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Violectric HPA V340
The headphone amplifier for excellent music enjoyment
The Violectric HPA V340 is a high-end headphone amplifier for audiophiles. The new model offers the brilliant circuitry of its big brother, the V550. This makes the HPA V340 ideally suited to power any headphone design and driver technology. With high output voltage and high output power, both low-impedance and high-impedance headphone types can be operated effortlessly – even magnetostats are no problem for the Violectric HPA V340. Violectric's typical pre-gain circuit also allows the level of the amplifier to be adjusted to the preferred headphone model for the perfect symbiosis of amplifier and driver. Developed and manufactured in the German factory using first-class components, the HPA V340 impresses in every respect.
Inputs & outputs
Inputs analog, stereo:
-> 2x RCA unbalanced
+++ Inputs switchable on front with switch +++
Outputs headphones:
-> 2x jack 6.3 mm, unbalanced
-> 1x XLR 4-pin, female, balanced
Outputs analog, stereo:
-> 1x RCA unbalanced
-> 1x XLR male balanced
+++ Outputs switchable on front with switch (Head / Both / Line) on back with button (Line Pre / Post) +++
Balanced headphone output
When listening to music over loudspeakers, you are part of the auditorium. When listening to music over “normal” headphones, you are in the shoes of the conductor. When listening to music over “balanced” headphones, you are part of the orchestra.
When headphones are operated symmetrically, the channel separation is increased even further. Balanced headphones usually have a 4-pin XLR connector or a Pentaconn plug. For true balanced operation, a high level of effort is required in the form of four built-in power amplifiers.
PRE-GAIN
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 Lake People PRE-GAIN is used to compensate for these differences and to optimize the headphone amplifier for every conceivable combination. This is expressed in minimal noise, the lowest distortion factor and the best channel balance.
The PRE-GAIN adjustment on the Violectric HPA V340 is located on the back and can be individually set in 7 levels (-18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, +18 dB)
Perfect protection of the headphones
Various circuits protect the headphones from unclear operating states, DC voltage, excessive operating temperature and overload:
Delayed ON, Instant OFF
Every headphone amplifier causes interference during the switch-on and switch-off process. This interference can damage the connected headphones. The headphones are connected to the amplifier with a delay via relays and the associated electronics and are disconnected immediately after switching off. This protects the headphones themselves from the device electronics as long as no clearly defined conditions are to be expected.
DC Monitoring
The outputs are monitored for harmful DC voltage. As soon as a predefined value is exceeded, the headphones are switched off.
Overload Monitoring
The power consumption is constantly measured during operation. If predefined parameters are exceeded, the headphones are switched off.
The unique Violectric technology
- Lowest noise - due to a very small internal amplification. This makes the amplifier's own noise inaudible.
- High output voltage - due to an internal operating voltage of 50 volts. This makes it ideal for high-impedance headphones.
- High output power - due to powerful amplifiers that can deliver far more power than even the most demanding headphones require. Therefore, ideally suited for headphones with low impedances as well as magnetostats.
- High damping factor - due to the lowest output impedance. Therefore, ideally suited to drive even the most difficult headphones without influencing them. 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 – and with passion! Music lovers around 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.
- The entire Violectric portfolio impresses with intuitive usability, which is otherwise only known from professional audio technology. And there are no compromises when it comes to quality either: every single component is carefully selected to guarantee the highest sound fidelity.
- But Violectric not only stands for outstanding technology, but also for timeless elegance. The products are integrated into a noble, high-quality housing and fit perfectly into any sophisticated hi-fi setup. For audiophile perfectionists who refuse to compromise, the Niimbus series offers the ultimate – at the very highest level, both visually and technically.
