Schiit Valhalla 2

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Cspirou, Oct 8, 2015.

  1. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Yes, you should reference the other thread for this since it's covered exhaustively.

    Long story short. It's not the best match, but it'll be difficult to beat in this price range. It's a solid combo.
     
  2. Sonorus

    Sonorus Facebook Friend

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    Well i believe that is one of the best matches below 700-800€.
    @Skyline what you suggest as the best match up to 1000€?
     
  3. JNicko

    JNicko New

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    Seems to be the case from what I've read

    I'll order both the Vali 2 and Val 2 to see which one I prefer, and then send the other back, within the 14 days Schiit gives for returns
     
  4. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    I wouldn't suggest. I don't have enough experience to back it up.

    I live purely in the "budget" realm.
     
  5. Sonorus

    Sonorus Facebook Friend

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    If you are planning to use low z headphones along with the HD800 and/or you are thinking for a future upgrade in the 1000k region buy Vali 2.
    Else the Valhalla 2 is a much better option.
     
  6. JNicko

    JNicko New

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    I won't be thinking of new headphones for a few years at least, both financially and interest wise. I've got HD650's to go along with the HD800S's, so both rocking 300 impedance.

    I've got all the stuff being delivered tomorrow morning, will post my impressions later on tomorrow (unfortunately no switch setup for an A/B test though)
     
  7. Sonorus

    Sonorus Facebook Friend

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    Oh good that's fast!
    We are waiting for your impressions.
    Don't forget to let tubes warm up.
     
  8. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    Just picked up one of these. Impressed out of the box, a nice upgrade over the Burson Soloist MkII. Using more of the volume pot on the Valhalla 2 than I expected, 12-1pm using Beyer T1s. I was around 2-3pm on the Burson, which has WAY less power into 600Ohm as I understand it. Source is a Topping D30 DAC and thanks but no suggestions to upgrade that ;-)

    I’ve had a read through this thread and some of the HF tube rolling thread. Thanks to those contributing, very useful info. Got a few questions I hope you will permit me…

    What I’m looking for is some tubes that will warm up the amp a bit. As well as the T1s, I’m also waiting on some Hd6XXs, which I’m hoping I will the courage to give the SBAF treatment. Upgrade over stock would be nice, but I want to keep it to around $50 for a pair, so not expecting miracles.

    Looking through the store of the one of the recommended eBay sellers from this thread, I see he has Amperex Orange PQ listed. They are cheaper than the “Orange Globes”. How would they go?

    On HF, some posters were raving about using adapters and 2C51 tubes. They are a cheaper version of the 396W. Anyone here tried these?

    Lastly, the 6CG7s that were mentioned, what’s the consensus on those, I noticed some of those recommending them are banned?
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2017
  9. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Amperex Orange Globes are what you want if you want to add some warmth.
     
  10. WNovizar

    WNovizar Facebook Friend

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    IIRC @Garns is the first member who recommends 6CG7 for Val2 output tubes.
     
  11. SSL

    SSL Friend

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    6CG7 get the thumbs-up from me. Definite improvement over stock.
     
  12. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    I 2nd the 6CG7s
     
  13. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    Tbh the best thing to warm up the amp will be to use the hd6xx. Tube rolling doesn't change the basic characteristics of the amp so much.

    That being said Orange Globes will indeed get you some warmth. Those one you linked are early 70s A-frame so probably a bit less good than 1960s O-getter. I would keep an eye out for some 60s stock for <$50.

    Don't bother with we396a, not worth it in Valhalla 2 (too expensive since you can't really hear much difference).

    6cg7 can have a bit of warmth. RCA black plates did for me. Actually, I notice you are local. If you are in Sydney, I have a spare pair of 6cg7 I can lend you to try. Also have some damping material you can have for the hd6xx. Hit me on the PM's.
     
  14. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Given that people are mentioning both Valhalla 2 and Vali 2 in this thread quite a lot, it might be a good idea to not write "Val2" or "V2" quite so much. Saving a few characters won't be such a good deal if people ask you to explain yourself, or you end up buying the wrong amp.
     
  15. Robert777

    Robert777 Acquaintance

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    Are the output tubes which people have been replacing with 6CG7 variants the rear ones?

    I like occasional tube rolling but I do not want to make the magic smoke.

    Thank you.
     
  16. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    Nope, it's the front tubes (input/driver) that one replaces. The back tubes (output) can basically only be rolled out for more of the same Russian 6n6p.
     
  17. redrich2000

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    Should I be looking on eBay or tube dealers or both?

    That would be amazing, thankyou, I will PM you.
     
  18. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    One more stupid question... can one leave these on overnight burning in?
     
  19. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    Don't bother. Anything serious enough to impede your enjoyment probably won't go away with burn-in anyway.
     
  20. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    Back to tubes... what about the Amperex 7308? More than I want to spend at the moment but just so I know what to keep an eye out for.
     

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