New Schiit Vali 2 Discussion Thread

I'm in the same boat as you. I have Vali 2, tried Mjolnir 2, and am currently using the Valhalla 2 as a preamp to Jot with good results. I'm now looking at either a DNA Stratus or Zana Deux S as a preamp to poweramp for my endgame.

 

One last possible recommendation, if your budget permits. As @cskippy mentioned, a few people here have tried using the Valhalla 2 as a pre-amp to the Jotunheim. While this is probably pushing your price limit of sub $600 (unless your used-fu bartering skills are in pawnstar tier condition), using the Valhalla 2 as a pre-amp into any other solid state may be a possible solution for you.

That, and your channel imbalance may be the result of the tube that you're using, so if you have a spare try swapping out and seeing if that fixes it. If it's tube based interference, then you could maybe get more mileage out of that Vali 2 (either alone or as a pre-amp).

 

Add me to this boat as well. It is simultaneously sad and impressive that you basically have spend 10-20x as much to get something that surpasses the Vali 2 in tone and elegance.

 

@geomaso44 There is a used Jot amp only on Head-Fi for $350. Pair that with a used Valhalla 2 ~$250 and you have a SUPER versatile combination.

 

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It also depends on how loud you listen. I had the same issues with pot imbalance because I listen at such low volumes. This was with HD650. TH-X00 wasn't useable even on low gain as it got too loud before the pot inbalance was gone.

 

Some suppliers will sell you a "balanced" tube, with matched triodes, too. Possibly worth a shot in situations like that.

 

I actually have the SA31SE and Valhalla 2 amps. My orthos and TH900s sounded broken out of the Valhalla 2 at first. The SA31SE was a much better match but, like you, I missed the depth and layering capabilities of tubes. I was going to pull the trigger on a Vali 2, and I still might, but I am now using the SA31SE as a preamp into the Valhalla 2 and I can listen to all my headphones for hours no problem.

I am seriously considering however that my brain may have just become used to the Valhalla 2 with my orthos because I do believe your brain can adjust to anything over time

 

I know I sound like a broken record but try the Valhalla 2 as a preamp into the SA31SE. That way you get tube goodness but the power of the SA31SE for orthos.

 

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@cskippy and @geomaso44

Thank you. I will switch the amps round and live with that setup for a while to see how I like it.

I had originally not used the Valhalla 2 as a pre because I read somewhere that with the Valhalla 2 or the Vali 2, I forget which, as a pre into the Jot that the Jot totally overshadowed and the tube benefits were not felt, but with the Jot as a pre into tubes was the best chain.

 

I originally tried Vali 2 as a pre into Jot and noticed the exact same thing as @geomaso44. With Valhalla 2 it's a completely different story. I would use low gain with volume maxed to keep distortion as low as possible.

 

Normally how long does it take untill a tube (and the Vali) breakes in and is able to give it's full potential?
I have my Vali for about three days now!
It has about 15 hours of playing.

 

You should be good. Really the biggest changes are within the first 20 minutes as that's approximately how long it takes for the tubes to reach thermal equilibrium.

 

and about tube rolling... what tube would you suggest for the HD600?
I will still stick for the stock tube for some time but I want to know just in case I jump in one locally
Thnx

 

EH 6CG7 is a great all arounder but I'll let others who've rolled more tubes give other recommendations.

 

I liked both the EH 6CG7 and the EH 6922 - they are cheap, safe options for replacement tubes. Compared to the 6CG7, The 6922 seemed to have more low-end presence, a more laid back mid range, and silky highs. The 6CG7 is dynamic and largely transparent, but didn't extend as low as the 6922. Either of these would be a great place to start looking for a sound you like.

I personally prefer vintage tubes of the Amperex variety. Running a 6DJ8 Orange Globe and it's kept me pretty happy.

 

So I think I will start from the 6922GP and the 6CG7 ... compared to the stock tube how do those tubes sound? Similarities or differencies?
If anyone knows any tube stores from Europe I would appreciate it very much!
Thnx guys

 

I just bought a NOS 6CG7 from this EBay user. He tests all of them, gives as much info and seems to take pride in what he sells.

http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?sid=appreciateyourbusinessxo&_pgn=1&isRefine=true

I've tried a Heerlen ECC88 and a NOS 6CG7. Both were a pleasant change from the stock tube. Both rounded out the mids and expanded the soundstage. The 6CG7 may have rounded them out a tad more than the 88.