The Article

HPA V340 HEAD AMP FROM VIOLECTRIC

20th March 2025

A solid headphone amplifier from Germany, Paul Rigby listens in both single-ended and balanced modes

Spanning a meaty 290 x 80 x 254mm, the Violectric HPA V340, in its black anodised aluminium case, looks pragmatic, instead of stylish, it looks like it’s ready to do a job of work instead of swanning around looking pretty. It has an industrial aesthetic, accentuated by the included manual which is full of circuit diagrams and tech information.

Inside, the amplifier, based on Op Amps, is run from dual mini-toroidal transformers under one chassis via Talema. The power supply is switchable from the inside. You just need to pop open the top plate to get at the internal switch. Also to be found inside is a ground lift switch in case you experience hum.

On the front left is an ALPS RK 27 gain control for volume. On the right are input and output toggle switches which also include a mute switch. Further along is a 4-pin DIN balanced output socket for headphones plus two single-ended 6.35mm outputs. One for in-phase output with the other being 180 degree out of phase. On the far right is a push button power switch.

Around the back is an IEC power socket and then two banks of DIP switches for the so-called pre-gain. A gain boost, you might say, ranging from -18db up to +18db. Using the DIP switches was fine while using a pointy stick.

On a broader level, DIP switches are great for low-cost hardware where build budgets are minimal but really, here? At this price point? I would have liked to have seen an easier-to-use, front-mounted toggle switch or switches or a rotary selector to select gain. I did feel short changed with these DIP switches.

Further to the right are single-ended analogue inputs then both single-ended and balanced outs plus a button to flick between the volume knob on this chassis or you might be sourcing a unit with its own volume knob. This button caters for both.

So how does this one sound?

SOUND QUALITY

I began with the Thomas Dolby CD single Oceania EP featuring the title track (and the co-vocals of wonderful Eddie Reader) plus tracks Simone and To the Lifeboats featuring synths (of course), vocals, piano, guitar, bass, percussion and more.

Setting up the V340, I tweaked the rear-mounted DIP switches for the correct gain setting. Violectric recommended finding a normal volume with the rotary knob set at 12 o’clock so I set the V340 at -6db.

With the gain set, I plugged in a pair of Sennheiser HD 660 S headphones (priced around £430 when new) and started in unbalanced mode. I initially selected the right-hand output offering an in-phase signal.

SINGLE-ENDED, IN PHASE

I was impressed with the forceful midrange from the V340. There was plenty of information and detail on offer here, emphasised by the picking of the acoustic guitar on the title track. On the other hand, there was a slight cooling edge hanging around the mids, which could be heard easily around crescendos and high-pitched notes.

When the bass really hit during the rocking out section of To the Lifeboats, the edge tended to reduce. The V340 loved bass and rock music in general and used it well during its general presentation.

SINGLE-ENDED, OUT OF PHASE

Turning the left-hand unbalanced output featuring a 180 phase output, I did hear a slight boost in bass and extra precision around the midrange performance. Even so, I have to say that I much preferred the in-phase output. This mode was like an EQ setting. The 180 phase signal was a little bright and pinched for my liking.

BALANCED, DIN SOCKET

I then tested the balanced output via the DIN socket and brought in the new Final D8000 DC headphones priced at just under £4,000 and flip flopped between unbalanced and balanced mode with these models, swopping around the output cables. Being harder to drive, I upper the gain to 0db.

Listening to the V340 in balanced mode was like listening to a wholly new headphone amplifier, such were the sonic differences but also such were the sonic improvements. Firstly, volume increased so I had to pop the gain down by three clicks but I immediately noticed how much improved was the instrumental separation. That is, the amount of air and space in between each and every instrument. With that, the ear was able to track more detail from each, giving a richer and more fulfilling soundstage overall.

Bass was stronger too, meatier, fuller with extra mass. This also meant that bass guitar played a larger part in the arrangement which gave the sound a better balance while also removing any hint of midrange edge or treble pinching.

Bass was threatening, the sense of forward motion in the sequence was irresistible now. The sense of balance and neutrality also reduced listening fatigue. Allowing the ears to relax and enjoy the experience. I also felt that, in balanced mode, more was being made of the expensive Final D8000DC hardware. That the V340 was getting the most from these headphones. In single-ended mode, I almost felt that the D8000 DC designs were not trying too hard. That they were ticking over. The balanced option stretched these headphones which is what you want to experience if you’ve spent out serious money on the things.

Playing Elton John’s Honky Cat from the LP, Honky Chateau confirmed the maturity of the sound from the V340’s balanced mode. That classic warming 70s production was better expressed in balanced mode providing both a cuddly yet firm bass and plenty of subtlety from the banjo and piano.

CONCLUSION

My DIP switch gripe aside, the sonic output from the V340 was schizophrenic. The single-ended mode did offer plenty of information and detail but listening fatigue also threatened because of that cooling suite of edgy mids, especially when the music became rather lively.

Switching to balanced mode though? Well, the ears almost breathed a sigh of relief. The infusion of space and air in the sound stage, the instrumental separation, the maturity of the overall presentation lead me to think that I had connected a completely different headphone amp, here.

And that’s how I must rate the V340. If your output is purely single-ended then, especially at this price? There are better options out there. For balanced output though? Seriously consider this box and try to grab a demo. It might be the very thing you’re looking for.

VIOLECTRIC HPA V340 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

Price: £1,660

Website: www.electromod.co.uk

GOOD: balanced mode, solid build, feature rich

BAD: single-ended mode, DIP switches, reverse phase output, no Pentaconn output