HPA V550 is a balanced headphone amplifier with a preamplifier function. The amplifier is designed to work with various types of headphones, including difficult-to-drive ones, and provides an impressive 6400 mW.
Features:
- Extremely low noise level
- Increased internal voltage for easy driving of high-impedance headphones
- High damping factor
- 4 powerful amplifiers
- Motorized volume control on a relay with 256 steps
- High-quality operational amplifiers
- 0.1% high-precision resistors
- The power supply has a toroidal transformer and a total capacity of 35,000 µF
- Output power: 21 V RMS (600 Ohm), 6400 mW (50 Ohm)
High output power
Thanks to the innovative technologies used in the Violectric amplifier, it has become the winner of numerous tests among headphone amplifiers. The amplifier in the HPA V550 was designed to provide maximum sound quality for headphones with any impedance. Thanks to technology optimized specifically for dynamic headphones, it was possible to minimize circuit noise and achieve low levels of distortion to meet the high demands of Hi-End.
The internal circuitry operates with low sensitivity, providing minimal internal circuit noise that is practically imperceptible to the ear during playback. The internal circuit voltage level is increased to 50 volts, making the amplifier an ideal partner for headphones with high impedance levels. Over 90 percent of amplifiers on the market operate with an internal voltage that is more than half that of the HPA V550. This model features a discrete, separate amplification circuit with eight transistors per channel.
The Violectric HPA V550 has exceptional versatility. The analog inputs consist of two unbalanced RCA stereo inputs and a balanced XLR input. The analog outputs are divided into balanced and unbalanced connectors. On the front panel, there is a balanced XLR connector and a dual 6.3mm connector for headphones.
The HPA V550 has balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs with adjustable levels (preamp outputs) that can be used simultaneously. The output gain can be adjusted in several steps, and the RCA outputs can also be configured as fixed level outputs (FixOut). There are three unbalanced line inputs (RCA) available.
Motorized volume control
The volume is adjusted using an RK 27 potentiometer (Made in Japan), allowing for channel balance adjustment and providing clean sound with minimal crosstalk. The built-in noise-free power supply utilizes a design with a toroidal transformer and capacitors with a high capacity of 35000 pF.
Special preamplifier function
As a special feature for the unbalanced output (RCA), "pre fader" or "post fader" can be selected. "Post fader" means that the volume control affects the level of the output signal. "Pre fader" means that the buffered input signal is sent unchanged to the unbalanced output (RCA). This setting can be useful when the unbalanced output (RCA) is connected to a device with its own volume control, such as a headphone amplifier.
After selecting the input through a special controller, the signal is sent to a buffer amplifier to achieve a low impedance state. Then the signal is directed to the volume control, followed by another buffer amplifier. Finally, the signal reaches the output operational amplifiers, which can be set to different output levels using internal mini switches.
Depending on the type of headphones, the level adjustment can be done using the pre-amplification switches on the rear panel of the amplifier.
German quality
The exemplary level of assembly ensures superior sound quality. With a multitude of connection options and commutation, the HPA V550 is the perfect central control element in a complex home audio system.
To meet the high standards of Hi-End, Violectric consistently pays great attention to the selection and processing of components. The signal passes through an Alps RK27 volume control with eight transistors for the unbalanced headphone amplifier channels and 16 transistors for the balanced channel.
Additional circuits protect the devices from DC, overload, or overvoltage, and delay the power-on process to protect the headphones. All components are carefully hand-assembled and installed in a slim case made of black anodized aluminum with a one-millimeter thick front panel.
Package includes:
- amplifier
- remote control
- power cable
- documentation