fried Reim, who still is running the company. They also operate the “Niimbus” brand which is a sub-brand of Violectric and currently only represented by a single super high-end headphone amp (US5 and US5 PRO)
Lake People was established in 1986. It is based in Constance, Germany, and all development and production is done there. The name Lake People is inspired by the nearby Lake Constance.
THE VIOLECTRIC AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY
The Violectric V200 (launched in 2009) was an advancement of the almost identical-looking Violectric V100, which in turn was based on the Lake People G100 professional headphone amplifier.
Both V100 and V200 are relying on transistors to power the headphones. They do use op-amps, but they are not “op-amp-based” amps. Op-amp based amps use the op-amps to provide the power to the headphones. The V100 and V200 are discrete designs using power transistors to provide the output power. They do however use op-amps in different stages to control voltages and also a pair on the input and outputs for gain.
The main difference between the V100 and V200 is that V100 uses only 4 transistors for the power stage in a quite “regular“ arrangement, while V200 uses 8 transistors per channel in a much more sophisticated circuitry. It is a discrete design manufactured with THT methods (more on that later).
The V100 circuit was used in the balanced HPA V181. However, it was the V200 8-transistor amplifier circuit that would continue living on and now it is part of every Violectric headphone amplifier, albeit with some minor alterations.
THE V200 TECHNOLOGY
All current Violectric amps are based on the circuitry developed for the V200. CEO and chief designer Fried Reim says they now call it the “V200 technology“.
Here is what he had to say about the V200 amplifier module at launch: “V200 incorporates a very sophisticated transistorized amp with 8 transistors per channel. The roots of this design go back to the late 70s with the Nakamichi Series 600 power amp. This was one of the first amps with stable idle current so no idle adjustment was necessary. Also, they claimed a damping factor of 1000 which was sensational for the time. It was fast, reliable, and stable under any circumstances.
The amp modules of the V200 are powered by a toroidal transformer with 60 V (+/- 30 V) secondary voltage. This is about double as much as can be found in most competitors’ amps. So a high output voltage swing is enabled, which is necessary for high impedance cans.”
All the first generation (pre 2020) amp circuits were built with discrete THT components. THT (through hole technology) involves inserting leads of components into drilled holes in the PCB and soldering them onto the board. To ease the production process, the amp section is now built as a SMD module which is soldered to the PCB. SMD means ‘surface mounted device’. These are pre-made modules that are soldered on the surface of the PCB, making it a more compact design.
The implementation of the SMD modules rather than THT circuits made way for a whole new range of models with a different form factor. The new models started launching in 2020.
According to Fried Reim, the differences between the old THT circuits and the new SMD modules circuits are only marginal and the sound of both is only “a fraction apart, just a bit more clear and open in favour of the SMD circuitry“. Some listeners claim that the “tube sound“ is missing, but according to Fried Reim, nothing significant has changed except that there is even less distortion than before.
CURRENT LIMITING CIRCUITS
All Violectric amps have current-limiting circuits as an important part of their internal design. This makes it possible to safely have a very low output impedance. You can see the current limitation on the power figures which go down after 50 or 100 ohm loads.
With no current limitation, the amps/power supply would be damaged with impedances lower than 50 or 100 Ohm.
The alternative is using resistors for current limitation – resulting in much higher output impedances. Lower output impedance is not the only advantage of the Violectric current-limiting circuitry: Due to the current-limiting circuits, Violectric amps are short-circuit proof under nearly all circumstances.
BALANCED OR UNBALANCED
An unbalanced headphone amplifier has common ground for each channel (left and right) and thus shares the amplifier section. A balanced amplifier, on the other hand, has separate ground for each channel and thus needs a separate amplifier circuit for each channel. In other words, a balanced amp needs two amplifier circuits. This goes for all Violectric amps as well.
As a result of this, all balanced V200 amp circuit-based amps have two V200 amp 8-transistor circuits/modules – one for each channel. As you will see in the specifications, the amps still have different power outputs. This is because bigger power supplies give more power output. Better power supplies also usually give cleaner audio.
