New Schiit Vali 2 Discussion Thread

It is a Denon receiver. Those are usually hit or miss with headphones but the AVR689 is a killer. I actually use the multichannel inputs (L/R) instead of the regular inputs because the sound quality is better. I have tried it against Asgard 2 and the Denon was better.

The only thing the Vali 1 did better was the upper treble has a bit more resolution and was more "together". Everything else was inferior. I am intrigued by the tube sound but did not like the compromises. When I have the money I will likely try Vali 2 since its supposed to be better. Or spring for Valhalla 2. I want crystal clarity but with a fun signature.

The T90 is my only can. I've owned the HD558, HD600 and DT880s. I did not like the DT880 at all but the T90 is nothing like a typical Beyer.

 

@robot zombie

The Vali was definitely on the warm side of neutral. But so is the Denon. The T90 is also fairly warm.

 

Received my Vali 2 with 6bz7 6bq7a Canada tube yesterday using Sennheiser HD598 cans - was very impressed with the overall clarity of the mids and highs but a bit disappointed with the weak low end - previously using a JDS C5 amp to bring out the definition - the Vali 2 by far is a superior amp with my HD598 set up but a real disappointment came when I tried my Sennheiser Amperiors the clarity was gone and everything just became "murky" in comparison but I did have tons of low end. Looks like JDS C5 / Amperior combo has now become my "traveling combo" and the Vali 2 / HD598 my at home setup.

Can anybody recommend a Tube that will maintain the mids and highs but give me more low end without costing as much as the amp.

Was never really able to afford an audiophile level setup previously but now with the headphone / amp combos available at substantially less money a new world in audio has opened up.

As a side note -- Kudos to the Schiit team for this product but overall was amazed that I ordered Wednesday evening, Schiit shipped Thursday and by 12:30 Friday afternoon the Vali 2 was at my home! No big deal... well that's Valencia, California USA to Kingston, Ontario Canada! Check it out on a map - Amazing service - will be dealing again when it comes time for a DAC!

 

Depends on how much those tube amps cost. I'm sure there are very pricey tube amps better than my Denon. Same for solid state.

I don't know the Denon specs all I know is it sounds phenomenal and I've heard really good solid state HP amps. There is no reason for me to upgrade at this point unless I can afford a Ragnarok... Black Widow never seems to be on sale anywhere. For all I know the Denon might hold its own against those. I have heard other HP outs from other receivers and they were not nearly as good as the Denon. I suppose I got lucky.

The qualities I want are crystal clarity, speed and punchiness with good micro/macro dynamics. I'm sure tubes can deliver that but there's no point in getting a tube amp since they tend to be more expensive and I don't care about tube rolling.

Maybe Vali 2 of Valhalla 2 are worth exploring, but like I said the Denon already sounds better than Asgard 2 to my ears, so Valhalla 2 might not make sense since it sounds more solid state.

I will say I like a bit of warmth, so maybe a slight tube signature would do the trick. But Black Widow is supposed to be warm.

 

What your looking for, makes me think of my Torpedo III, it is very good in the areas of: dynamics, details, clarity, speed and low noise. It is much better in those areas than an Crack.

 

Yeah, agree with @Jun . T3 fits the bill, and there's no need to tube roll. Amperex 12AZ7A and you are done.

 

@bazelio if you can find amperex 12AZ7A wanna send me a couple?

 

Sounds great but I am really trying to avoid building stuff. I"m not a DYI'er and would rather just buy something and listen to music.

 

See a couple being sold on head-case for $800 - $1000. Isn't this a $500 amp? Are the upgrades really that valuable?

 

Beezar--the maker of the T3 kit--also sells a fully built version: http://www.beezar.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=172

 

GUYS --- Schiit Vali 2 thread

 

Just wanted to say that i went ahead and bought one of the Philips PCC88 tubes that robot zombie recommended, and found it to be quite the upgrade from my early 60s Novosibirsk 6n1p gold grid. Been using it for the last week or so, and it has a more "enveloping" sound than the Novosibirsks have, but it is also quite a bit more holographic, with better delineated and more impactful bass. Pleased with the 50 bucks i paid for the matched triode tube i got off ebay.

Had been considering getting an Asgard 2, but now Ill just wait for to see what Schiit announces at the Schiit Show in august.

 

Hehe yeah... ...those 7v tubes are a real gem. I bet they'd cost significantly more if they weren't 7v. They're legit sleepers. I think people overlook them for the tried and true 6dj8's and 6922's. But real-deal quality went into those bottles - similar guts to the Phillips 6dj8 equivalents and the Bugle Boys. Only they're cheaper and easier to find in good condition. Plus, they should last longer since the heater is only being run at 6v.

So people who use them love them for good reason. Everyone else's loss, I guess...

 

Yeah, PCC88s are a great bargain. Probably worth getting a few now before people realize they can get the same sound for way less money and drive the prices up.

 

Don't encourage me. I've been thinking about buying a spare for my Vali 2 in addition to a matched pair to have around... ...in case I wind up buying an amp that takes two in the future. That's ~150 of stuff that just sits there though!

You're probably right, though. As more people catch-on and the more prominent 6dj8 and 6922 equivalents become scarer, the PCC88's will inevitably become harder to acquire.