SPL Phonitor E - Review and Comparison with Violectric V280

The SPL Phonitor E balanced headphone amplifier is a great sounding unit, but is it worth the price? We compare it to a V280 and an SMSL SP200 to find out.
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Amps used:
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- SPL Phonitor E - amzn.to/3e2Ryee
- Violectric V280: amzn.to/2XYzKeK
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Headphones used:
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- HiFiMan Arya: amzn.to/2TQFRiS
- Sennheiser HD800S: amzn.to/36HPUvD
- ZMF Aeolus: www.zmfheadphones.com/zmf-ori...
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DACs used:
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- RME ADI-2: amzn.to/2yPb4vu
- DENAFRIPS ARES II: www.denafrips.com/ares
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Tracks mentioned:
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"It Never Entered My Mind" - Chet Baker
- tidal.com/browse/track/587280
"City Love" - John Mayer
- tidal.com/browse/track/2923847
"Held Down" - Laura Marling
- tidal.com/browse/track/136481078
"Wabash Blues" - Duke Ellington
- tidal.com/browse/track/13357411
"Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" - Lang Lang
- tidal.com/browse/track/49953619
"Four Seasons Summer 3rd Mvt Presto" - Prague Philharmonic
- tidal.com/browse/track/62647584
"Washing Dishes" - Jack Johnson
- tidal.com/browse/track/22302656
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[@kesm66]

Thanks for the review(s) of the Violectric V280. I’m seriously thinking about purchasing one when it’s back in stock this upcoming September.

[@ruffandruff]

Thanks a lot for your reviews. Very detailed. Just after half of the video i realized Phoniter is not for my taste. I love how you describe sound rather than just throwing out technical data. You are one of the best audio reviewers I have came across. I came across the v280 at your channel which is kinda the sound I want. Because getting tubes in my country is next to impossbile. Was looking for a smooth and warm sounding yet powerful solid state amp for a long time. I dont know how but your channel has everything I want to hear about. The ares II is also the dac I am looking at. And also the Hifiman Arya. Please check out the Flux FA-10. Would love to see you compare it to the v280 and also both driven by ares II. I am so glad to have come across your channel. Again its not enough say once.....I am really really glad Thanks a lot!!!!!!!

[@TheMassif]

Great review, I totally like that you have mentioned the track you’ve used

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

What a great video. Feels very comprehensive. Nice choice of music too. Thanks for this!

[@craigburch]

I LOVE your channel! Thanks to you and my midlife crisis, I’ve just purchased.. Gumby V280 LCD X Originally ordered a Denafrips Ares ii and a Bifrost. Switched gears after rewatching and rewatching your reviews. Keep in mind, I’ve never heard any of these!

[@astroporpoise7802]

Thank you for the review and comparison! You did a fantastic job describing the differences :)

[@craigburch]

You are REALLY good at these reviews!

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Great review - thanks so much! I just ordered a used (like new) Violectric V281 Final Edition (DAC included) and can't wait to hear it! I think it will replace my existing SS HP amps as my personal SS end-game. I will keep it next to my Feliks Audio Espressivo Mk II as my top OTL HP amp. Thanks again!

[@ajuyal]

Nice stuff! Have always wanted to try a phonitor or v281 (280 seems a good alternative). Like your reviews. Am with you on bells and whistles.

[@ZadiusTech]

Nice! Haven't seen to many reviews on this.

[@ahmetgorkemer2734]

Midfi Guy, I really appreciate your items for review. V280 and Phonitor are really flagship and reference amps, but unfortunately finding detailed information on youtube for these items had been nearly impossible before you. You are filling an important gap..

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! One of the reasons I started this channel is to shed more light on good gear that you hear about here & there but not much in detail, especially when comparing to other equipment. Appreciate the support!

[@randallcromer66]

Thank you for sharing the music with us. I appreciate the selection of music more then your opinion about the Amp's.

[@leonardjona]

Great review. Thx for sharing!

[@RichardGroulx]

Thanks for the review! I got a Phonitor X a few months ago and I still love it. Still, I had great hopes for its matrix functions but wasn't impressed by it. The way it affects and lowers bass response when engaged is annoying for electronic music. For other types of music, especially jazz, the effect is quite nice. I also noticed a slight phasing effect on vocals in a handful of songs. DAC reviews: I've been considering getting the RME ADI2-pro of the Ares 2 and, I noticed you have both on your desk. Any chance you might do a comparison video?

[@philip9668]

Thank you. Greetings from the UK

[@InternetUser-d7s]

Good review, thanks.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

It’s pronounced “Wah-bash”Really good review here. I’m not sure why there isn’t more on this amp. Thanks for the rundown 👍🏻

[@mechantl0up]

V280 can be equipped with a DAC module. It attaches to a covered-by-default input at the back. Or so the manual ckaims.

[@mechantl0up]

RME ADI 2 also has crossfeed at the DAC level, so you can feed the amp with it without needing crossfeed in the amp. Did you compare that to the SML crossfeed when feeding the SML or Violetric?