LAUNCH YEARS OF VIOLECTRIC PRODUCTS
LAUNCH YEARS GENERATION 1
- HPA V100 launched 2009
- HPA V200 launched 2009
- HPA V90 launched 2010
- HPA V181 launched 2011
- HPA V220 launched 2014
- HPA V281 launched 2014
- HPA V280 launched 2016
Non-Amplifier Products:
- DAC V800 launched 2011
- DAC V850 launched 2016
- PPA V630 launched 2013 Phono Stage
- PPA V600 launched 2013 Preamp
LAUNCH YEARS GENERATION 2
- HPA V380 launched 2020
- HPA V590 launched 2020
- HPA V340 launched 2021
- HPA V380.2 launched 2021
- HPA V590.2 launched 2021
- HPA V550 launched in 2021
- HPA V202 launched 2022
- HPA V222 launched 2022
- HPA V226 launched 2022
Non-amplifier products:
- PPA V790 Phono Stage launched 2021
VIOLECTRIC AMPLIFIERS WITH V200 TECHNOLOGY
As mentioned, the Violectric V200 was the successor of the almost identical looking Violectric V100, which in turn was based on the Lake People G100 professional headphone amplifier. The Violectric V90 was a compact entry-level option based on Lake People amps.
However, it was the V200 that broke new ground and its amplifier circuit has proven to be a stayer and is now inside every Violectric amp.
THE CLASSICS – GENERATION 1
- V200 – The original. The first amp with the discrete 8-transistor THT amplifier circuit that was to bear its name. Output power in 50 ohms: 2.7 W
- V220 – This is basically a V200 with a bigger PSU and thus more power. The chassis is the same width but the height of the two stacked V200s. It is also deeper. The chassis is the same size as the V281. Output power in 50 ohms: 2.7 W (this is the same as V200 but the V220 has higher output than the V200 at other impedances)
- V281 – This is the first balanced amp with the V200 THT amplifier circuits. A much more powerful version of the V200, It is basically a dual mono V200 with a huge PSU and some upgrades. It thus has two V200 8-transistor amplifier circuits. The chassis is the same as the V220. Output power in 50 ohms: 4.2 W.
- V280 – This is also balanced and basically a scaled-down V281 in a V200-like chassis that is as deep as the V220/281. It has two V200 8-transistor amplifier circuits. It has two power supplies, but not as powerful as the V281. Output power in 50 ohms: 3.1W
- V200 AE – There was a 10th-anniversary edition of the V200 released in 2019. This version is still in stock a few places. In 2022, the successor to the V200, called the HPA V202, was launched.
GENERATION 2 – AS OF 2023
Violectric’s new amplifier lineup has internals that build heavily on the V200 generation, especially in that they (as mentioned several times) are using one or more of the SMD-circuit versions of the V200 amp module – in various configurations and with different PSUs. The chassis are of course new, with better functionality. They are in two sizes. The small 17 cm wide V202/222/226 (same width as the V200) and the bigger V340/380/550/590 which are 29 cm wide.
SMALL CHASSIS – 17 cm wide
- V202 – This new iteration of the V200 was launched in 2022. It’s built around the V200 SMD amplifier module, which as mentioned is essentially the same amplifier circuit as the one in the original. This is a tweaked V200, put into a more compact chassis with upgraded functionality. It has one (unbalanced) Pentaconn and one 6.35 mm jack output. There’s also an input switch, something the V200 lacks. The specifications are very similar. Power output at 50 ohms is 2.7W
- V222 – The balanced V202: While the V202, the true successor of the V200, carries only one of the V200 CMD amplifier modules, the balanced V222 and V226 have two of these modules. The V222 is thus in many ways the newer and smaller version of the balanced V280, although less powerful due to a smaller power supply. The V222 has the same compact chassis as the V202 and comes with one Pentaconn, a 4-pin XLR one 6.35 mm jack output and an input selector. Due to the compact size, it has only one toroidal transformer, not two as the V280. As mentioned, this results in less output power than the V280. Power output at 50 ohms is 2.8W.
- V226 – The exact same amplifier as the V222 but with a digital input instead of the balanced inputs.
LARGE CHASSIS – 29 cm wide
- V340 – Basically a scaled-up V222 or rather a less pricey V550 in the same chassis. It has two V200 CMA amp modules, a bigger PSU than the V222 but smaller than the V550. No balanced input, and no remote control. Significantly more powerful than the V222 but less powerful than the V550. Power output at 50 ohms is 5W.
- V380 – V340 with a DAC
- V550 – This is the “true successor” of the V281. As with the other balanced amps, it has two V200 CMA amp modules. It has the biggest power supply, resulting in more output power. There is a remote control and balanced inputs. Power output at 50 ohms is 6.4W, even more than the V281.
- V550 PRO – This is a V550 with a 256-step volume control.
