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Violectric HPA V222
The balanced headphone amplifier for demanding headphones
The Violectric HPA V222 has a fully balanced output stage with four output stage circuits. This allows it to drive balanced wired headphones with perfect electronic signal separation. It has both a balanced 4-pin XLR socket and a 4.4 mm Pentaconn on the front. An additional 6.3 mm jack output drives classic headphones asymmetrically.
Inputs & outputs
Inputs analog, stereo:-> 1x RCA unbalanced
-> 1x XLR female, balanced
+++ Inputs switchable to front with switch +++
Outputs headphones:
-> 1x jack 6.3 mm, unbalanced
-> 1x XLR 4-pin, female, balanced
-> 1x Pentaconn 4.4 mm, balanced
Convenient switching between sources
The Violectric HPA V222 is equipped with 2 stereo inputs - balanced via XLR and unbalanced via RCA - on the rear of the device. This allows you to connect 2 independent playback devices such as streamers, CD players, etc. directly to the headphone amplifier and use it as a preamplifier.
Balanced headphone output
When listening to music via loudspeakers, you are part of the auditorium. When listening via “normal” headphones, you take the place of the conductor. When listening with “balanced” headphones, you are part of the orchestra.
If headphones are operated symmetrically, the channel separation is increased even further. Balanced headphones usually have a 4-pin XLR connection or a Pentaconn plug.
True balanced operation requires a great deal of effort in the form of four built-in power amplifiers.
PRE-GAIN
7-way adjustable amplification for optimum adaptation to all sources and headphones (Backside, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, +18 dB).
The headphone amplifier is positioned between the music source and the headphones. The source can have different levels of power and the headphones can have different levels of sensitivity.
The Violectric PRE-GAIN serves to compensate for these differences and to optimize the headphone amplifier for every conceivable combination. This results in minimal noise, the lowest distortion factor and the best channel balance.
Superior sound reproduction
The Violectric DHA V222 has been carefully engineered to maintain fidelity in its purest form. The advanced audio technology ensures high-resolution and distortion-free sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
Whether you want to explore subtle nuances in your music or create precise mixes, this headphone amplifier allows you to hear every detail clearly.
Violectric's unique technology
- Lowest Noise - through very low internal gain. This makes the amplifier's own noise inaudible.
- High output voltage - due to an internal 50 volt operating voltage. Therefore ideally suited for high-impedance headphones.
- High output power - thanks to powerful amplifiers that can deliver far more power than even the most demanding headphones require. Therefore ideally suited for headphones with low impedances and magnetostats.
- High damping factor - due to the lowest output impedance. Therefore ideally suited to drive even the most difficult headphones without interference. The advantage for an uncompromising frequency response.
Violectric - The brand for music lovers
- Violectric brings decades of expertise and the uncompromising quality standards of professional Lake People products to the world of hi-fi - with passion! Music lovers all over the world rave about the seamless integration into their systems: from a convenient and versatile input section to precisely adjustable gain control and digital interfaces with first-class converter technology at broadcast level - no wish remains unfulfilled here.
- The entire Violectric portfolio impresses with intuitive operability that is otherwise only known from professional audio technology. And there are no compromises when it comes to quality: Every single component is carefully selected to guarantee maximum sound fidelity.
- However, Violectric not only stands for outstanding technology, but also for timeless elegance. The products are integrated into an elegant, high-quality housing and fit perfectly into any sophisticated hi-fi setup. For audiophile perfectionists who don't want to compromise, the Niimbus series offers the ultimate - both visually and technically at the very highest level.
Features
- balanced inputs via gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets
- unbalanced inputs via gold-plated RCA sockets
- PRE-GAIN: amplification can be adjusted in 7 stages on the back
- Powerful balanced stereo amplifier (4 output stages)
- Compact and extremely robust aluminum housing
- Made in Germany
Dealers selling Violectric near you
Violectric HPA V222 — compact, powerful desktop amp
Compact yet authoritative, the Violectric HPA V222 is a high-dynamics, true-balanced desktop headphone amplifier built for listeners who want power and control. Reviewers including Paul Rigby of The Audiophile Man praise its ability to drive a wide range of headphones, revealing weighty, impactful bass and strong transient punch while preserving a low noise floor. The HPA V222's feature set — balanced XLR, 4-pin XLR and Pentaconn outputs, ALPS RK27 pot and toroidal transformer — underlines its premium desktop design and versatile connectivity. While it leans toward a slightly forward upper-mid and treble, balanced operation opens the soundstage and reduces noise for greater clarity. Ideal for rock and energetic genres or systems that need headroom and authority, the HPA V222 pairs technical refinement with a compact aluminium chassis and considered features that justify its place in the premium desktop amp segment.
Pros
- Strong dynamics and transient punch that excel with high-energy music and rock.
- Comprehensive balanced connectivity (XLR in, 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm Pentaconn outputs) and versatile gain steps for broad headphone compatibility.
- Low noise floor and improved soundstage clarity in balanced mode.
- High-quality desktop build with aluminium chassis, toroidal transformer and ALPS RK27 volume control.
&
Cons
- Slightly forward upper-mid/treble that can sound a touch hard or less delicate on acoustic, classical or singer‑songwriter material.
- Single-ended outputs are portrayed as less refined than the balanced path; best results are achieved in fully balanced chains.
- DIP-switch based gain selection is functional but fiddly at this price point; a dedicated selector would be preferable.
Sound Quality
90/100
The reviewer repeatedly praises its dynamic heft — 'greater sense of solidity and power', 'adored mighty drum strikes' and 'possesed power chords and screaming vocals' — indicating strong transient punch and headroom. The unit's toroidal transformer and balanced output topology support lively, forceful delivery across energetic material.
Noise Floor
86/100
Review notes an improvement in perceived noise floor ('the soundstage opened up, the noise floor dropped, a new level of clarity'), and the spec sheet shows very low output impedance and high dynamic range (>131 dB), supporting a very quiet background. While reviewers do not use absolute phrases like 'inky black' or 'reference-level silence', the evidence supports a very quiet amp suitable for most IEMs and headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Electrical specs show <0.5 Ω balanced / <0.25 Ω unbalanced output impedance and a true-balanced transistor output stage — ideal for low-impedance multi-driver IEMs and stable across loads. Reviewer states it 'can easily cope with a wide range of headphones', though listening notes are primarily with an HD 800; score reflects excellent spec-backed versatility while acknowledging limited published listening evidence across many headphone types.
Build Quality
89/100
Solid desktop build with aluminium chassis, toroidal transformer, and an ALPS RK27 volume pot are explicitly called out by the reviewer. Compact, well-crafted enclosure and quality control parts (ALPS pot, true balanced transistor design) underpin a high build-quality assessment.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Well-featured for a desktop amp: balanced XLR inputs, 4‑pin XLR and 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone outputs plus 6.35mm single-ended; DIP-switch selectable multi-step pre-gain (many steps between +18dB and -18dB) and single-ended/balanced toggle on the front. No built-in DAC/USB or streaming, but it offers multiple balanced outputs, low output impedance (IEM-friendly), and extensive gain flexibility, placing it in the 'well-featured' desktop-amp category.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly €1,399 the reviewer gives solid practical ratings (Single-Ended 7 / Balanced 8) and highlights the V222's power, balanced connectivity and compact high-quality construction. That language and the feature set justify a 'justified premium' placement — good value within its competitive desktop amp segment.
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