Violectric DHA V590² vs DHA V380²: Which DAC Amp Fits?

By Addicted To Audio - Home Audio Electronics & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-28

Category: Comparisons

Compare the Violectric DHA V590² and DHA V380²: both offer ESS ES9026 PRO DACs, but differ in pre-amp and balanced features. Find your fit.

Quick Answer

Choose the Violectric DHA V590² if you want the flagship balanced headphone amp and DAC with a sophisticated pre-amp. Choose the DHA V380² if you need the same ESS ES9026 PRO DAC core but prefer a more streamlined, balanced-only setup and a lower price.

What They Share: The ESS ES9026 PRO Core

Both the DHA V590² and DHA V380² are built around the same new ESS-Tech ES 9026 PRO chip set, with four paralleled 32-bit D/A converters per channel. That means you get identical digital conversion performance: a dynamic range of 124 dB and THD+N at -110 dB. If your priority is the DAC section, either model delivers the same measured foundation.

The practical result: your music will be resolved with the same low noise and wide dynamics from both units. The difference lies in what happens after the conversion—how the signal is amplified and routed—not in the raw decoding quality.

Where They Differ: Pre-Amp and Balanced Outputs

The DHA V590² is positioned as the new top device in the Violectric range, adding a sophisticated pre-amplifier to the DAC and headphone amp. This makes it a true hub for a desktop system: you can drive powered speakers or an external power amp while still enjoying the headphone stage.

The DHA V380² focuses on the balanced headphone amplifier and pre-amp function, but it is not described as a full pre-amplifier in the same class. If you only need a headphone amp with a DAC and occasionally use it as a simple pre-amp, the V380² covers that. If you want a reference-grade pre-amp to control an entire speaker setup, the V590² is the one.

Both units are balanced, so you can use balanced headphones and interconnects. The V590²'s extra pre-amp sophistication is the main differentiator—and the main reason for its higher price.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

DAC Performance: Both use the ESS ES9026 PRO with 4 paralleled 32-bit converters per channel, delivering 124 dB dynamic range and -110 dB THD+N. No difference here.
Pre-Amp Capability: The V590² includes a sophisticated pre-amplifier; the V380² has a pre-amp function but is not described as a full pre-amp. Choose the V590² if you need to drive speakers or a power amp with reference-grade control. If you only need a simple pre-amp for occasional speaker use, the V380² may be enough.
Balanced Outputs: Both are balanced headphone amps, so you can use balanced headphones with either. The V590²'s balanced output is part of its premium design, but the V380² still offers balanced operation. Confirm your headphones have a balanced cable to take full advantage of either model.
Price vs. Features: The V590² costs more (catalog price USD 3839.36 vs. USD 2923.32) and is the flagship. The V380² delivers the same DAC core for less, making it a stronger value if you do not need the full pre-amp. Set a budget and decide whether the pre-amp upgrade justifies the price difference.

Product Facts

Violectric DHA V590² Balanced Headphone Amplifier & DAC: The DHA V590² is the new top device in the Violectric range, offering a state-of-the-art D/A converter, a premium headphone amplifier, and a sophisticated pre-amplifier. It is designed as a complete desktop hub, so you can drive both headphones and speakers from one high-end unit.
Violectric DHA V590² Balanced Headphone Amplifier & DAC
Violectric DHA V380² Balanced Headphone Amplifier & DAC: The DHA V380² offers a state-of-the-art D/A converter, a balanced headphone amplifier, and a pre-amp function, using the same ESS ES9026 PRO chip set. It gives you the same DAC performance in a more focused headphone-first design, which can save you money if you do not need a full pre-amp.
Violectric DHA V380² Balanced Headphone Amplifier & DAC

Which One Fits You?

Best For

Audiophiles building a complete desktop system with both headphones and powered speakers
Listeners who want the flagship Violectric performance and a sophisticated pre-amp for future expansion

Not For

Headphone-only users on a budget—the DHA V380² offers the same DAC core for less
Those who do not need a full pre-amp and prefer a simpler, more focused headphone amp