Features
- 2 unbalanced inputs via gold-plated RCA jacks
- PRE-GAIN: 7-stage internal gain adjustment
- High-performance balanced stereo amplifier (4 output stages)
- Compact and extremely robust aluminum housing
- Made in Germany
Dealers selling Violectric near you
Violectric HPA V340 — Balanced-focused desktop headphone amp
The Violectric HPA V340 is a workmanlike, high-performance desktop amp that truly shines in balanced mode, where reviewers heard a marked expansion of space, instrument separation and bass weight. Paul Rigby found balanced operation more neutral and less fatiguing than single-ended use. Sonically the V340 delivers a forceful midrange, meatier low end and engaging dynamics that favour rock and rhythm-driven material, while imaging and transient drive are standout traits. Built in a rugged black anodised aluminium chassis with an ALPS RK27 volume control and comprehensive I/O, it’s a pragmatic, serviceable design aimed at desktop systems. Ideal for owners of balanced-capable headphones who want low noise, excellent control and flexible gain options. For those using only single-ended outputs, demos are recommended before buying.
Pros
- Balanced output significantly improves instrumental separation, soundstage depth and bass weight compared with single-ended use.
- Strong dynamics and punch—bass has genuine impact and forward motion that suits rock and rhythm-heavy recordings.
- Very low noise floor and low output impedance make it suitable for sensitive IEMs and revealing full-size headphones.
- Robust, serviceable build with quality controls (ALPS RK27), multiple outputs and flexible gain range via DIP switches.
&
Cons
- Single-ended outputs can sound slightly edgy and may induce listening fatigue on lively material.
- Rear-mounted DIP switches for pre-gain are awkward to access and feel cumbersome at this price point.
- The 180° reverse-phase unbalanced output can present a brighter, pinched character that some listeners may dislike.
- No Pentaconn 4.4mm output included, limiting compatibility with some modern balanced connectors without adapters.
Sound Quality
92/100
Reviews report strong drive and punch—'bass was threatening' and a convincing sense of forward motion that suits rock and bass-heavy material. The amp's presentation gives instruments good transient energy and momentum, contributing to an engaging, lively performance. Balanced mode in particular is noted for improved control and musical impact.
Noise Floor
90/100
No audible hiss or noise issues are reported in the reviews and the specifications back a very low noise floor (SNR < -103 dBu, output impedance <0.15 Ω SE / 0.3 Ω balanced). Review language such as reduced listening fatigue and a more relaxed presentation in balanced mode implies a quiet background. Given the solid-state design and measured specs, the V340 is suitable for most sensitive IEMs and headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Very low output impedance (<0.15 Ω single-ended, 0.3 Ω balanced) is ideal for multi-driver IEMs and avoids frequency-response coloration; reviewers used both single-ended and balanced outputs and noted differences. The V340 also offers pre-gain DIP switches providing a wide gain range (-18 to +18 dB), which improves compatibility across sensitive IEMs to less efficient headphones. While explicit wattage/power figures aren't quoted in reviews, the unit's desktop topology and reviewer impressions indicate it drives common full-size headphones very well.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers describe a meaty, pragmatic anodised aluminium chassis that 'looks ready to do a job of work' and call out quality components like the ALPS RK27 volume control. The layout (front switches, DIP banks, solid connectors) and overall finish are praised as solid and functional. The design choice emphasizes durability and serviceability rather than flash, which reviewers appreciated.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Feature set is strong for a pure headphone amp: balanced headphone output (4-pin DIN), two 6.35mm outputs, single-ended and balanced line outputs, pre-gain DIP switches (-18 to +18 dB), and selectable front-panel/remote volume control. There is no built-in DAC, no Pentaconn 4.4mm output, and no streaming connectivity, which keeps it focused as a high-quality analogue desktop amp. The combination of balanced I/O, multiple outputs and flexible gain control places it well above a minimal amp (baseline) but short of a full-featured streamer/DAC combo.
Value for Money
89/100
The reviewer lists a price (£1,660) and presents a positive view of what you get: solid build, balanced performance and extensive analog features. While not explicitly labeled a 'bargain', the overall praise for sound, build and features suggests the price is justified for buyers seeking a high-quality desktop headphone amp. Given that sentiment and the feature/spec level, the V340 represents a competitive, reasonably justified premium in its class.
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