1 Topic by vuther (edited by vuther 2024-06-10 00:26:03)

  • Registered: 2020-10-15
  • Posts: 9

Topic: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

Hello! I was curious what the best settings I should use with RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281. Currently, I have the ADI-2 set to +13dBu ref level and -11 dBr volume with the v281 using -6 preamp for better volume control. I am also using EQ with the ADI-2 as well.

You can find the technical data of this amplifier here on page 30: https://drive.usercontent.google.com/do … authuser=0

It all sounds great, but I was curious if I should be doing anything better for best performance.

Thanks in advance!

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-06-10 01:32:39)

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

Compare ADI-2 and Violectric AT EXACT SAME LISTENING LEVEL.

Then, after finding out there is no sound difference, sell Violectric. smile



Other:
If in doubt, switch on ADI-2’s Auto Ref Level and set the Volume in the range between -20 and 0 dBr for best signal quality.
Specially when using EQ this is the best option, letting ADI-2 optimize the reference level.

On Violectric the volume should about be in the range around 14 o’clock position for normal listening.
Set the DIP switches’ gain to basically get a comfortable volume.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2020-10-15
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

Hi KaiS - thanks. Your recommendation is basically what I did to get the settings in my original post.

As for the sound comparison between the two, I can assure you there is sound quality improvement going from ADI-2 to v281. One of the biggest accomplishments of the v281 is the tube-like sound it produces. I can attest to that from the songs I listened to since those all have a slightly warmer tone. Treble isn't as sparkly and when the volume is turned up high is when you really start to see the v281 start to get ahead quite a bit. From my perspective, the sound with v281 just keeps its composure better and doesn't sound harsh that I experienced with the ADI-2.

As always, sound is very subjective so you may not like a warmer sound signature, but I can appreciate it. Is the sound improvement worth $2,700? Nope, but the overall enjoyment I get from having it on my desk is smile

  • Registered: 2023-06-30
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

vuther wrote:

there is sound quality improvement going from ADI-2 to v281. <...> the tube-like sound it produces.

:facepalm.jpg:

I can attest to that from the songs I listened to since those all have a slightly warmer tone. Treble isn't as sparkly and when the volume is turned up high is when you really start to see the v281 start to get ahead quite a bit. From my perspective, the sound with v281 just keeps its composure better and doesn't sound harsh that I experienced with the ADI-2.

:facepalm.jpg:
:facepalm.jpg:
:facepalm.jpg:

Has this forum got overtaken by SBAF or something?

Fireface UCX II + ARC USB > ADI-2 Pro FS R BE > Neumann KH 750 DSP + MA 1 > KH 120 A
  • Registered: 2020-10-15
  • Posts: 9

Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

unpluggged wrote:
vuther wrote:

there is sound quality improvement going from ADI-2 to v281. <...> the tube-like sound it produces.

:facepalm.jpg:

I can attest to that from the songs I listened to since those all have a slightly warmer tone. Treble isn't as sparkly and when the volume is turned up high is when you really start to see the v281 start to get ahead quite a bit. From my perspective, the sound with v281 just keeps its composure better and doesn't sound harsh that I experienced with the ADI-2.

:facepalm.jpg:
:facepalm.jpg:
:facepalm.jpg:

Has this forum got overtaken by SBAF or something?

Before submitting a post that holds no value, maybe you should do a little research on the v281. It is known to lean to the warmer side and NUMEROUS people report that. It was so popular that users got Lake People (parent company of Violectric) to make a reissue/limited edition of it: https://power-holdings-inc.com/Violectr … p585718067

ADI-2 has a great amp, but of course there's always something better. I don't know why that's hard to understand.

6 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-06-10 08:42:05)

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

A lot of perceived sound differences are just level differences, or pure imagination.

I have done so many A/Bs of amps and electronics, that I bet everything that on a true level matched blind A/B comparison the sound difference will end in smoke.

And “audiophile” internet sources aren’t good to gather valid information.

But I don’t have a Violectric to proof this, so…

KaiS's Website

7 Reply by vuther (edited by vuther 2024-06-10 08:56:41)

  • Registered: 2020-10-15
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

KaiS wrote:

A lot of perceived sound differences are just level differences, or pure imagination.

I have done so many A/Bs of amps and electronics, that I bet everything that on a true level matched blind A/B comparison the sound difference will end in smoke.

And “audiophile” internet sources aren’t good to gather valid information.

But I don’t have a Violectric to proof this, so…

I know there's a lot of diminishing returns at a certain price point, but if that is true, then I guess that means those amplifiers are all snake oil? Are all the reviewers just misleading their audiences?

  • Registered: 2023-06-30
  • Posts: 161

Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

vuther wrote:

Are all the reviewers just misleading their audiences?

This is not the right place for such a discussion.

Fireface UCX II + ARC USB > ADI-2 Pro FS R BE > Neumann KH 750 DSP + MA 1 > KH 120 A
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

unpluggged wrote:
vuther wrote:

Are all the reviewers just misleading their audiences?

This is not the right place for such a discussion.

Sure, but my point still stands. Anyway, I didn't come to this forum to be ridiculed for wanting to pair a high end amp with my ADI-2. I'm sure I'm not the first, and I won't be the last. Maybe next time be a bit more understanding, or not and just be an ass. Whatever works.

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

vuther wrote:
unpluggged wrote:
vuther wrote:

Are all the reviewers just misleading their audiences?

This is not the right place for such a discussion.

Sure, but my point still stands. Anyway, I didn't come to this forum to be ridiculed for wanting to pair a high end amp with my ADI-2. I'm sure I'm not the first, and I won't be the last. Maybe next time be a bit more understanding, or not and just be an ass. Whatever works.

Nothing bad intended.
If you like what Violectric does, go for it.

I just wanted to suggest to give ADI-2 a fair run in a comparison.

KaiS's Website

  • ezwal
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

I have a V200 from years ago and just got an ADI-2/4.  I have not doubt the ADI-2 is just as good (if not better than) the V200, but I like using the V200, so I hooked the two up.

I currently have the ADI output set to Low Power and the V200 set at zero gain.  Knob on the V200 is up about 75-80%.  I would guess that it's more optimal to drop the gain on the V200 and use a hotter output from the ADI.  But the current setting puts the comfortable ADI volume range in the same place for both the ADI's headphone amp and the V200.

No clue if this is ideal but I'm enjoying it!  I wanted to get the new V222, but my headphones are not hard to drive and don't really need the power a balanced output delivers, so decided to put the money towards the ADI-2/4 instead.

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS + Violectric v281

Not much to say other than: good decision!

Check out ADI-2’s “Auto Ref Level”- function that always sets the optimum reference level for every situation.

If you have V200 on Rear 1/2, and on ADI-2 use PH 3/4 for direct phones connection, you’re even more flexible.

KaiS's Website