[@allenhe5611]

Many thanks for your review on this!! Really help, after watch your review, I immediately look for V280, but really hard to find one even for used. I check Violectric webiste for any information, seems they produce new product model like v226, v340, v380. Really don't how what model is the upgrade version for V280, I mean the amp part is warmful. If you happen to know, really appreicate!

[@hiraksarma3068]

V222 is the closest upgrade with a catch, V222 has more power at lower impedance (better for planars) V280 has more power at high impedance so better for HD650 DT800 etc.

[@sabergoli3518]

what source gear piece do you find to bring out the qualities of the Arya?

[@xray111xxx]

I liked my Audio GD very much till the outputs starting dying out. I went to Schiit Audio because I can't trust Audio GD reliability. I am very happy with the Schiit. I am curious of the Phonitor say vs. THX.

[@RafiGish]

So where's the MidFi?

[@roytasanen5978]

ive read a review of the phonitor x in head-fi , the reviewer mention the amp burned while he was plugging headphones to the single ended output . there is also a section in the manual of the product that speak about this . do you have any experience or additional information about this ? it looks like a circuit protection issue maybe ?

[@justmemememe3354]

Due to the Voltaire rail technology, in order to REMOVE or PLUG IN a single ended (TRS) headphone into the Single Ended output, you have to 1. Pause the music and 2. Make sure the volume is DOWN. (not sure how crucial the volume DOWN is in this case, but I ALWAYS make sure it's Paused and Down). Otherwise the amp will blow up.

[@taraszhupnyk2998]

I have SPL SE + DAC768sx with FiHiMan Arya V2. Do you recomend changing DAC or amplifier maybe? Thanks

[@WorldView22]

The way the power port with its sub-unit is being mounted on the chassis of the model you reviewed is different to the way it is mounted (using screws) on other models, except for Phonitor 2. Maybe the Phonitor E and Phonitor 2 are older models using this inferior mounting method.

[@MartinLeschinski]

Thank you for the review and comparison. I use the RME ADI 2 DAC with my THX AAA 789 and the HEDDphone- for example. Save up for the SPL Xe for the next months. I did listen to both Amps and love them both. I want a tube or hybrid, instaed of the V280. Still not 100 percent sure though. Curious what you think of the ifi xDSD, as it is my Office/mobile on the go DAC/Amp. Could you please compare it as pure DAC in line out, to the Ares II and the RME ?

[@tendayimavhima]

after extensive research and reviews, i have settled that i am going to pair my Arya with the RME ADI DAC 2 and the Massdrop THX AAA 789. All this is in the hope of an endgame setup

[@MidFiGuy]

Martin hah! You're like a clone of me. I tried connecting just the DAC of the xDSD to my amps a couple of months ago and it wasn't pretty at all. It sounded so flat and thin. I guess the electronics inside are only made to pair well with portable equipment. The desktop based RME was worlds better.

[@MartinLeschinski]

@@MidFiGuy did you connect it single ended 3.5 to RCA or via a balanced 3.5TRRS to 2x XLRs? I did both and prefered the single ended to THX AAA 789. It really depends on the headphones, though. With the brighter HEDDphone, DT1990 Pro or the Elegia, it is a good synergy. The 6xx is not a good match with the ifi xDSD to the 789. I prefer it out of the RME > 789 chain. The HD 660s and the 58x did work ok with the ifi. though the Elegia out of the ifi xDSD as office DAC/AMP solution is a great synergy- at least for my preferences. Did you by chance double amp, by not switching into line out mode, before you connected the xDSD to your amps? The voltage swing could be the key. In line out, it is not the same vs single ended and balanced out. LoL yeahh... it seems to me, we have a similar taste. Or been influenced by the same audio enthusiasts. I'd love to copy you, regarding the Arya and your Cayin tube AMP choice ... stellar! Though have to save up, after the HEDDphone purchase a few weeks ago. Need those SPL vu-meters in my life ;)

[@tendayimavhima]

@@MartinLeschinski how does the Arya compare with the Heddphone

[@MartinLeschinski]

@@tendayimavhima the HEDDphone is more dynamic and faster. It is perfectly balanced, while the Arya needs a bit of eq. The layering is fantastic though feels less deep compared to the Arya. They both are fantastic. So if you want the better build go for the HEDDphone. If you want less weight go for the Arya. The HEDDphone is flexible in it's staging. It can be very intimate and go very wide, if the recording provides it. The Arya is not as intimate. The Hedd is better controlled in the top end. The provided cable is very good vs the Hifiman and most other original cables. At the end of june, HEDD releases his balanced cable for 169 Euro. Though I use a copper Forza Audioworks one. If I get an Auteur it get's the Forza and I am going to buy the balanced HEDDphone cable. The Arya needs way less power. Anything else I forgot?

[@mechantl0up]

Lehmann Linear SE was not mentioned in the price range.

[@User_not_found_403]

I see you picked an Ares II and an XLR switch box. You going to compare ADI-2 to Ares II? :)

[@MidFiGuy]

Yes, check towards the end of the video

[@jeffpera7930]

Not sure if I missed it but what did you use as a DAC? If it wasn't the RME then how would you assess that combo?