- V590 – This is a V550 with a DAC
V281 REISSUE
Even though the new models are true to and even technically speaking improvements over the original designs and thus sound very similar, many enthusiasts find that they sound more clean and “technical”. Some find they lack some of the charm and smoothness of the older models. This “charm” is probably a little dose of distortion but as audio enthusiasts have come to know – a little dose of distortion can be very appealing, as long as it is good-sounding distortion.
There’s another factor that might be in play. Here is Arthur Power of Power Holdings, the US dealer who has arranged for the reissue:
“The previous generation focused the majority of its power output at 100 ohms since most top headphones at that time were high impedance designs. The current generation (with the exception of the V202 and V222) were tweaked to output the majority of their power at 50 ohms since most current flagship headphones are now lower impedance. Obviously this makes sense. However, low impedance headphones are usually more efficient and really don’t need a lot more power (there are still a few exceptions though like the Abyss 1266 and the HiFiman Susvara). The V202 and V222 brought back the original tuning (max power focused at 100 ohms) and with it a little more of that tube like sound. Although customers claim it still doesn’t quite sound like the original designs. Perhaps the use of SMD parts has reduced distortion with shorter signal paths and better measuring components. In any case, all generations of these amplifiers are fantastic and will no doubt live on for many years. The V281 reissue fully recaptures the original balanced design based on the V200 technology that is still preferred by some customers.”
Whatever it is, the older models have something about them that has an appeal. This has resulted in requests for more V281, and Violectric has listened. The North American dealer Power Holdings has arranged for 100 units of a new V281, only available through them so far.
The new V281 will come with upgraded externals, but the old-style V200 THT power amp circuits and other internals in place to ensure an identical sound.
NIIMBUS
Niimbus is a separate brand, heavily based on the technology of Violectric designs, thus it sometimes is called “Niimbus by Violectric”. I remember having a nice email exchange with Fried Reim in 2017 asking about whether there would be a V282. Then he enthusiastically started telling me about this new amplifier with a design inspired by the renowned industrial designer Dieter Rahms who did lots of work for Braun Audio Electronics back in the day. The core principles in the amplification circuits would be based on the Violectric amps but all components would be optimized and top-grade. The result was the NIIMBUS brand series. Like Violectric, it’s a sub-brand of Lake People. It’s very expensive and aiming for the ultimate high-end. The first amps were released in late 2018:
LEGACY AMPLIFIERS
- HPA US4 Minimalistic headphone amplifier
- HPA US4+ An US4 with preamp capabilities like input and output selector, remote control and preamp outputs and a relay volume control.
CURRENT AMPLIFIERS
- HPA US5 – The US5 adds the 4.4mm Pentaconn connector along with every other feature from the US4+ Plus model except for the relay volume option.
- HPA US5 PRO – The only difference between the US5 and US5 Pro is the addition of a 256-step relay volume control (found on the 4+ version.
NIIMBUS DAC
Prototypes where made but the DACs were never put in production.
- DAC US8 is a DAC
- DAC US8+ is a US8 DAC with analogue preamp capabilities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Violectric certainly has made some great products – and still are. I hope this article has been an interesting read for other Violectric enthusiasts. I certainly learned a lot doing the research. Happy listening!