[@MidFiGuy]

I used the RME and the ARES II. The RME is great with the Phonitor. Very precise and clean.

[@RyuMasterEX]

You should try out the Flux FA-10 too. I bet the a90 sound similar to the Phonitor.

[@MidFiGuy]

I want to get my hands on a Flux so bad. So curious if it can compete at the level of amps costing twice as much. I hope it does, so we can start to get some lower prices all around! If they didn't have a 3-4 week build time then it would probably be easier to get my hands on one.

[@djhmax09]

Any comparison impressions on both? Also, do you know the difference between the FA-10 and FA-12? All I can tell is that the 12 is fully balanced...... I think

[@gordonfreeman4491]

So, when are you reviewing the Ares ii ?

[@MidFiGuy]

In the next video 👍

[@stevep4384]

Your RME has crossfeed also, I believe.

[@TheMightyMedia]

i justb bought a qutest and am wondering if i should have bought the ares instead haha

[@MidFiGuy]

Tbh I think you can get the ARES to compliment the Qutest. If you only have to get one though I don't think you made a bad decision at all

[@TheMightyMedia]

MidFi Guy hahaha thank u, I am now contemplating if I should go for the SP200 like u did or the Topping A90. V280 seemed warm from feedback

[@thelastrhino2581]

Why not also compare against the tube amp?

[@MidFiGuy]

Different class of gear. I'll do a review of the WA22 in the near future

[@jeffpera7930]

It is two different pieces of gear. There would be no benefit to compare this to a tube amp. There is a purpose for both in a rig.

[@markjeroendurr2626]

What happened to your Cayin? Are you considering a comparison to the Woo Audio that’s on your desk? This was a nice review, thanks.

[@MidFiGuy]

Long story but it's on the repair shop. Will explain soon in a video

[@markjeroendurr2626]

MidFi Guy well, you did put a plant on top of it....🤨

[@thelastrhino2581]

Hungarian Rhapsody by Lang Lang? You mean interpreted by Lang Lang?

[@MidFiGuy]

Yes you're right, I should say performed by in the future. Thanks for calling out

[@djhmax09]

Did you compare the rme crossfeed vs phonitor by any chance?

[@MidFiGuy]

Oh man, I never used it on the RME! Let me try it today and I'll let you know how it sounds comparatively

[@djhmax09]

MidFi Guy yeah the rme has so many features sometimes you forget what it has. Cool, thanks! Don’t really use crossfeed too much either but it can be a nice experience

[@MidFiGuy]

@@djhmax09 I just tried it and going on memory SPL's version of Crossfeed is more refined. The Phonitor really makes you feel like the instruments have moved in front of you whereas the RME just kind of blends the L/R tracks together. The more I turn up RME's crossfeed the less lively the music is, whereas the SPL you get less of a hit on dynamics and imaging. I'm glad RME has this feature but my take is that both DIRAC and SPL do it better. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[@djhmax09]

MidFi Guy thanks for the insight!

[@tendayimavhima]

@@MidFiGuy interesting. I finally got the HeddPhone coupling with the RME ADI-2 DAC. However i am looking for an Amp to complete the setup. Have heard good things of the SPL Phonitor X and Phonitor E. My question, is the Phonitor E able to connect with the RME ADI-2 DAC?

[@mechantl0up]

Review music seemed a bit limited in the range of styles (missing large orchestra wirks with a lot of dynamic range and moods, which the Vioeletruc loves.)

[@callmevil]

I dont know why i just cant get through this review.. kept falling asleep and thats annoying because i really need to decide between this amp or the phonitor xe.. this will be attempt #6 or 7... 🤞🏻

[@callmevil]

Edit: made it to the end! Good review thanks!

[@MidFiGuy]

@@callmevil haha glad you got through it! You're the second person that mentioned I put them to sleep. Trying to make future videos more likely 👍

[@callmevil]

MidFi Guy its not you, i sat through and enjoyed your other reviews fine. i guess its just harder for me to maintain focus with a narrative type review where the reviewer isn’t visible onscreen.. wonder how David Attenborough and Morgan Freeman does it... regarding the Phonitor E, i read on SBAF (posted by gbeast) about the soundstage collapsing and the E losing clarity when the output gain is increased through the dip switches. How does your E perform with the gain maxed with dip switches? was gbeast’s experience unique to his unit only? Thx

[@exodusvelo]

so you buy this 1500$ amps, to be used with 1500$ headphones and 1000$ dacs... and then you buy a pair of spekaers for 300$, and as they are shit, you say that all studio monitors are bad, LOL. total BS my friend. Get a pair of 3 way ATC, or ADAM audio or genelec. Get a set of 2000-6000$ the hwole thing, with subwoofers and what not... and tell me it sounds dry. Thanks!

[@MidFiGuy]

You're absolutely right. I shouldn't have been comparing them directly. It was more like $300 PreSonus vs $200 Fluance Ai40's, both are powered. Definitely a difference there.

[@exodusvelo]

@@MidFiGuy get a proper set of 3 way HEDD speakers in your tiny nyc apartment, and when the neighbours complain ask them if they find the sound dry.