Feel free to check out Violectric on Amazon here
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SELECTED VIOLECTRIC AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS
VIOLECTRIC AMPLIFIER DIMENSIONS
LOW CHASSIS, CLASSIC
Violectric V200 dimensions
- Width x Height x Depth
- Case: 170 x 49 x 225 mm
- Height with feet: 55mm
LOW AND DEEP CHASSIS, CLASSIC
Violectric V280 dimensions
- Width x Height x Depth
- 170 x 49 x 320 mm
- Height with feet 55mm
HIGH AND DEEP CHASSIS, CLASSIC
Violectric V220 dimensions
Violectric V281 dimensions
- Width x Height x Depth
- Case: 170 x 112 x 320 mm
- Height with feet 112 mm
NEW GENERATION SMALL CHASSIS
Violectric V202 dimensions
Violectric V222 dimensions
Violectric V226 dimensions
- Width x Height x Depth
- Case: 170 x 54 x 228 mm
- Overall:170 x 65 x 252 mm
NEW GENERATION LARGE CHASSIS
Violectric V340 dimensions
Violectric V380 dimensions
Violectric V550 dimensions
Violectric V590 dimensions
- Width x Height x Depth
- Case: 290 x 80 x 250 mm
- Overall: 290 x 90 x 282 mm
POWER OUTPUT OF VIOLECTRIC V200 TECHNOLOGY AMPLIFIERS
Power output levels measured at 1kHz / < 0.1% THD+N with both channels driven:
CLASSIC / FIRST GENERATION
Violectric V200 power output
- RL / Ua (dBu) / Ua (V) / Pa (mW)
- 600 Ohm / 27,6 dB / 18,5 V / 570 mW
- 100 Ohm / 25,6 dB / 14,8 V / 2200 mW
- 50 Ohm / 23,5 dB / 11,6 V / 2700 mW
- 32 Ohm / 20,3 dB / 8,0 V / 2000 mW
- 16 Ohm / 14,3 dB / 4,0 V / 1000 mW
Violectric V220 power output
- RL / Ua(dBu) / Ua(V) / Pa(mW)
- 600 Ohm / 28.2 dB / 20 V / 670 mW
- 100 Ohm / 27.1 dB / 17.5 V / 3050 mW
- 50 Ohm / 23.5 dB / 11.6 V / 2700 mW
- 32 Ohm / 21.7 dB / 9.5 V / 2800 mW
- 16 Ohm / 16 dB / 4.9 V / 1500 mW
Violectric V281 power output
- RL / Ua(dBu) / Ua (V) / Pa (mW)
- 600 ohm / 34,3 dB / 40,2 V / 2700 mW
- 100 Ohm / 29,7 dB / 23,7 V / 5600 mW
- 50 Ohm / 25,4 dB / 14,5 V / 4200 mW
- 32 Ohm / 21,7 dB / 9,5 V / 2800 mW
- 16 Ohm / 16,0 dB / 4,9 V / 1500 mW
Violectric V280 power output
- RL (Ohm) / PL (mW) / UA (V) / UA (dB)
- 600 Ohm / 1800 mW / 32.9 V / 32.6 dB
- 300 Ohm / 2650 mW / 28,2 V / 31,2 dB
- 100 Ohm / 5300 mW / 23,0 V / 29,4 dB
- 50 Ohm / 3100 mW / 12,4 V / 24,0 dB
- 32 Ohm / 2600 mW / 9,1 V / 21,4 dB
- 16 Ohm / 1500 mW / 4,9 V / 16,0 dB
NEW / SECOND GENERATION
Violectric V202 power output
- RL (Ohm) / PL (mW) / UA (V) / UA (dB)
- 600 Ohm / 570 mW /18,5 V / 27,5 dB
- 300 Ohm / 930 mW / 16,7 V / 26,7 dB
- 100 Ohm / 2200 mW / 14,8 V / 25,6 dB
- 50 Ohm / 2700 mW / 11,6 V / 23,5 dB
- 32 Ohm / 1700 mW / 8,0 V / 20,3 dB
- 16 Ohm / 1500 mW 4,0 V / 14,2 dB
Violectric V222 and V226 power output
- RL (Ohm) / PL (mW) / UA (V) / UA (dB)
- 600 ohm / 900 mW / 23,2 V / 29,5 dB
- 300 ohm / 1800 mW / 23,2 V / 29,5 dB
- 100 ohm / 3500 mW / 18,7 V /27,6 dB
- 50 ohm / 2800 mW / 11,8 V / 23,5 dB
- 32 ohm / 2200 mW / 8,4 V / 20,7 dB
- 16 ohm / 1500 mW / 4,9 V / 16,0 dB
Violectric V340 and V380 power output
- RL (Ohm) / PL (mW) / UA (V) / UA (dB)
- 600 Ohm / 740 mW / 21,1 V /28,7 dB
- 300 Ohm / 1450 mW / 20,9 V /28,6 dB
- 100 Ohm / 4150 mW / 20,4 V /28,4 dB
- 50 Ohm / 5000 mW / 15,8 V / 26,2 dB
- 32 Ohm / 4400 mW / 11,9 V / 23,7 dB
- 16 Ohm / 2500 mW / 6,3 V / 18,2 dB
Violectric V550 and V590 power output
- RL (Ohm) / PL (mW) / UA (V) / UA (dB)
- 600 Ohm / 740 mW / 21,1 V / 28,7 dB
- 300 Ohm / 1450 mW / 20,9 V / 28,6 dB
- 100 Ohm / 4300 mW / 20,7 V /28,5 dB
- 50 Ohm / 6400 mW / 16,6 V /26,6 dB
- 32 Ohm / 4000 mW / 11,3 V /23,3 dB
- 16 Ohm / 2000 mW / 5,7 V /17,3 dB
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